Work in progress-art to part in engineering education

This paper reports on the work-in-progress of a unique course offering in the Mechanical Engineering Department of Kettering University tentatively called Art to Part. The mission of the course is to bring together a number of previous computer and design courses into a senior level design-based manufacturing course. Students model and analyze their designs, and then using either a Z-Corp rapid prototyping machine or EMCO lathe or turning centers, manufacture their designs. Once the students9 designs are produced, the 3-D models are checked against the original computer model through the use of a coordinate measuring machine to validate the models accuracy. Extensive collaborative student teamwork is developed using computer product lifecycle management software. This course is sponsored by the manufacturing division of general motors.