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Thursday, May 12, 2022

The Machining Process and the Different Types of Machining Operations !

 Introduction:

 


There are many different types of machining operations, each of which can produce a different part geometry and surface texture.Turning and milling are the two most common machining techniques. Other processes may be included into or done independently of these processes. A drill bit, for example, can be mounted on a turning lathe or tossed into a drill press. Previously, there was a distinction between turning, in which the part turns, and milling, in which the tool revolves. With the introduction of machining centres and turning centres that can conduct all of the functions of many machines in a single machine, this distinction has become somewhat blurred.

1.   Turning: 


1.     Turning

A single point turning tool rotates axially down the side of the workpiece, removing material to generate various characteristics such as steps, tapers, chamfers, and contours. Typically, these features are machined with a shallow radial depth of cut and many passes until the end diameter is reached.

2.     Facing

turnin operations


A single-point turning tool rotates radially around the workpiece's end, removing a small layer of material to create a smooth flat surface. The face's depth, which is normally very small, can be machined in a single pass or by making successive passes at a reduced axial depth of cut.

3.     Grooving

 A single-point turning tool cuts a groove the same width as the cutting tool by moving radially into the side of the workpiece. Multiple cuts can be performed to build grooves that are larger than the tool width, and specific form tools can be used to generate grooves with different geometries.

4.     Cut-off 

A single-point cut-off tool advances radially into the side of the workpiece, similar to grooving, and continues until the workpiece's centre or inner diameter is reached, thus parting or cutting off a segment of the workpiece.

5.     Thread cutting

A single-point threading tool glides axially down the side of the workpiece, cutting threads into the outside surface, usually with a 60 degree pointed nose. Threads can be cut to a specific length and pitch, and thread formation may need numerous passes.

6.     Drilling

7.     Boring

turning operations
A single-point threading tool slides axially down the side of the workpiece, cutting threads into the outside surface. It commonly has a 60 degree pointed tip. Threads can be cut to a specific length and pitch, and the formation of the threads may need numerous passes.

8.     Reaming

A reamer enlarges an existing hole to the diameter of the tool by entering the workpiece axially through the end. Reaming removes only a small amount of material and is frequently used after drilling to get a more precise diameter and a better internal finish.

9.     Tapping

A tap cuts internal threads into an existing hole by entering the workpiece axially through the end. The appropriate tap drill size that will accept the desired tap is normally drilled into the existing hole.


2.   Milling:

 is the process of removing material from a workpiece by advancing a cutter into it with rotary cutters. This can be accomplished by changing the direction[2] of one or more axes, as well as the cutter head speed and pressure. [3] Milling encompasses a wide range of procedures and machinery, ranging from small single pieces to huge, heavy-duty gang milling operations. It's one of the most used methods for producing custom parts with tight tolerances. A variety of machine tools can be used to mill. The milling machine was the first type of machine tool for milling (often called a mill). Milling machines evolved into machining centres after the introduction of computer numerical control (CNC) in the 1960s: milling machines with automatic tool changers, tool changers, and tool changers. Enclosures, tool magazines or carousels, CNC capabilities, cooling systems Vertical machining centres (VMCs) and horizontal machining centres (HMCs) are the two types of milling centres (HMCs).

milling machine


3.   Drilling:

Drilling uses drill bits to generate cylindrical holes in solid materials; it is one of the most significant machining techniques since the holes created are typically used to aid with assembly. Drill presses are frequently employed, however lathes can also be used. Drilling is a preparatory step in most manufacturing operations for producing finished holes, which are then tapped, reamed, bored, etc. to generate threaded holes or bring hole dimensions within acceptable tolerances. Due to the bit's flexibility and tendency to seek the route of least resistance, drill bits will typically cut holes larger than their nominal size and holes that are not always straight or round. 

As a result, drilling is frequently specified undersize. After that, another machining operation is performed to get the hole to its final size. 

 


drilling machine
drilling machine


Types of drilling machines

Drilling machines come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the type of operation, amount of feed, cut depth, spindle speeds, spindle movement method, and needed accuracy.

The following are the various types of drilling machines:

1. Hand drilling machine or portable drilling machine

2. Bench drilling machine (or sensitive drilling machine)

3. Upright drilling machine

4. Radial drilling machine

5. Gang drilling machine

6. Multiple spindle drilling machine

7. Deep hole drilling machine 




Saturday, March 3, 2012

Tensile Testing

Tensile test overview

Tensile Testing


What does tensile testing entai?

Tensile tests are used to see how materials react under tension. A materials sample is typically tugged to its breaking point in a simple tensile test to determine the material's ultimate tensile strength. Throughout the test, the amount of force (F) applied to the sample and its materials elongation (L) are measured. Stress (force per unit area) and strain (percent change in length) are two concepts used to describe material qualities. The force readings are divided by the sample's cross sectional area to obtain stress (= F/A). Strain measurements are calculated by dividing the change in length by the sample's original length (ε = ∆ L/L). The stress-strain curve is an XY figure that displays these numbers. Measurement and testing The processes differ depending on the substance being evaluated and its intended use.

Tension / tensile tests are performed  test accurately and reliably by ADMET material testing devices. Metals, polymers, textiles, adhesives, medical devices, and a variety of other items and components can all benefit from our technologies. ADMET testing devices precisely determine mechanical parameters such as tensile strength, peak load, elongation, tensile modulus, and yield as they pull materials apart.

Tensile Testing Fundamentals

The key concepts of tensile testing will be discussed in the next section. An ADMET MTESTQuattro-equipped tensile tester provided all software output screens.

Tensile test Strain and Stress 

Tensile test these are the fundamental aspects of material science. The amount of force per unit cross sectional area is known as stress. The ratio of the change in length to the initial length, stated as a percentage, is known as strain. The results of tensile tests are displayed as plots of stress versus strain.

Tensile test Deformation of Elasticity

In tensile testing The region on the stress-strain curve where deformation can be reversed by releasing stress is known as elastic deformation. It's also where tension and strain are mostly proportionate. The initial linear segment of a stress-strain curve can be identified as such. test

 Tensile testing Modulus of Young

Tensile testing the elastic modulus, commonly known as Young's modulus, is a quantity that relates the proportion of stress to strain during elastic deformation. It is the initial slope of the linear section of the graph on a stress-strain curve. The equation =E• represents this relationship. Hooke's Law, which was designed to represent the behaviour of springs, is the name of this relationship.

Tensile testing  Proportional by Proportion

In Tensile testing The first time the plot deviates from the line indicating Young's modulus on the stress-strain curve. This divergence is usually gradual and material-dependent.Performing a Tensile Test

In general, the following equipment is required to do tension testing:

Frame for universal testing machines

Controller and/or indicator for load cells

To hold your sample, you'll need the right grips and fixturing.

The universal test machine frame gives the sample the structure and rigidity it needs to be pulled apart at the proper rate. With a wide range of capabilities, frames are offered in electromechanical 

and servo-hydraulic variants. It's critical to choose a frame that can bear the force required to examine the sample.

Load cells are used to determine how much force is being delivered to the sample. These, like frames, come in a range of sizes. If you use a load cell with a capacity lower than the specified breaking strength, the load cell will break before the sample. In contrast, a load cell with too high a capacity would produce test results that are less precise than required, as load cell resolution often falls below 1%. A 1,000-pound load cell, for example, would have far too much capacity for a sample that breaks under 1 pound of force.

A controller or an indicator may be required depending on your system configuration. The test frame's behaviour during testing, including test speed and displacement, is controlled by controllers, as the name implies. In certain cases, all that is required is an indicator. The test data is captured and displayed through indicators, but they do not control the equipment.

Tension testing can be done with a variety of grips and fasteners. To hold different materials properly, different fixturing is required. Because of how the materials respond when tensile stresses are applied, a sample made of metal, for example, requires different grips than a stretchy piece of rubber. In order to achieve accurate results, you must choose the right grips for your application.

Why Should You Do a Tensile Test?

Tensile testing can be used to determine many qualities of a material. Tensile testing determines the strength and ductility of metals when subjected to uniaxial tensile stresses. The ability of a metal to sustain tensile loads without failing is defined by its tensile strength. Because brittle metals are more likely to break, this is a significant consideration in the metal forming process. A tensile test is often used to choose a material for a specific purpose, to ensure quality, and to predict how a material will behave to various forces. WMT&R offers a variety of tensile testing services, all of which are conducted to established or bespoke specifications. Tensile tests can be carried out at room temperature, at extreme temperatures (-452 to 2200°F), and with a variety of specimen types, fittings, and test protocols.

Tension Testing Problems

Tension Testing Problems One of the most common reasons of erroneous tensile readings is non-axial loading. When utilising a load sensor or force gauge, even minor off-center loading might result in measurement inaccuracies of up to 0.5 percent. It's crucial to make sure the load cell, top test fixture, sample, and bottom test fixture are all perpendicular to one another.

Accurate and consistent results require the use of a correctly sized force gauge or load cell sensor depending on the projected load measurement. A good rule of thumb is to use a sensor that measures between 20% and 80% of the projected load. This will eliminate or reduce errors caused by mechanical noise at the low end. It will aid in the prevention of overloading at the top end of the measurement range. Because most sensors are calibrated and have accuracy specifications based on full scale, the closer you get to zero, the more the accepted error influences your measurement.

Another major source of faulty tensile measurements is using the wrong test fixture. A fixture that is either too large for the sample or applies too much gripping force to the sample during tensile movement can cause the sample to fracture outside of the prescribed gauge length area. The test fixture should be sized according to the expected load characteristics of the sample. Wedge-action test fixtures function well on ductile samples but are less dependable on brittle materials because they apply load to the brittle material.

as axial loading increases, the sample When pneumatically operated test fixtures that adjust the gripping force onto the sample are used, brittle materials tend to test more consistently.

Inconsistent and erroneous characterisation might result from poor sample preparation. The sample should be prepared to the necessary dimensions when testing to a specific international standard. The component will typically be used in its completed state for force measurement applications. Material testing, on the other hand, employs specifically prepared specimens in a variety of shapes and sizes. Their cross-sections can be circular, rectangular, or square, and their gauge length is known.

Another common reason why tensile measurement may not be optimal is testing at too fast or too slow a velocity. Testing should be done in line with a known and accepted standard whenever possible.

ASTM, ISO, DIN, or other recognised testing standards The test speed is fully described in these standards, ensuring accurate measurement.Temperature can have a big impact on tensile outcomes. The elasticity of a sample can be dramatically reduced as the temperature rises.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Welding

Welding

Welding  is a fabrication or sculptural process that joins materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, by causing coalescence. This is often done by melting the workpieces and adding a filler material to form a pool of molten material (the weld pool) that cools to become a strong joint, with pressure sometimes used in conjunction with heat, or by itself, to produce the weld. This is in contrast with soldering and brazing, which involve melting a lower-melting-point material between the workpieces to form a bond between them, without melting the workpieces.

Many different energy sources can be used for welding, including a gas flame, an electric arc, a laser, an electron beam, friction, and ultrasound. While often an industrial process, welding can be done in many different environments, including open air, under water and in outer space. Regardless of location, welding remains dangerous, and precautions are taken to avoid burns, electric shock, eye damage, poisonous fumes, and overexposure to ultraviolet light.

Until the end of the 19th century, the only welding process was forge welding, which blacksmiths had used for centuries to join iron and steel by heating and hammering them. Arc welding and oxyfuel welding were among the first processes to develop late in the century, and resistance welding followed soon after. Welding technology advanced quickly during the early 20th century as World War I and World War II drove the demand for reliable and inexpensive joining methods. Following the wars, several modern welding techniques were developed, including manual methods like shielded metal arc welding, now one of the most popular welding methods, as well as semi-automatic and automatic processes such as gas metal arc welding, submerged arc welding, flux-cored arc welding and electroslag welding. Developments continued with the invention of laser beam welding and electron beam welding in the latter half of the century. Today, the science continues to advance. Robot welding is becoming more commonplace in industrial settings, and researchers continue to develop new welding methods and gain greater understanding of weld quality and properties

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

What is the role of a Production Engineer?

What is the role of a Production Engineer?


Production engineering

 is a combination of manufacturing technology with management science. He should typically has a wide knowledge of engineering practices and is aware of the challenges related to production. The goal is to accomplish the production in the smoothest, most-judicious and most-economical way.

Also encompasses castings, joining processes, metal cutting & tool design, metrology, machine tools, machining systems, automation, jigs and fixtures, and die and mould design. Products engineering overlaps substantially with manufacturing engineering and industrial engineering.

In industry, once the design is realized, production engineering concepts regarding work-study, ergonomics, operation research, manufacturing management, materials, production planning, etc., play important roles in efficient production processes. These deal with integrated design and efficient planning of the entire manufacturing system, which is becoming increasingly complex with the emergence of sophisticated production methods and control systems.

Production Engineer

Work opportunities are available in public and  may be in private sector manufacturing organizations engaged in implementation, development of new production processes, information and control systems, and computer skills controlled inspection, assembly and handling.

What is the role of a Production Engineer?

A Production Engineer devises and implements techniques for improving manufacturing operations. Examines current processes and devises methods to boost productivity or cut expenses. A Production Engineer ensures that established production procedures and quality standards are followed. A bachelor's degree in engineering is required. Production Engineers usually report to a manager or the head of a unit or department. A Production Engineer normally has 10+ years of expertise in the field. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or commercial issues that require cutting-edge technical or industry expertise. Works independently. Goals are usually expressed in terms of "solutions" or "project goals." Because of his or her specialisation, he or she may be able to lead the work group.

Jobs and career in Production Engineering, Salary, and Top Recruiters

Production engineers have a huge job market in worldwide. Individuals with a degree in engineering are employed in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, research labs, manufacturing, communication, travel, sports, health, and information technology, among others.

Following are some of the occupations available to production engineers after completing a course in the field:

  1. Production Engineer
  2. Engineering Plant Production Manager
  3. Process Engineer
  4. product engineer
  5. Industrial Managers
  6. Quality Engineers
  7. process engineer
  8. Management Engineer
  9. Operations Analyst
  10. Manufacturing and design Engineer
  11. Architectural and Engineering Managers
  12. Cost Estimators
  13. Health and Safety Engineers
  14. Industrial Engineering Technicians
  15. Industrial Production Managers
  16. maintenance engineer
  17. Logisticians
  18. Management Analysts

Salary for Production Engineers

A production engineer's remuneration varies depending on their level of experience. It is entirely determined by the years of experience and skill set required for the position. See the estimated average yearly salary for the various levels is E£ 61,042.

Production Engineer Responsibilities:

  1. Supervising manufacturing processes and ensuring that will work is completed in a safe and efficient manner are among the responsibilities of him.
  2. Collaboration with other engineers on initiatives to enhance production, costs, and labour requirements.
  3. Identifying production line issues and giving advice and training.
  4. Creating safety processes and standards that consider the workers' well-being while simultaneously reducing the carbon footprint.
  5. Keeping up with engineering and production advances and exchanging knowledge with coworkers.
  6. Unsafe practises must be identified, documented, and reported.
  7. Creating project production schedules and budgets.
  8. Meetings with appropriate departments and stakeholders are being planned.
  9. Analyzing and recommending improvements to all aspects of productiona.
  10. Obtaining any necessary materials and equipment.

Modern technology tools and software desien products 

  • SolidWorks

 is  an mechanical engineering software  and a computer programme for CAD modelling that was created by Dassault Systèmes.
SolidWorks is an industrial standard for generating physical object designs and make design specifications, with over 165,000 organisations using it as of 2013.

  • AutoCAD

Autodesk's AutoCAD is an example of a CAD modelling computer programme. CAD modelling and CAE are also common uses for AutoCad. 

Product life cycle management (PLM) tools and analysis tools used to run complicated simulations are two other CAE applications often utilised by product manufacturers. Product response to expected loads, including fatigue life and manufacturability, can be predicted using analysis techniques. Finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and computer-aided manufacturing are examples of these techniques (CAM). A mechanical design team can iterate the design process fast and cheaply using CAE systems to build a product that better satisfies cost, performance, and other limitations. There's no need to build a real prototype until the design is nearly finished, allowing hundreds or thousands of people to test it.
CAE analysis programmes can also model difficult physical phenomena that are impossible to address by hand, such as viscoelasticity, complex contact between mating components, and non-Newtonian flows.

Multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) is being utilised with other CAE tools to automate and optimise the iterative design process, just as manufacturing engineering is integrated with other disciplines like mechatronics.
 MDO solutions automate the trial-and-error procedure employed by traditional engineers by wrapping around existing CAE processes. MDO employs a computer-based technique that seeks for superior alternatives iteratively from an initial guess within defined parameters. This process is used by MDO to determine the optimum design outcome and to list numerous possibilities. 

What qualifications are required of a Production Engineer?

When considering a position like this, you must consider your talents and abilities. The capacity to excel in this profession is contingent on the following abilities: Process Engineering, Process Mapping, Process Optimization, and Production Engineering are all examples of mathematical modelling. Although not always required, knowing how to use CAD software, CAE software, and a quality management system might be beneficial (QMS). Attempt to convey your mastery of these talents during an interview.

Industrial engineers design efficient systems that integrate employees, equipment, materials, information, and energy in order to produce a product or provide a service.

Working Conditions

Industrial engineers work in offices or in the environments they are aiming to change, depending on their job. When observing difficulties, they may, for example, see industrial workers assembling parts. They may be in an office at a computer, looking at data that they or others have acquired when solving problems.

What Does It Take to Become an Industrial Engineer?

A bachelor's degree in industrial engineering or a similar discipline, such as mechanical or electrical engineering, or industrial engineering technologies, is often required of industrial engineers.

Pay

In May 2021, the median yearly wage for industrial engineers was $95,300.

Job Prospects

Industrial engineers' employment is expected to expand 14% between 2020 and 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

On average, throughout the next decade, there will be about 23,300 jobs for industrial engineers. Many of those positions are projected to arise as a result of the need to replace people who change occupations or leave the workforce for other reasons, such as retirement.

Data by State and Region

Find job and wage information for industrial engineers by state and region.

Occupational Groups

Industrial engineers have similar job duties, education, job growth, and salary to other occupations.

Making Your Mark

Manufacturing engineering majors are beneficial in both engineering and business operations. Almost all manufacturing engineering graduates have begun their professions or completed their education within six months of graduation in recent years. Boeing, John Deere, Borgwarner, HNI, Caterpillar, Deublin, and Kohler are among the companies where they work.




Friday, January 7, 2011

The changing face of part inspection

The changing face of part inspection

 October 21, 2010

* Authored by: Ron Branch, Verisurf Application Engineer, Verisurf Software Inc., Anaheim, Calif. Resources: Verisurf Software Inc., verisurf.com
* Inspection software helps 3D CAD, 3D GD&T, and measuring devices work together to ensure design intent.

A necessary component of the model-based definition (MBD) approach to product design is 3D geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), a universal symbolic and tolerancing language. In the MBD approach, the 3D CAD model is the authority, providing all the detailed product information for the entire product life cycle. The method moves the 3D CAD model from design to a manufacturing orientation, and lets software automate and validate steps in simulation, manufacturing, and inspection, thereby reducing human error.

Verisurf X illustrates high and low tolerance deviations on associated model-based GD&T specs.

Last updated in 2009, GD&T has been rigorously studied and applied by thousands of manufacturers around the world. It is often considered essential for communicating design intent — that is, that parts from technical drawings have the needed form, fit, function, and interchangeability. The recent update includes changes in feature design, datum references and degrees of freedom, surface boundaries and axis methods of interpretation, profile tolerances, and symbology and modifiers tools.

In manufacturing, the direction of CAD is to 3D, however not all CAD programs provide intelligent 3D GD&T data. Here, “intelligent” means computer readable, thereby capable of feeding downstream applications. There are two 3D GD&T definition-data formats. Potentially confusing, both are labeled “3D annotation,” but one format is purely for display, while the other provides intelligence back to the CAD model.

The distinction is that in the display format, tolerancing associated to the model is in the form of text. In other words, humans must interpret the GD&T information, opening the door to potential errors. The display or presentation format is similar to typing a math equation in Microsoft Word. It conveys information, but the computer cannot use it in calculations. In conversation, this approach is commonly referred to as “decorating the model.”
Verisurf X inspection software uses ASME Y14.5-2009 GD&T symbols as part of its MBD interface. Model-based GD&T annotations can be imported as part of the 3D CAD file if supported by the program, or added to the 3D model with Verisurf X.


What makes the effort of applying GD&T to 3D models worthwhile? As part of the MBD approach, it helps users leverage data throughout product development, cutting time from processes and improving them. It can even be said that 3D GD&T data provides a form of “artificial intelligence” for manufacturing and inspection.

How to compare a 3D CAD file to a measured part

Here are the steps to using an MBD package that includes 3D GD&T, such as Verisurf X:

1. Open the part’s 3D CAD file of the part using the inspection software. All intelligent and presentation GD&T data may be included.

2. If necessary, manually add presentation specifications to the model.

3. Develop a manual or automated inspection plan.

4. Run the inspection process. Verisurf X works with all digital metrology devices, including laser scanners for high-density point clouds, and portable CMMs (PCMMs), such as laser trackers and articulated arms with touch probes for capturing discrete points.

5. When using a PCMM, the software prompts operators to pick points that will align the physical object to the CAD model. For GD&T definitions, these alignment features are datum references. Once aligned, the software prompts operators to pick points on the part in the sequence determined by the inspection plan.

6. As measurements are taken, the software displays results graphically. Immediate feedback shows the value and deviation from the embedded GD&T tolerance. Thus, operators know immediately if a feature passes or fails inspection. This information is also documented in the pre-formatted inspection report, which eliminates data entry and manual calculations.

Model-based GD&T for inspection

GD&T defines quality requirements, and inspection then confirms these requirements are being met. A MBD implementation requires there is a GD&T representation and that inspection software can import its data from the native CAD software. Or, when intelligent GD&T data is not available, users can add it to the 3D model in the inspection software.

In the MBD approach, 3D GD&T for inspection involves inspecting physical part measurements against a CAD model. This process can be dependent or independent of how or where tolerancing is defined on the CAD model. Consider, for example, inspection software such as Verisurf X from Verisurf Software Inc., Anaheim, Calif. It connects to and controls measuring devices such as scanners and laser trackers as well as stationary and portable coordinate-measuring machines (CMMs). It also accommodates both presentation and intelligent GD&T specs from 3D CAD models. Intelligent GD&T data is imported directly from supported software with the native 3D model and provides nominal dimensions. For presentation annotations, the quality or manufacturing engineer uses Verisurf to add GD&T specifications to the 3D model.
Importing information from a native CAD package as a 3D GD&T representation is a good example of MBD at work. The accuracy of the dataset is preserved. The same applies when GD&T display data (presentation) is imported directly (or via STEP translation) and entered into the inspection application. In both scenarios, there is no need to invest in creating or maintaining 2D drawings. Of course, 3D GD&T provides the most automated method.
Verisurf X uses a 3D CAD model as the nominal definition to generate custom reports in industry-standard formats, including GD&T constraints and color-deviation maps. A Database Write feature in the program formats and sends inspection information to SPC applications and PLM databases used by major manufacturers. The feature also supports Microsoft Access and SQL Server database formats for combining Verisurf inspection data with numerous enterprise databases.
Closing the loop
MBD with 3D GD&T closes the product-development loop by eliminating ambiguity. In addition, it provides GD&T inspection feedback to manufacturing engineers, who can use the data to determine root cause and either put processes under control or revise dimensioning and tolerance specifications.

A closer look at 3D GD&T


GD&T is used on engineering drawings and computer-generated 3D models to explicitly describe nominal geometry and allowable variations. Dimensioning specs (for example, a basic dimension) define nominal geometry. Tolerancing specs (for example, linear dimensions) define allowable variations for individual features and allowable variations in orientation and location between features.
3D GD&T is defined in ASME Y14.41-2003 and ISO 16792:2006. 3D GD&T symbols include those for form, profile, orientation, location, and runout. Here are a few examples:
Measure difficult parts

Measure difficult parts

 Making it easy to measure difficult parts

An engineer might design the components, but someone on the production floor eventually has to measure them precisely.
Printer-friendly version

And until now, few handheld tools could accurately measure distances to theoretical sharp corners, apexes, mold lines, and intersection points.



CornerCalipers from SPS Industries, Farmington, Conn., (www.spsind.com), solves this problem by letting one (single-pivot model) or both jaws ( doublepivot model) conform to slanted walls. The pivot point is precisely located on the bottom edge of the device's caliper beam. So as the pivot jaw rotates, it stays at the zero reading of the caliper. The device can be used on sheet metal, plastics, casting, and extrusions, and on any parts with slanted or drafted walls.

It comes in 6, 8, and 12-in. sizes with resolution and repeatability to 0.0005 in. An LCD powered by a 1.55-V silver-oxide button battery shows results. The singlepivot model measures angles from 35 to 160°, while the doublepivot version handles 20 to 160°.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Do Inventors Need a Product Engineer?

Do Inventors Need a Product Engineer?

By Fred Heys

A product engineer is a person that can design, develop, and manage new product ideas for corporations or individual inventors. Being an engineer is not always required, but the person must be familiar with all phases of the Product Development Cycle, and keep up with the latest technologies. Also, the designer has to combine technical knowledge, human factors, and creativity in order to make a product successful in the marketplace.

The responsibility of a Product Design Engineer is to take an idea and develop it so that it can be produced and sold. He or she must select the materials, type of prototyping, tooling, and manufacturing methods that are cost effective and meet the Product Definition. This person should also be able to generate drawings and 3D models that will be used for tooling, Prototyping, patents, marketing, and manufacturing. Some engineers even help with branding, packaging and testing as needed.

A unique set of conditions comes with each Product Idea. These include, but are not limited to finances, time lines, and goals. Product Designers consider these to be normal, and deal with them routinely. A design engineer is often a person who is curious about how things are made, and how they function. By nature, they are creative, artistic, and have vivid imaginations. These attributes, as well as others, provide them an advantage in designing products that appeal to consumers.

If you're reading this because you are an inventor, you are basically a product engineer. You have a new idea, or believe that you can make an improvement to an existing product, right?

Now you can be the product engineer by taking control of your invention and going through The Product Development Cycle. You may choose to skip phases when possible, spending time and money on areas that are practical for your invention. If you have already paid for a Patent and you believe people are wasting your money on marketing, regain control of your idea. You can develop it yourself, or hire someone else to do it.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

What Is The Production Engineering?

What Is The Production Engineering?

A branch of engineering that involves the design, control, and continuous improvement of integrated systems in order to provide customers with high-quality goods and services in a timely, cost-effective manner. It is an interdisciplinary area requiring the collaboration of individuals trained in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, product design, marketing, finance, and corporate planning. In many organizations, production engineering activities are carried out by teams of individuals with different skills rather than by a formal production engineering department.

In product design, the production engineering team works with the designers, helping them to develop a product that can be manufactured economically while preserving its functionality. Features of the product that will significantly increase its cost are identified, and alternative, cheaper means of obtaining the desired functionality are investigated and suggested to the designers. The process of concurrently developing the product design and the production process is referred to by several names such as design for manufacturability, design for assembly, and concurrent engineering. See also Design standards; Process engineering; Product design; Production planning.

The specification of the production process should proceed concurrently with the development of the product design. This involves selecting the manufacturing processes and technology required to achieve the most economical and effective production. The technologies chosen will depend on many factors, such as the required production volume, the skills of the available work force, market trends, and economic considerations. In manufacturing industries, this requires activities such as the design of tools, dies, and fixtures; the specification of speeds and feeds for machine tools; and the specification of process recipes for chemical processes.

Actual production of physical products usually begins with a few prototype units being manufactured in research and development or design laboratories for evaluation by designers, the production engineering team, and sales and marketing personnel. The goal of this pilot phase is to give the production engineering team hands-on experience making the product, allowing problems to be identified and remedied before investing in additional production equipment or shipping defective products to the customer. The pilot production process involves changes to the product design and fine-tuning of unit manufacturing processes, work methods, production equipment, and materials to achieve an optimal trade-off between cost, functionality, and product quality and reliability. See also Pilot production; Prototype.

The production facility itself can be designed around the sequence of operations required by the product, referred to as a product layout. General-purpose production machinery is used, and often must be set up for each individual burrito, incurring significant changeover times while this takes place. This type of production facility is usually organized in a process layout, where equipment with similar functions is grouped together. See also Human-machine systems; Production methods.

The production engineering process does not stop once the product has been put into production. A major function of production engineering is continuous improvement�continually striving to eliminate inefficiencies in the system and to incorporate and advance the frontier of the best existing practice. The task of production engineering is to identify potential areas for improving the performance of the production system as a whole, and to develop the necessary solutions in these areas.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

What is Six Sigma?

What is Six Sigma?

Six Sigma at many organizations simply means a measure of quality that strives for near perfection. Six Sigma is a disciplined, data-driven approach and methodology for eliminating defects (driving towards six standard deviations between the mean and the nearest specification limit) in any process -- from manufacturing to transactional and from product to service.

The statistical representation of Six Sigma describes quantitatively how a process is performing. To achieve Six Sigma, a process must not produce more than 3.4 defects per million opportunities. A Six Sigma defect is defined as anything outside of customer specifications. A Six Sigma opportunity is then the total quantity of chances for a defect. Process sigma can easily be calculated using a Six Sigma calculator.

The fundamental objective of the Six Sigma methodology is the implementation of a measurement-based strategy that focuses on process improvement and variation reduction through the application of Six Sigma improvement projects. This is accomplished through the use of two Six Sigma sub-methodologies: DMAIC and DMADV. The Six Sigma DMAIC process (define, measure, analyze, improve, control) is an improvement system for existing processes falling below specification and looking for incremental improvement. The Six Sigma DMADV process (define, measure, analyze, design, verify) is an improvement system used to develop new processes or products at Six Sigma quality levels. It can also be employed if a current process requires more than just incremental improvement. Both Six Sigma processes are executed by Six Sigma Green Belts and Six Sigma Black Belts, and are overseen by Six Sigma Master Black Belts.

According to the Six Sigma Academy, Black Belts save companies approximately $230,000 per project and can complete four to 6 projects per year. General Electric, one of the most successful companies implementing Six Sigma, has estimated benefits on the order of $10 billion during the first five years of implementation. GE first began Six Sigma in 1995 after Motorola and Allied Signal blazed the Six Sigma trail. Since then, thousands of companies around the world have discovered the far reaching benefits of Six Sigma.

for more information :

http://www.isixsigma.com/sixsigma/six_sigma.asp
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Wednesday, December 2, 2009

The basices of fits

The basices of fits


Clearance Fits

A clearance fit always has a gap between the two mating parts.

The diagram below shows a clearance fit between a shaft and a hole



Transitional Fits

This type of fit may result in interference, or clearance

This type of fit can be used for items such as snap fits

The figure below illustrates this condition for a hole shaft pair


Interference Fits

Interference fits always overlap and are used mainly for press fits where the two parts are pushed together, and require no other fasteners

The figure below shows an interference fit for a hole shaft pair



PRACTICE PROBLEMS

1. On a ferris wheel we have a 3.5" running journal that is to be pressure lubricated. The fit selected for this application is RC4. Use a tolerance diagram to determine the tolerances required on a final drawing. Sketch the hole, and shaft using appropriate drafting techniques.

2. Do complete drawings for a 3.000" hole shaft pair if they have a RC3 fit.

3. Clearance fits are found in,
a) fitted assembly.
b) interchangeable assembly.
c) selective assembly.
d) all of the above.

4. Which statement is more true?
a) production errors cause tolerances.
b) there are no standard tolerances.
c) both a) and b) are completely true.
d) neither a) or b) is true.

5. Given the diagram below, what will the average interference/clearance be?
a) 0.008"
b) 0.020"
c) 0.032"
d) none of the above


6. Briefly describe the relationship between tolerance and accuracy. (2%)

7. A hole shaft pair uses a bushing. We know that the fit between the shaft and bushing is LC5, with a nominal diameter of 7" and the fit between the bushing and outer hole is 8" with an FN3 fit. (8%)
a) Draw the tolerance diagrams.
b) Draw the final parts with dimensions and tolerances.
8. What will the gap between the shaft and the bushing be?


PRACTICE PROBLEMS

PRACTICE PROBLEMS

1. What are measurement standards?

ans. Standards are objects of known size, quantity, roughness, etc. These standards are used to calibrate and verify measuring instruments. As a result, measured values are more accurate.

2. What effect will temperature variation have on precision measurements?

ans. Temperature control during measurement is important because as materials are heated they expand. Each material expands at a different rate. This leads to distortion of parts and measuring devices that results in measurement errors.

3. How can a vernier scale provide higher accuracy?

ans. A vernier scale uses a second elongated scale to interpolate values on a major scale.

4. What are dimensional tolerances, and what are their primary uses?

ans. Dimensional tolerances specify the amount a dimension may vary about a target value. These are supplied by a designer to ensure the correct function of a device. If these tolerances are controlled the final product will work as planned.

5. Why is an allowance different from a tolerance?

ans. A tolerance is the amount a single dimension can vary. An allowance is an intentional difference between two dimensions to allow for press fits, running fits, etc.

6. What are fits?

ans. There are standard for different types of fits (e.g. press fit, running clearance). These specify the allowance of two parts, so that they may be made separately and then joined (mated) in an assembly.

7. What is the difference between precision and accuracy?

ans. Precision suggests a limit of technology, accuracy is the ability to achieve a value consistently. These are often interchanged because we are usually concerned with the accuracy when producing precision parts.

8. If a steel ruler expands 1% because of a temperature change, and we are measuring a 2" length, what will the measured dimension be?

ans. If we assume that only the steel rule expands, and not the steel part, we can calculate,


9. Draw the scales for a vernier micrometer reading 0.3997".





Defination of Metrology

Defination of Metrology

Accuracy - The expected ability for a system to discriminate between two settings.

Assembly - the connection of two or more separate parts to make a new single part.

Basic Dimension - The target dimension for a part. This typically has an associated tolerance.

Dimension - A size of a feature, either measured, or specified.

Dimensional Metrology - The use of instruments to determine object sizes shapes, form, etc.

English System - See Imperial.

Error - a discrepency between expected, and actual values.

Imperial System - An older system of measurement, still in use in some places, but generally replaced by the metric system.

Limits - These typically define a dimensional range that a measurement can be expected to fall within.

Machine Tool - Generally use to refer to a machine that performs a manufacturing operation. This is sometimes confused with the actual cutting tools, such as a drill bit, that do the cutting.

Measurement - The determination of an unknown dimension. This requires that known standards be used directly, or indirectly for comparison.

Metric System - A measurement system that has been standardized globally, and is commonly used in all modern engineering projects.

Metrology - The science of measurement. The purpose of this discipline it to establish means of determining physical quantities, such as dimensions, temperature, force, etc.

Precision - Implies a high degree of accuracy.

Repeatability - Imperfections in mechanical systems can mean that during a Mechanical cycle, a process does not stop at the same location, or move through the same spot each time. The variation range is refered to as repeatability.

Standards - a known set of dimensions, or ideals to compare others against.

Standard Sizes - a component, or a dimension that is chosen from a table of standard sizes/forms.

Tolerance - The allowable variation in a basic dimension before a part is considered unacceptable

THE MECHANISM OF CUTTING

THE MECHANISM OF CUTTING

Assuming that the cutting action is continuous we can develop a continuous model of cutting conditions.

Orthogonal Cutting - assumes that the cutting edge of the tool is set in a position that is perpendicular to the direction of relative work or tool motion. This allows us to deal with forces that act only in one plane.














We can obtain orthogonal cutting by turning a thin walled tube, and setting the lath bit cutting edge perpendicular to the tube axis.

Next, we can begin to consider cutting forces, chip thicknesses, etc.

First, consider the physical geometry of cutting,





















Next, we assume that we are also measuring two perpendicular cutting forces that are horizontal, and perpendicular to the figure above. This then allows us to examine specific forces involved with the cutting. The cutting forces in the figure below (Fc and Ft) are measured using a tool force dy namometer mounted on the lathe.













Force Calculations

The forces and angles involved in cutting are drawn below,


























Having seen the vector based determination of the cutting forces, we can now look at equivalent calculations


































The velocities are also important, and can be calculated for later use in power calculations. The Velocity diagram below can also be drawn to find cutting velocities.



























A final note of interest to readers not completely familiar with vectors, the forces Fc and Ft, are used to find R, from that two other sets of equivalent forces are found.,


Merchant's Force Circle With Drafting (Optional)

Merchant's Force Circle is a method for calculating the various forces involved in the cutting process. This will first be explained with vector diagrams, these in turn will be followed by a few formulas.

The procedure to construct a merchants force circle diagram (using drafting techniques/instruments) is,

1. Set up x-y axis labeled with forces, and the origin in the centre of the page. The scale should be enough to include both the measured forces. The cutting force (Fc) is drawn horizontally, and the tangential force (Ft) is drawn vertically. (These forces will all be in the lower left hand quadrant) (Note: square graph paper and equal x & y scales are essential)

2. Draw in the resultant (R) of Fc and Ft.
3. Locate the centre of R, and draw a circle that encloses vector R. If done correctly, the heads and tails of all 3 vectors will lie on this circle.

4. Draw in the cutting tool in the upper right hand quadrant, taking care to draw the correct rake angle (a) from the vertical axis.

5. Extend the line that is the cutting face of the tool (at the same rake angle) through the circle. This now gives the friction vector (F).

6. A line can now be drawn from the head of the friction vector, to the head of the resultant vector (R). This gives the normal vector (N). Also add a friction angle (t) between vectors R and N. As a side note recall that any vector can be broken down into components. Therefore, mathematically, R = Fc + Ft = F + N.

7. We next use the chip thickness, compared to the cut depth to find the shear force. To do this, the chip is drawn on before and after cut. Before drawing, select some magnification factor (e.g., 200 times) to multiply both values by. Draw a feed thickness line (t1) parallel to the horizontal axis. Next draw a chip thickness line parallel to the tool cutting face.

8. Draw a vector from the origin (tool point) towards the intersection of the two chip lines, stopping at the circle. The result will be a shear force vector (Fs). Also measure the shear force angle between Fs and Fc.

9. Finally add the shear force normal (Fn) from the head of Fs to the head of R.
10. Use a scale and protractor to measure off all distances (forces) and angles.

The resulting diagram is pictured below,




















CHIP FORMATION

CHIP FORMATION

There are three types of chips that are commonly produced in cutting,
- discontinuous chips
- continuous chips
- continuous with built up edge

A discontinuous chip comes off as small chunks or particles. When we get this chip it may indicate,

- brittle work material
- small rake angles
- coarse feeds and low speeds

A continuous chip looks like a long ribbon with a smooth shining surface. This chip type may indicate,

- ductile work materials
- large rake angles
- fine feeds and high speeds
- use of coolant and good chip flow

Continuous chips with a built up edge still look like a long ribbon, but the surface is no longer smooth and shining. This type of chip tends to indicate,

- high friction between work and tool causes high temperatures that will occasionally weld the chip to the tool. This will break free, but the effects is a rough cutting action.

Continuous chips, and subsequently continuous cutting action is generally desired.

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