Project Technology Assignment

PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY 4 (PTEH 401)

GUIDELINES FOR PROJECT REPORT

The project must basically be focused on the application of Rapid Prototyping technologies. In groups of a maximum of five (5), students are tasked to identify a problem at a typical company and justify how RP can be a solution to the problem. The application areas include:

1. Direct production of engineering metal, ceramic, and polymer components or parts by rapid prototyping
2. Production of tooling (rapid tool making) such as molding dies, fixtures by rapid prototyping for use in further manufacturing operations
3. Title page

 This should include the project title and the name of the authors of the report. The project should be based on application of Rapid Prototyping technology at a typical company in South Africa. Each group should formulate its project title.

2. Abstract

The abstract is a very brief summary of the report's contents. It should be about half a page long. Somebody unfamiliar with your project should have a good idea of what it's about having read the abstract alone and will know whether it will be of interest to them. Trends in Rapid prototyping can also be cited.

3. Acknowledgements

It is usual to thank those individuals who have provided particularly useful assistance, technical or otherwise, during your project.

4. Contents page

This should list the main chapters and (sub)sections of your report. Choose self-explanatory chapter and section titles and use double spacing for clarity. If possible you should include page numbers indicating where each chapter/section begins. Try to avoid too many levels of subheading - three is sufficient.

5. Introduction

This is one of the most important components of the report. It should begin with a clear statement of what the project is about so that the nature and scope of the project can be understood by a lay reader. It should summarise everything you set out to achieve, provide a clear summary of the project's background, relevance and main contributions. The introduction should set the scene for the project and should provide the reader with a summary of the key things to look out for in the remainder of the report. When detailing the contributions it is helpful to provide pointers to the section(s) of the report that provide the relevant technical details. The introduction itself should be largely non-technical. Aims and objectives of the project should be clearly stated.

6. Background

The company background should be clearly stated. This section may include the main processes, particular machines that are to be studied and citation of the problem which will be solved should be explicitly clear. The background section of the report may also set the project into context by relating it to existing published work which you read at the start of the project when your approach and methods were being considered. There are usually many ways of solving a given problem, and you shouldn't just pick one at random, so explain why Rapid Prototyping is appropriate to achieve the objectives. The background section can be included as part of the introduction but is usually better as a separate chapter, especially if the project involved significant amount of prior research.

7. Methodology

Outline the procedure that is undertaken to collect, store, analyze and present information as part of a research process to achieve the desired objectives. This section should briefly exhibit steps undertaken to identify the problem, how the design was done, how the model was printed, de-powdering and infiltration, and a statement to indicate that recommendations were finally made.

8. Body of report (the title for this section depends on the project undertaken)

 This is the central part of the report and can have more than one chapter detailing the technical work undertaken during the project. This is the stage where you show your CAD models, how the model was printed, de-powdering and infiltration. Mention the conversion to STL file. Indicate all the relevant parameters such as volume, number of layers etc. Perform cost calculations for printing the prototype using the 3 D Printer.

9. Recommendations

Recommendations for correct RP techniques that could be used may be indicated if 3 D Printer does not offer optimal solution.

10. Conclusions and Future Work

The project's conclusions should list the things which have been learnt as a result of the work you have done.

11. Bibliography

This consists of a list of all the books, articles, manuals etc. used in the project and referred to in the report. You should provide enough information to allow the reader to find the source. Please refer to the Learner Guide for further information on referencing.

SUBMISSIONS

1. Spiral or leather bound copy of Project report
2. Solid model from the 3 D printer.

Note: Each group will present its project and each member will be assessed independently in accordance to how he/she presents her part.