Engineering Design & Development - 7th Grade
Overview
The engineering design and development project is designed to allow students an authentic experience with engineering design and development. Students are tasked with working collaboratively to design a pencil holder that meets given specifications. The design must have the ability to attach to students' Chromebook cases. Designs are created using CAD software and are then 3D printed in PLA or ABS plastic. Products are then tested and evaluated. Each team must make 2-3 iterations. The final design should be a well thought out functional design.
Currently, students are using Autodesk Tinkercad to complete this assignment. Students document their work throughout the design process. The design brief for this project can be viewed below.
Our Printers
Cube 3 Afinia H800
Materials
Our printers are capable of printing in ABS and PLA plastics. ABS or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is an oil-based polymer that is widely used for products in manufacturing. PLA or Polylactic Acid is a biopolymer. That means that it is made from organic materials, such as cornstarch or sugarcane. Since PLA is made of organic materials, it is becoming more common to see PLA used for plastic cups and other products that come in contact with food. PLA is biodegradable, where ABS is not. However, ABS is easily recyclable. A good source for information about the two materials can be found in the article, PLA vs ABS: Filaments for 3D Printing Explained & Compared.
