MAKER: Converting the Sketch of an Artifact into a Composite Bezier Curve and Producing it in the Boxford Milling Machine

Students in an Introduction to CAM course would have theory classes augmented by handson experiments in the lab. At United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) the students were taught parametric curves and NC programming in the theory classes. A project to inspire the students and excite their creativity while cementing the theory they have learned was needed. A milling project, a memorabilia clock, was chosen as the candidate. The cross section was drawn on a graph paper and was broken into an assemblage of straight line and curve segments. The nodal points, tangency condition and optional intermediate points described the assemblage. It was transferred to CorelDraw software and the shape was modelled and the control points were obtained. The model of the cross section was transferred to the Boxford Milling Machine as an assemblage of straight lines and Bezier curve segments defined by their control points. The product was manufactured. The students had an exciting experience and learned an important practical side of Bezier Curves. The methodology developed is generic and can be used to make similar products.