For our second assignment, we were all given an aluminum block with varying dimensions. Our task was to design and manufacture a gasket that could fit directly on top of the block.To accomplish this, we had to first measure the aluminum block and create a rough sketch, marking all of its dimensions. This was measured using calipers.














After that, we had to translate our rough sketch into a CAD model using Solidworks. The model mainly involved adding a few extrusions, fillets, and chamfers.































The manufacturing method chosen here was CNC milling. However, one cannot just import the Solidworks file into the machine. It had to be translated to G-Code first. This was done through the use of GibbsCAM, a software that translated a CAD model into something that can be manufactured. Through this software, we selected the specific tools we were going to use in the CNC mill and selected the specific contours that the tools were going to be used to cut.













Finally, the last step was going to our school’s EPIC (Engineering Product and Innovation Center) to machine it. The file was imported into the CNC mill and the PVC material was cut. Unfortunately, there was one small problem (not really). The gasket I had created did not fit exactly on top of the block. This was because the outer dimensions of the gasket were smaller than the block. To ensure that this mistake doesn’t occur again, I would take the time to recheck my measurements. I would also ensure that the angle that the caliper makes with the block when measuring it doesn’t affect the results.