My major break through's include
1.) Plastic Supplier /Distributer
2.) CAD design
3.) Machining Practice
4.) Design Review
5.) Valve Selection
1.) I was able to contact four different suppliers over fall break. I described what I was doing, and for who, and asked for their suggestions. I explained that I was more of an amateur machinist, but learn quick, and enjoy working with machines like lathes and CNC devices. I was referred to the company CDS Plastics, in which I was able to get donated four bricks of UMDH, High Density Polyethylene.
It's not super easy to machine, but with sharp tools, a good plan, and adjustable speed settings I should be able to manage just fine. The plastic is incredibly durable, it's the toughest stuff around. Luckily for us it's relatively cheap, and in this case, I was able to get it all donated.
I received a 27 pound package in the mail last week, and plan on machining in the near future.
This is big for our group because, with out the Mass Spec working, we can't begin testing and we don't have any tangible progress, so having a piece of plastic machine will look really good on our overall progress.
2.) I put together a projection rotation sketch in Auto CAD. Just something to show people my mind's eye. It's simple, east to make on either the SLA or to machine. At this point I'd like to machine it because 1. I'll learn more 2. It's more fun for me 3. I don't have enough knowledge with the SLA yet.
I will be using a radial arm saw. Drill press. Router. I doubt I'll need anything else. By creating jig and fixtures I'll be able to adjust and recreate my pieces while building, rather than creating something on screen, telling a CNC to do the work, and making a mistake that I can't foresee until the final product.
Extra materials I'll need are:
1 - rubber o-rings
2 - machining screws
3 - 12 inches of 1/4inch OD tubing
4 - valve
5 - I'm sure I'm over looking something.
3.) I've submitted my "application" to work in the ME lab to build these pieces, however, have not been given "clearance" yet to get my training. At home I have all the tools and bit I'll need to create the pieces.
4.) Valve selection. I need to see a sorbent tube and have not been in the lab to take exact measurements yet. I also don't know what the advisor needs and how my team plans on using the tube in conjunction with the mass spec. This information will help me on selecting a cheap valve made of plastic, or an expensive one made form stainless. Each valve will work.
5.) Our team had the design review last week. I think because we're all a little inexperienced with MSDA, and aren't superb with communicating what happens at meetings and out of our meetings that is why we didn't perform so well. During my portion of the presentation. I should have known more about the Tenax, however, I really do not give a woof about the chemical workings. As long as the sorbent tube does what it is supposed too, then good, I don't need to know the carbon to carbon bond structure inside...What I was concerned with was making a good transition between my mind and the client's, to a group of respected engineers. I made some good analogies showing my knowledge about the subject and that I have a clear understanding of what needs to be done and the problem at hand. I presented my solution and how I plan to achieve it. I was congratulated afterward. I'm rather proud of my performance.
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