How to make (almost) anything
Course info
Programme
Staff
Course semester
Exam
Abstract
The course is a hands-on introduction to the tools that are necessary to design and develop physical artefacts.Description
This course is the first course of the Robotics specialisation.
The course will give an overview of the most important manufacturing methods like 3D printing, NC milling, laser cutting or moulding. In addition, we will explain how to design simple electric circuits to handle sensors and actuators and how to design printed circuit boards. These techniques will allow students to design physical prototypes on their own at the end of the course.
The topics for each lecture could be:
- Lecture 1: The design process, 3D modelling and assemblies
- Lecture 2: 3D printing
- Lecture 3: Laser, water jet and plasma cutting and basic techniques (drilling, sawing, tapping, etc. )
- Lecture 4: Machine elements (bearings, gears, belts, fasteners, etc.) and mechanisms
- Lecture 5: Electronics, sensors and actuators
- Lecture 6: Microcontroller programming and advanced sensors and actuators
- Lecture 7: PCB design
- Lecture 8: Milling and turning
- Lecture 9: Moulding
Formal prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites for this course. A completed course on programming such as "Introductory Programming" will be helpful but is not mandatory.
It is recommended to have taken the IxD Workshop Courses (Laser license and 3D printing license) https://ixdlab.itu.dk/courses/. These courses will allow you to use the IxD and REAL workshops during the course. However, we will run special courses for the students who did not take them.
Intended learning outcomes
After the course, the student should be able to:
- analyse and compare the main manufacturing methods
- model 3D parts and assemblies using Computer Aided Design (CAD) Software at beginner level
- select the best manufacturing process for a component
- design simple electronic systems and circuit boards
- use different manufacturing tools to produce parts
- prototype complete, but simple mechatronic systems
Ordinary exam
Exam type:D: Submission of written work with following oral, External (7-point scale)
Exam variation:
D2G: Submission for groups with following oral exam supplemented by the submission. Shared responsibility for the report.