156B Week 6
Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
Injection machine assembled by Mark. We will request testing to determine actual force required to inject and test lever + actuator design.
Each team member focusing on a key area of the injection machine to optimize.
Moving on to prototyping.
3D model of the system is currently being designed on Autodesk Fusion 360.
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Connected with sponsors over Slack.
Met with Professor Delson to give project updates and asked for advice about project decisions and methodology.
Proof of Concept presentation.
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
Prototyping for key components.
3D Printed Molds and Mold Cage (Brian)
Nozzle (James)
Injection Effort (Katherine)
PID Control and Measurements (Kaleb)
Discuss with sponsors during weekly meeting and begin prototyping.
Explore variations of precious plastic injection machine done by the precious plastic community.
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
Notes from continuous Slack communication and weekly Zoom meeting:
Testing with injection machine can be done by Mark.
For mold, a pipe collar quick clamp can be used for quick release (Andrew's suggestion)
By next presentation, want to have as much physical prototype feedback as possible to validate engineering analysis and calculations.
Want to unify it in high level throughput metrics and identify any issues through experimentation
Look into clevis attachment to be able to switch out actuators
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
Notes from the previous meeting with Professor Delson:
Discussed 3D printed mold and mold cage (Brian)
Chris will 3D print mold and ship to Mark to test out for a more accurate force measurement
Deliverable for this quarter - white paper of findings and research
Discussed barrel/nozzle analysis (James)
Needed temperature data for specific plastic materials
Simulation runs entire process of material changing phase
Ansys software has a complicated simulation, requiring manually entered temperature dependent properties
Can contact tech support for help with software
Thermocouples can be used to show temperature profile data with and without insulation
Discussed temperature sensor (Kaleb)
Problems when printing: plastic wasn't fully melted, didn't fill mold all the way, or wasn't cooled down correctly
Can collect temperature data on upper heating bands, at least for experimenting
Measuring position, force, and speed of plunger could give more data points in addition to temperature
Could have support parts like in 3D printed objects
Idea to layer colors of plastic for customized products
Discussed linear actuator lever component with ratchet mechanism (Katherine)
Large enough ratchet gears aren't readily available
Alternatively look into vise grip, arbor press
Found bar clamp provides large enough force and affordably priced
For next meeting:
Be in contact with sponsors (Slack channel).
Communicate individual work with team (3 weekly meetings).
Comments from Other Students in the Class (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
N/A
Risks and Areas of Concern
Injection machine will not be delivered.
Resources or Information Required but not Available
N/A
Schedule
Weekly Meeting with Sponsors (5/6/20)
Weekly Internal Team Meetings (3 times a week)
Weekly Meeting with Prof. Delson (5/8/20)
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
Total Budget: $2600
Amount Spent: $120
Budget Remaining: $2480
Progress on Report and Webpage
Week 6 Updated