Week 7: Digital Fabrication and Prototyping

Q: What is digital fabrication?
A: Using computer-controlled machines to create physical objects from digital designs.

Q: What is subtractive manufacturing?
A: Removing material to shape an object, such as CNC machining.

Q: What is additive manufacturing?
A: Building objects layer by layer, as in 3D printing.

Q: What is the role of G-code in CNC machining?
A: It provides instructions for machine tool movements.

Q: What is CAM software?
A: Converts CAD designs into toolpaths for manufacturing.

Q: What is the main advantage of 3D printing?
A: It allows rapid prototyping of complex geometries.

Q: What is two-sided machining?
A: Flipping a workpiece to machine both sides.

Q: What is SLA printing?
A: A 3D printing method that uses UV light to cure resin.

Q: What is the purpose of slicing software in 3D printing?
A: To convert 3D models into layers and generate G-code.

Q: What is toolpath simulation?
A: Testing CNC tool movements virtually to avoid errors.

Q: What is photopolymerization in 3D printing?
A: A process using light to harden liquid resin layer by layer.

Q: Why is support material important in 3D printing?
A: It prevents overhangs and complex structures from collapsing.

Q: What are the limitations of binder jet metal printing?
A: It requires post-processing for full strength.

Q: What is the role of MCUs in CNC machines?
A: To execute G-code and control tool movements.

Q: Why is aluminum popular for CNC machining?
A: It is lightweight, machinable, and corrosion-resistant.

Q: What is the difference between CAD and CAM?
A: CAD is for design; CAM is for manufacturing instructions.

Q: What is laser cutting?
A: Using concentrated light to cut or engrave materials.

Q: Why are vertical mills used?
A: For precise 3-axis machining of parts.

Q: What is hybrid manufacturing?
A: Combining additive and subtractive techniques.

Q: What are extruders in 3D printing?
A: Devices that deposit melted plastic layer by layer.

Q: What is the purpose of heat beds in 3D printers?
A: To improve layer adhesion during printing.

Q: What are some advantages of CNC over manual machining?
A: Higher precision, repeatability, and faster production.

Q: What is the primary use of hollow extrusions?
A: To create tubes and lightweight frames.

Q: Why are 5-axis CNC machines valuable?
A: They allow cutting of complex geometries without repositioning.

Q: What is open-source 3D printing?
A: Sharing design files and printer setups for community use.

Q: What is the difference between FDM and SLA 3D printing?
A: FDM uses melted plastic; SLA uses liquid resin and UV curing.

Q: What is overmolding in digital fabrication?
A: Adding a secondary material layer to an existing part.

Q: What is the main advantage of CO2 lasers in cutting?
A: Precision for thin materials like plastics and wood.

Q: What is the significance of tolerances in digital fabrication?
A: They determine how precisely parts fit together.

Q: What is the difference between prototyping and production?
A: Prototyping focuses on testing; production focuses on scaling.