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Session 3653

First-Year Engineering Product Realization

Jeff Ray and John Farris

Padnos School of Engineering Grand Valley State University Grand Rapids, Michigan

Abstract

A recognized need for product realization and design topics is occurring throughout engineering curriculums nationwide. Current engineering curriculums demand such activities due to ABET EC 2000 criteria and employer demands. During the past year, a modified course structure was piloted at Grand Valley State University to include the product realization process. In addition, manufacturing principles were included. The new course organization will be fully implemented during the upcoming 2000 – 01 academic year. Entering first-year engineering students from all disciplines offered are the target audience for the course, which is comprised of two lecture and one laboratory sessions per week. Topics covered include 3D solid modeling design techniques and hands-on experiences in computer-numerically controlled (CNC) milling. Students are introduced to both the product realization process and specific manufacturing principles during their first semester of study, as opposed to initial exposure in upper division courses. Discussion of the implementation process and course organization is outlined. Additionally, examples of lecture and laboratory sessions are included.

1.0 Introduction

Engineering graphics courses have been a cornerstone of most engineering programs in the United States for several decades. Over the past few years much attention has been focused on the paradigm shift from teaching 2D drafting skills to 3D solid modeling in first-year engineering curriculums1,2. With the advent of 3D solid modeling software such as Mechanical Desktop, Pro/E, and Solidworks, more schools are integrating this approach in their engineering graphics courses3 . Another reason for the transition is the demand from industry that their engineers understand such technology. Such an approach allows schools to integrate engineering design in the first-year engineering curriculum3-5 .

The inclusion of engineering design at the first-year level is being driven by several factors. First, is the requirement of subsequent courses and employer needs to use the design database and documentation as a tool for developing and implementing faster product development times. Second, is the ABET EC 2000 criteria with a focus on design and product realization6 , which lists several areas directly connected to first-year engineering courses. These areas include: the ability to design a system or component; communicate effectively; and use of modern engineering tools and techniques. The Padnos School of Engineering (PSE) at Grand Valley

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Ray, J. L., & Farris, J. (2000, June), First Year Engineering Product Realization Paper presented at 2000 Annual Conference, St. Louis, Missouri. 10.18260/1-2--8385