FINAL IDEA
2
PLANNING THE MAKING OF YOUR PROTOTYPE (S)
You have now established how your prototype will be different to your final design you will now need to develop a plan to ensure you can action the making of this effectively.
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There are a number of useful techniques that you can use to plan your manufacturing. For each technique you will need to make sure that you detail the making of each component and then also how you will construct them together after. You will also need to include a plan for every prototype you create including any 'digital' prototypes including electronics and app design. Below are some different ways of communication plans.
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LISTS
TABLES
FLOWCHART
GANNT CHART
How much and what details are needed?
Once you have selected your technique you need to communicate your plan to include the basic details of making it. The best way to judge if you have included enough detail is to ask yourself 'Would another design student be able to read your instructions and understand how to make the part?' . If the answer is no you will need to add more details. Remember to make sure you plan references the different parts names / numbers that you used in your final design section.
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The other aspects that you will need to include are the following:
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+ Quality Controls + Quality Checks + Health & Safety + Assistance needed
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QUALITY CONTROL
These are the controls or measures you put in place before making something to ensure the product is a high quality when finished.
Examples of quality control measures are:
- measure and marking
- use of a centre punch when drilling
- use of jigs / patterns
- use of CAD/CAM
- use of vices / clamps to secure work
- use of built in measuring dials on machinary
- ensure the 3D printing bed is clear of debris and preheated beforer use
Health & Safety
What health and safety considerations are there for that particular manufacturing process.
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Some examples of H&S within the workshop could include:
- Googles
- Dust Extraction
- Heat resistant gloves
- Clamping of work
- Hair tied back / no loose clothing
QUALITY CHECK
These are checks that you carry out throughout and at the end of the making process to ensure that it is being made correctly and accuratly.
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Examples of some quality checks would be:
- measuring throughout the process at critical stages to check dimensions
- tolerance fits, if one part needs to connect with another accuratly and precisely this will be checked through the making process
- visual check
ASSISTANCE NEEDED
If you need help on the machinery in order to make the part you should mention this in your plan.
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Examples of this could be:
- The teacher will use the bandsaw to cut the wood to length for me
- I will work with the Design technician on the lathe to make sure that I am using it correctly and it is safe to use. (supervision)
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Exemplars
