I have a sort of broad question and I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask it. But here goes.
I was wondering about how people design custom parts for their cars? , one example is making a custom exhaust pipe.
I realize that there is probably computer CAD programs... but which ones are used for designing car parts?
Also what does it mean when people mention that they got a ____ machined? Does it mean they told someone what they wanted and then that person designed it and made it? Or does it mean they just gave the spec of the part and the part was made?
How would you suggest I learn about this, by myself?
P.s. this is a noob question. So forgive the very elementry knowledge and generality of the question.
custom parts
parts can be designed on any of the numerous CAD programs available: proE, Autocad..etc.
custom exhaust pipes can be sized up on the lift and bent by a tech, or they can be designed on a CAD platform for higher accuracy and if mandrel bends are desired.
Something can be machined from printed plans or specs on manual machine tools, or they can be automatically machined using a variety of CNC machining processes and software that converts the solid electronic model into g-code that the CNC machine understands. Another method is human programming of g-code, which really really sucks....i know, believe me.
I would say that most custom parts for automobiles are fabricated by hand on the lathe, mill, etc, using supplied diagrams, specs, or simply direct measurements taken off the car
pick up a book from the library about machining and manufactureing processes,
"manufacturing processes and engineering materials" by Kalpakjian is good.
any book will do.
the internet doesnt provide a very good wealth of information on this subject, at least that i know of, maybe dennis knows of a good online resouce.
custom exhaust pipes can be sized up on the lift and bent by a tech, or they can be designed on a CAD platform for higher accuracy and if mandrel bends are desired.
Something can be machined from printed plans or specs on manual machine tools, or they can be automatically machined using a variety of CNC machining processes and software that converts the solid electronic model into g-code that the CNC machine understands. Another method is human programming of g-code, which really really sucks....i know, believe me.
I would say that most custom parts for automobiles are fabricated by hand on the lathe, mill, etc, using supplied diagrams, specs, or simply direct measurements taken off the car
pick up a book from the library about machining and manufactureing processes,
"manufacturing processes and engineering materials" by Kalpakjian is good.
any book will do.
the internet doesnt provide a very good wealth of information on this subject, at least that i know of, maybe dennis knows of a good online resouce.
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synik
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Ya I was sorta getting that feeling about the internet not having too much info on this sorta subject. Thanks for the reply and suggestion.
On the other hand I have used autocad. It's a decent program... though somewhat cumbersome.
Anyway, my motivation for asking about this subject is: When I'm working on a car and need to get something machined or custom made I'd like to learn how to do it myself. (part of it is that it will save money... and I could prolly do some more unique mods with this sorta knowledge.)
On the other hand I have used autocad. It's a decent program... though somewhat cumbersome.
Anyway, my motivation for asking about this subject is: When I'm working on a car and need to get something machined or custom made I'd like to learn how to do it myself. (part of it is that it will save money... and I could prolly do some more unique mods with this sorta knowledge.)
i know exactly where you are coming from. If you are proficient in 3d solid modeling (CAD), you posess a good deal of the requirements for designing and prototyping a part. However, a full understanding of material failure modes, fatigue, and stress concentrations (Finite element analysis always helps!) is really a necessity for fabrication or actually designing a component. Old school hot rodders on the other hand just do dimensions and tolerances by what "feels right", so there is an obvious element of experience involved.
It wouldnt hurt to get the basics in both failure analysis and a bunch of hands-on machining and manufacturing experience. Youll learn by your mistakes, trust me.
for now, just start fabbing.
It wouldnt hurt to get the basics in both failure analysis and a bunch of hands-on machining and manufacturing experience. Youll learn by your mistakes, trust me.
for now, just start fabbing.
Autocad is very cumbersome, as it was never really optimized to work in 3-dimension. Try to look for a copy of solidworks or catia, they are similar to pro-e but a bit more user friendly IMHO.
Of course, computer modeling never really required to design good parts (but it sure is useful and fun trying and messing with different ideas w/o building it)
I think a great place to start would be to look at interesting parts made by others you've seen and see what you can do to improve it. What sort of manufacturing process are u interested in? welding? machineing?
Of course, computer modeling never really required to design good parts (but it sure is useful and fun trying and messing with different ideas w/o building it)
I think a great place to start would be to look at interesting parts made by others you've seen and see what you can do to improve it. What sort of manufacturing process are u interested in? welding? machineing?
MrFox wrote:Try to look for a copy of solidworks or catia, they are similar to pro-e but a bit more user friendly IMHO.
PTC is addressing that...their new Wildfire version of Pro is pretty freakin cool...way slicker for modelling. I got my first training session on it today, so I haven't gone beyond piece-parts. Been using 2001 for 2 years.
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Scott McLellan
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