Initial outline and time schedule

This is a project log for my HNC project undertaken at Newbury college, I've decided to produce it in a digital format on a blog rather than a written format as there will be a lot of links to reference to and as a result it will make it easier when i come to write the project report.

Ive decided for my project I will be designing a milling machine, the purpose of this machine is to be able to produce patterns for aerodynamics on motorsport related vehicles.

The plan is to model parts on a computer using some CAD software, run these through flow simulation software then produce the form on this machine.



Image from:
http://www.symscape.com/files/images/advantage_cfd_example.jpg

This is an example of the type of modelling and flow simulation I wish to perform.



It shall be used to create the shapes of slices of a shape that will then be fixed in a lattice type structure. Foam will then be used to fill space between the slices and then skimmed over the top prior to composite molding. These slices will be primarily made from MDF (medium density fiber).



Image taken from:

http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/TNZK8-z0ndk/hqdefault.jpg

I also want the machine to be fairly general purpose. I wish for it to be able to make components from 6 series t6 aluminum, thus the machine will be balanced between cutting these two materials with the emphasis on MDF.

I also wish for the machines capabilities to be extended in the future with the addition of a rotary 4th axis and a small 5 axis arrangement to allow the production of furniture another hobby of mine.

Time schedule