Engineering Design w/ 3D PrintingReference ID: P120
http://pathways.nppd.com/P120

This pathway connects the ASK, IMAGINE, PLAN, CREATE, & IMPROVE engineering design process with real world learning. Workforce connections include professional sharing in a public power environment, using digital design and iteration, material testing and procedures like Lock Out Tag Out, and a culture of safety.
Foundation
   

Open Sourced Learning

Having a shared learning community is essential in today's fast paced world. Public power by nature is a shared community where ideas, safety tips, lessons learned, and new innovations are shared to benefit the public. This activity utilizes shared learning communities to help you learn the basics of 3D printing correlated with workforce skills including the "Ask" and the "Imagine" stages of the engineering design process.

Intro to Open Sourced Learning
Find out what open sourced learning means in a classroom and in the utility industry. Using the shared knowledge of a learning community inspires you ...
Using 3D Repositories
Where to go to get inspired.
Introduction to Afinia H800 Printer
The NPPD STEM Connections Lab utilizes the Afinia H800 printer. Please review their overview video before you print!
ANALOG
 

Notebook Scale & Design

Learning the "PLAN" stage of the engineering design process through a challenging reverse engineering project. Get your hands on an electrical insulator and see if you can replicate it using the engineering process - in reverse!

Engineering Notebook Example
Engineering notebooks are essential in many technical careers. 
Reverse Engineering Challenge
Description Here
DIGITAL
   

Tinkering is a Skill!

Iterations in the digital world not only improve efficiency it also saves resources. In this activity you will utilize the DESIGN stage of the engineering process and learn to use digital software to design your product.

TinkerCAD introduction video
The NPPD STEM Connections Lab utilizes the free TinkerCAD software. This video will give you a quick introduction on how to use TinkerCAD for your STE...
LOGIC
 

Procedures in 3D

3D printing seems easy - when it works. To avoid sticky situations in the utility industry, we plan for possible challenges. Your task is to create a flow chart that will incorporate the steps for a successful print and at least 3 contingency plans for possible problems that you might face during the printing process.

Draw IO
Check out this free flow chart design app and create your own flowchart!

Flowcharts with Draw.IO

DATA
 

It's a Material World

One of the biggest potential gains in wind power rides on the engineering design of the blades. Longer. Stronger. More efficient. These are all challenges you can TEST during this phase of the engineering design process.

  1. Use the Build a Tower blueprint to create a testing unit
  2. Design and print two different blade sets
  3. Test efficiency with digital multi-meter

The Power of Wind
How is electricity made from wind?
Build a Turbine Blueprints
Here is what you need to build your scale model wind turbine!
INNOVATION
 

Improvement = Innovation

The engineering design process doesn't exclusively take place on the development of new inventions. Our challenge in the energy industry isn't to dream of the next big thing - it is to continuously improve existing processes, while working towards the next big thing! Take this challenge to improve upon an existing product using the entire engineering process and implementing your new ideas!

The Process of Innovation
It is not as easy as Invent then get rich. The innovation process is just that a process. Using the 3D printer prototype improvements to your best bla...

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Multi-Meter Functions
  • How do you measure Amps and Voltage? Explore the features of a multi-meter. Use the meter to take different readings and test the connectivity of cond...
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Testing, Tolerance, & Reliability
  • IT WORKS!!! One of the greatest feelings in an engineer's life. Until it doesn't - and it won't. Test it - over and over. Tighten it up - reduce your ...
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TESTED! Right tool Right Place
  • Test your motor! What is the size, strength, and rpm of the electric motor? Develop engineering standards on different motors. 
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Procedures in 3D
  • 3D printing seems easy - when it works. To avoid sticky situations in the utility industry, we plan for possible challenges. Your task is to create a ...
  •  
It's a Material World
  • One of the biggest potential gains in wind power rides on the engineering design of the blades. Longer. Stronger. More efficient. These are all challe...
  •