Schedule: 15-294 Rapid Prototyping Technologies

Fall 2025, Mini A1 -- Home Page

DateLectureOffice Hours Project/AssignmentHand-in
Week 1    Mon 8/25 Lecture: Course overview.
Video: 17 Incredible 3D-Printed Objects
Article and video on Ghost Guns

(A) IDeATe laser cutter info.
(B) Laser cutter safety module.
(C) Quick Start Guide
Software setup: install SolidWorks

Choose your fire extinguisher training session 9/9 or 9/10 or a later date.

Wed 8/27 Introduction to SolidWorks, part 1: sketches, dimensions, relations, extruded base, extruded cut, fillets. #1: Make a Spirograph
Fri 8/29 Dave 3-4 pm
 
Week 2 Mon 9/1 No class. Labor Day.
Tue 9/2 Avery 5-6 pm
Wed 9/3 Laser cutter intro.
Introduction to SolidWorks, part 2: configurations, assemblies, mates, drawings, DXF files.
Sample part: StandPiece1.SLDPRT
Browse the Fusion Series System Manual to learn about our laser cutters.
Fri 9/5 Dave 3-4 pm
 
Week 3 Mon 9/8 Lecture: DXF file format.
SolidWorks part 3: splines, trim, kerf compensation, interference check, hole wizard.
Watch Gear 1 and Epilog Quick-Start Tutorial
#2. Tree Generator
Spirograph files due
Tue 9/9 Avery 5-6 pm Fire extinguisher training 2:30 PM in Hunt A4
Wed 9/10 Lecture: Working in 3D. SolidWorks part 4: revolves, lofts, shell, and flex. See these Flex Examples from SolidWorks online help. Technology Presentation Spirograph post due;
Fire extinguisher training 10 AM in Hunt 106C
Fri 9/12 Dave 3-4 pm
 
Week 4 Mon 9/15 Intro to the Array 3D Printer.
In-class project: make a molecule.
#3. Molecule design
and
3D Printing Service
Trees files due
Tue 9/16 Avery 5-6 pm
Wed 9/17 Lecture: STL file format. Slicing algorithms.
STL demo files.
Technology presentations (slides)
Technology presentation slide due by 5pm
Trees post due
Fri 9/19 Dave 3-4 pm
 
Week 5 Mon 9/22 Equations and design tables in SolidWorks. #4. Duck rendering. Molecule files due
Tue 9/23 Avery 5-6 pm
Wed 9/24 Lecture: Design tricks for
mechatronics and robotics.
Laser-Cut Enclosure Design:
advice from Adafruit Industries.
Laser cutter origami. 3D Printed Fabric
Shopping at McMaster-Carr.
#5. Final project
Fri 9/26 Dave 3-4 pm
 
Week 6 Mon 9/29 Lecture: CSWA part 1: Drawings, annotations, and part properties.
Reference: SOLIDWORKS Certification Exam Guide & Practice Test
Video: Solidworks CSWA practice exam
Partial Part4.SLDPRT
Materials Presentation Molecule post due
Duck files due
Tue 9/30 Avery 5-6 pm
Wed 10/1 Lecture: Solidworks CSWA exam part 2.
Part file Basic_Part_4.SLDPRT.
Part file Hunk3.SLDPRT.
Parts for chain assembly
Video tutorial.
Fri 10/3 Dave 3-4 pm
 
Week 7 Mon 10/6 Materials Presentations: (slides)
Slotted box
Materials presentation slide due by 5pm
Duck post due
Tue 10/7 Avery 5-6 pm
Wed 10/8 Surfaces and hinges.
Fri 10/10 No more classes. Final projects due. Dave 3-4 pm Final projects due

Some Common Sense Advice

Take care of yourself. Do your best to maintain a healthy lifestyle this semester by eating well, exercising, avoiding drugs and alcohol, getting enough sleep and taking some time to relax. This will help you achieve your goals and cope with stress.

All of us benefit from support during times of struggle. You are not alone. There are many helpful resources available on campus and an important part of the college experience is learning how to ask for help. Asking for support sooner rather than later is often helpful.

If you or anyone you know experiences any academic stress, difficult life events, or feelings like anxiety or depression, we strongly encourage you to seek support. Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS) is here to help: call 412-268-2922 and visit their website at http://www.cmu.edu/counseling/. Consider reaching out to a friend, faculty or family member you trust for help getting connected to the support that can help.


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