Engineering, Design, and 3D Printing: Key Concepts and Principles

What is engineering?

The application of science and math to design solutions that meet human needs or solve problems.

What is the purpose of engineering legislation?

To ensure engineering practices protect the public's safety, health, and welfare.

What is PEO?

Professional Engineers Ontario, the regulatory body that licenses engineers in Ontario.

What are the requirements for licensure under PEO?

Engineering degree, 48 months of supervised experience, and passing the professional practice exam.

What is the PEO Code of Ethics?

A set of principles guiding engineers to act with integrity, competence, and public responsibility.

Define equality.

Treating everyone the same regardless of differences.

Define equity.

Providing fair opportunities by addressing individual needs and removing barriers.

What is the purpose of an engineering notebook?

To record designs, ideas, calculations, and experiments in a legal, traceable format.

Why is an engineering notebook important?

It provides evidence of innovation, design ownership, and engineering process.

List one best practice for keeping an engineering notebook.

Date entries, write in ink, and avoid leaving blank spaces.

What is CAD?

Computer-Aided Design; software used to create precise technical drawings and 3D models.

Why is CAD used in engineering?

It increases design accuracy, efficiency, and ease of modification.

What are good sketching practices before CAD modeling?

Use proper proportions, centerlines, and clear dimensions.

What is the purpose of features in CAD?

To create geometry such as extrusions, cuts, holes, and fillets.

What is reverse engineering?

The process of analyzing an existing product to understand its design and function.

How is reverse engineering used in design?

To improve or replicate an existing product design.

Why is standardization important in CAD drawings?

Ensures consistent communication of design intent across teams.

What is design?

A creative process of developing solutions to meet human needs or solve problems.

What does it mean 'to design'?

To plan and create a system, product, or process intentionally.

What is discovery in design?

Researching, brainstorming, and identifying possible directions before developing solutions.

What is iteration in design?

Repeating and refining a design process to improve the solution.

What are ideation methods?

Techniques for generating ideas, such as brainstorming, mind mapping, or SCAMPER.

What are design need statements?

Concise expressions describing what the design must accomplish.

What are design objectives?

Desired outcomes or performance goals the design should achieve.

What are design constraints?

Limitations or restrictions such as size, budget, time, or materials.

What is a microcontroller?

A compact integrated circuit that controls electronic systems using programmed instructions.

List one use of microcontrollers.

Controlling sensors, motors, lights, or other devices in automated systems.

What are electronic circuit basics?

Include power sources, conductors, loads, and connections forming a closed loop.

What is the structure of an Arduino program?

It includes a setup() function and a loop() function.

What does setup() do in Arduino code?

Runs once to initialize settings or pin modes.

What does loop() do in Arduino code?

Continuously executes commands to control hardware.

Arduino function example

digitalWrite(pin, HIGH); turns on an output pin.

Importance of microcontrollers

They allow automation, sensing, and control in embedded systems.

Universal design principles

Guidelines that make products usable by all people regardless of ability.

Iceberg model of the mind

Shows that most mental processes (attitudes, values) are hidden below conscious awareness.

Discoverability in design

How easily a user can understand how to use a product.

Affordances

Physical or visual clues about how something should be used.

Signifiers

Indicators (like labels or icons) that signal what actions are possible.

Constraints

Limits that prevent incorrect actions or restrict possible operations.

Mappings

The relationship between controls and their effects in the real world.

Feedback in design

The system's response that tells the user an action has occurred.

Conceptual model

The user's mental image of how a system works.

7-stage action cycle

A model describing user interaction: goal, plan, specify, act, perceive, interpret, compare, adjust.

Reasons for design failure

Poor feedback, confusing mappings, or misunderstanding user needs.

PrusaSlicer

Software used to convert 3D models into printer instructions (G-code).

3D printing process

Designing a model → slicing → printing → post-processing.

Type of 3D printing

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM).

Supports in 3D printing

Temporary structures that hold overhanging parts during printing.

Importance of part orientation

It affects strength, surface finish, and support requirements.

Influences on part strength

Layer adhesion, infill density, and material type.

Design for assembly in 3D printing

Designing parts to fit together after printing for functionality.

Common FDM materials

PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU.

Key characteristic of FDM printing

Layer-by-layer extrusion of melted filament.

Importance of teamwork in engineering

Collaboration is essential to project success and innovation.

Social loafing

A member contributing less effort when working in a group.

Preventing social loafing

Assign tasks clearly and recognize individual work.

Types of team conflict

Task, process, and relationship conflict.

Conflict type that can improve performance

Task conflict, when relationship conflict is low.

Feedback

Constructive communication that helps improve performance and motivation.

5 characteristics of quality feedback

Specific, positive, goal-based, actionable, compassionate.

ACT model of feedback reception

Accept, Clarify, Thank.

Group norms

Shared standards that guide behavior and interactions.

Psychological safety

Confidence that one can speak or take risks without punishment.

Fostering positive group culture

Growth mindset, feedback seeking, and respect.

Project Aristotle

Google's research identifying psychological safety as key to team success.

Shared leadership

Team members taking turns leading and supporting others.

3S team reflection

Stay, Stop, Start — assess what to continue, stop, or start doing.