New to manufacturing processes and computer aided design, the totem pole project introduced best-practice methods in CAD and use of machine tools.
Given a stock of 6061 aluminum, the objective of this project was to model and manufacture a component of a full totem assembly as shown in the images above. Each component was limited in its length of 2in and had a tolerance-fit requirement to interface the multiple components together. As a result, tight geometric dimensioning and tolerancing was of utmost importance.
This was a fun project in which I learned about designing and building components of my own. By following best-practice methods for manufacturing with an emphasis on safety guidelines, I can operate a range of general machining tools to prototype my own projects!
Skills used:
- Solid (CAD) modelling – AutoDesk Inventor
- GD&T – geometric dimensioning and tolerancing
- CNC machine code – using ESPIRIT software
Machine tools used:
- lathe
- mill
- drill press
- CNC machine
Numair Ahmed 