Laboratory of Computer Aided Engineering and Manufacturing

Have attended the following curricular units of the Degree in Mechanical Engineering at ISEC:

– Technical drawing:

– Mechanical Engineering Drawing

– Machining Processes;

– Strength of Materials I;

– Strength of Materials II.

Initially are exposed the theoretical concepts underlying the technology under study. Later, case-studies are presented by the teacher and solved together with the students. After this step, each working group develops a different study. When is necessary they deepen the knowledge acquired for the job in question. At this stage, the teacher supervises the work and provides clarifications that may be needed. At the end, the students prepare a report of the work, being subject to presentation and discussion with the professors of this unit.

Know and use the technologies of computer aided design (CAD), Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and Computer Aided Calculation (CAE) in mechanical engineering projects; Learn to design mechanical components; Be able to implement solutions designed; Have the ability to transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions in a clear and objective mode; Ability to develop work in group.

I – CAD/CAM Technologies

1- Machining operations in the machining center with Fanuc controller
1.1 Review of the main functions of the controller.
1.2 Revision of the procedure for determining and recording part zero coordinates and tool and radius offset.
1.3 Block clamping systems in the machining center: Most used techniques.
1.4 Tool holding systems, tool types and machining parameters.
1.5 Machining axes: Equipment with 3, 4 and 5 axes.
1.6 Machining procedures used in CNC equipment.

2- Computer Aided Manufacturing
2.1 Review of CNC-ISO programming concepts and their implementation in CAM programs applied in machining centers
2.2 Architecture of the Mastercam program. Main Menus and Desktop Setup.
2.3 Create and modify entities. Definition of part zero.
2.4 Conversion of files generated in CAD programs to Mastercam program.
2.5 2D contour machining operations: 
2.6 2D facing operations.
2.7 Simulation of programmed machining paths.
2.8 2D box machining operations: Material removal strategies; Tool overlap between successive cutting passes; Ramp or helix tool entry.
2.9 Drilling cycles and threading cycles.
2.10 3D Machining Operations: Entity Selection Options. Selection of the right strategy for roughing and finishing operations. High-speed machining cycles.
2.11 Ball nose tools in machining: Parameters to be defined.
2.12 Tool path and allowable tolerance: Cutter location and cutter contact.
2.13 Post-processing: Selection of post-processors and conversion into CNC programs.
2.14 Transmission of CNC programs to the machining center, CNC code execution and manufacturing of mechanical components.

II- CAD/CAE Technologies

1. CAD drawing
1.1 The Solidworks program.
1.2 Principles of parametric design and modelling.
1.3 Notion of part and Assembly.
1.4 Examples

2. CAE Calculus – The CosmosWorks Program as a Finite Element Calculation Module
2.1 Finite element concept.
2.2 Notion of finite element model.
2.3 Cautions to be observed when using a finite element program.
2.4 Steps in defining the model.
2.5 Definition of boundary conditions and loading conditions.
2.5 Mesh: The different types of elements and the correct selection of mesh parameters.
2.6 Analysis and interpretation of results.
2.7 Using CosmosWorks software to solve problems involving mechanical systems

III – Practical Work Development: From conception to manufacture (CAD/CAM/CAE)
Conception, drawing, design and manufacture of mechanical components in a machining center.

NAO

Recommended Bibliography:
• Manuais e tutoriais do programa Solidworks e CosmosWorks.
• Manuais e tutoriais do software Mastercam
• Compilação de textos sobre maquinagem, CNC, CAD/CAM e utilização do centro de maquinagem Leadwell e controlador Fanuc Series O-M. 

Complementary Bibliography:
• Mikell P. Groover (2013). Principles of Modern Manufacturing, Wiley. 1A-9-150 (ISEC)
• J. Paulo Davim (2008). Princípios de Maquinagem, Publindústria. 4-6-127 (ISEC)
• A. Completo, A. Festas, J. Paulo Davim (2009). Tecnologia de fabrico, Publindústria. 4-6-179 (ISEC)
• Controlo Numérico Computorizado – Conceitos fundamentais, Carlos Relvas – Publindústria, edições técnicas.
• Mikell P. Groover, Emory W. Zimmers Jr (1984). CAD/CAM: Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing, Prentice Hall
• Manual do controlador do centro de maquinagem Fanuc Series O-M.