Weapons and Systems Engineering
ES487G Desktop Manufacturing and Product Design
Elective Course
Catalog Data:
In this hands-on project-based design course, students develop
and produce a consumer product from concept through prototype
using newly available desktop manufacturing tools such as small
3D printers and laser cutters. Topics include the tools of consumer
product design, from needs assessment through usability,
aesthetics, life cycle and design for large-scale manufacturing.
Students will also be introduced to techniques for rapid prototyping
and custom electronics design, and will be responsible for every
aspect of their product, including marketing materials and hands-on
fabrication of their prototype. [fall]
Prerequisite: ES200, ESE or ESEH major
Textbook:
Coordinator:
Universal Principles of Design, Revised Edition, Lidwell, Holden and
Butler, Rockport Publishers, 2010.
Materials and Design: The Art and Science of Material Selection in
Product Design, 2nd edition, Ashby and Johnson, Butterworth-Heinemann
Publishers, 2010.
B. E. Bishop, Professor
Objectives: Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
i) To introduce the concept and reality of low-cost desktop manufacturing
ii) To provide hands-on experience with low-cost desktop manufacturing tools
and techniques, including:
(1) Additive manufacturing and 3D printing
(2) 3D scanning
(3) Laser cutting and engraving
(4) Printed Circuit Board Layout and Production
(5) CAD tools for 3D modeling
iii) To provide insight and experience in the realm of product design
iv) To provide hands-on experience with full product development
v) To reinforce presentation and teamwork skills
vi) To introduce tools for desktop publishing in support of product marketing and
design
vii) To investigate and understand the implications of the desktop manufacturing
revolution
Lecture Topics
Introduction
SCAMPER
Concept Design
Visual Design
Usability and Interface
Affordances
Material and Design
Manufacturing Processes
Product Hands-On
PCB design and fabrication
Student presentations (design
concepts)
Lecture sessions
1
1
1
6
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
Lab Topics
Company Formation
Digital 2D and 3D Art
Laser Cutting
CAD
3D Scanning
3D Printing
Vacuum Forming and Casting
Wearable Circuits
PCB work
Final Product
Laboratory sessions
1
2
2
3
1
4
1
4
3
8 + 6 lecture days