Design of a T-base Lathe
2.770 FUNdaMENTALS of Precision Product Design
Prof. Alexander H. Slocum - Fall 2018
2.770 FUNdaMENTALS of Precision Product Design is an advanced course in machine design taught by Prof. Alexander Slocum that examines design, selection, and combination of machine elements to produce a robust precision system. It introduces process, philosophy and physics-based principles of design to improve/enable renewable power generation, energy efficiency, and manufacturing productivity.
Topics include error apportionment & error budgeting, mechanical connections & interfaces, linkages, machine elements, power transmission, structures, selection of manufacturing methods and materials, and metrology. Considers each topic with respect to its principles of operation, mechanics and performance.
The Project
As a student, I designed, manufactured and tested a series of modules including kinematic and elastic averaging couplings and linear and rotary motion axes that I then integrated into a T-base lathe.
During this project I learnt the deterministic approach in the design of precision products and the importance on closing the loop with proper and thoughful testing campaings. I realized about how critical some details might be when you are trying to produce highly performant system as well as the importance of keeping some fundamental principles always in mind in the designs. Finally, I also improved my machining skills, since I machined (almost) all the elements of the lathe using CNC mill and lathe as well as waterjet.
Design and testing of the kinematic coupling module
Kinematic CouplingKinematic Coupling
Design and testing of the elastically averaged coupling module
Elastically Averaged CouplingElastically Averaged Coupling
T-base Lathe
Working on the design of this section. coming up soon.
For detailed information about the project, please check the Publications and related documents section.
Kinematic Coupling
Working on the design of this section. coming up soon.
For detailed information about the project, please check the Publications and related documents section.
Elastically Averaged Coupling
Working on the design of this section. coming up soon.
For detailed information about the project, please check the Publications and related documents section.
Acknowledgment
During this class I had the opportunity to spend countless hours at the Edgerton Student Shop, where I got to improve my machining skills thanks to the help provided by Mark Belanger. I cannot recall the amount of questions and crazy ideas that I brought to the shop during that semester and Mark was always there to help.