Smart Design

AI tools and technology (Generative AI, AI agents, Conversational AI) faces a growing trust issue with consumers. Does your AI tool or feature have a trust gap? My recent work at Smart Design dives deep into this critical issue. In this article, I explore the 6 key needs your product should look to meet to gain user trust in this ever-evolving era of AI. 🤖 Illustrations by Yodai Yasunaga ✨ #AITechnology #GenerativeAI #AIAgents #TrustAndTechnology #UI #UserExperience

𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 As Vasily and I conclude our manual machining project, we would like to share some overarching lessons that can be applied broadly to design engineering project work, not just limited to manual machining. 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 The engineering and manufacturing processes are not linear. From project planning, concept ideation, all the way through to a product’s implementation, there is space in the process to double back, explore further, and make improvements. Unexpected roadblocks pop up along the way, regardless of initial planning and strategy. Adaptivity involves understanding when to stick to the plan and when to adjust your strategy based on new information and unexpected challenges. 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 Working with manual machines means having direct control over the inputs that create the outcome. Using your senses can help you to craft not just any outcome but a more desired outcome. “Working by feel” can translate to having an intuitive understanding of the task at hand. This involves being in tune with the nuances of a project and making informed decisions based on experience and instinct. Trusting your instincts while balancing them with strategic considerations, both in manufacturing and engineering, can lead to more effective problem-solving and project management. 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 Reflecting back to my first post, my initial introduction to manual machining was 8 years ago, when I first learned how to make a paper weight cannon. Now I returned to this project as a manual machining refresher and a measure of skill development over time. This reminder of personal growth and learning is an important part of any professional journey. Time tends to smooth things out, making it a valuable practice to refresh and practice dormant skills. Reflecting on our journey, it's clear that project value is not just in the final product but in the learning and growth that come from the process. Thank you for following this process with us and thank you Smart Design for letting us use the shop resources! Look back through our machining journey here: Part one: https://bit.ly/4bfNVze Part two: https://bit.ly/4bvAjzm Part three: https://bit.ly/3UUR2FS Part four: https://bit.ly/3Rk3kXn Part five: https://bit.ly/4cBmIHA #ManualMachining #EngineeringJourney #SmartDesignExploration #SmartDesign

𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 Lathes are designed for operations that require rotational symmetry. While typically intended for cylindrical geometry, lathe’s can achieve a precise and superior surface finish compared to the mill. Considering we had some unique geometry to machine, Vasily and I had to think through these several topics during the process. For more context on this project done at Smart Design, look to our initial post in the links below. 𝟏. 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: For maintaining dimensional accuracy, ensure your stock is perfectly aligned in the chuck, especially when machining spans across multiple sessions. Start and end similar processes within the same machining session if features need to be dimensionally aligned/consistent. In this project it meant machining the tapered surfaces at the same time to maintain concentricity and consistent angle across each section. If you need to remove and reinstall your workpiece, be aware that it is improbable to align it as it was before. 𝟐. 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝: The spindle speed, or the rate at which the chuck rotates, depends on the cutting material and the operation. Higher speeds may be desirable when turning to remove material along the length of a workpiece, while slower speeds are necessary for operations like cutting off a piece at the end. As with manual milling, chips an be used as an indicator for whether your speed and depth of cut is appropriate for the operation. 𝟑. 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲: Safety becomes even more crucial when working with a manual lathe. Since the entire chuck on a lathe spins at high speeds, it is essential to make sure your workpiece is clamped down and that your cutting tool is secure. On Smart Design's lathe the foot pedal is a quick way to halt the machine in case of an emergency. Locate your own lathe’s emergency stop before you start. 𝟒. 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐩: Pay careful attention to your tool setup to enhance the quality of your cut. Make sure to adjust your tool height so that the cutting edge aligns with the centerline of the workpiece, which is critical for optimal cutting performance. 𝟓. 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: The lathe’s tool rest can rotate on its axis to adjust the angle at which the tool cuts the part. Utilizing the angle adjustment feature can improve the versatility of your machining, allowing you to make complex features. Changing the angle of cut also changes the amount of material that you are removing from a straight part, so be careful not to remove too much material at once. As we are reaching the end of your series, let us know in the comments what you’d like to hear in our closing post. Happy Machining! Keep up with our machining journey here: Part one: https://bit.ly/4bfNVze Part two: https://bit.ly/4bvAjzm Part three: https://bit.ly/3UUR2FS Part four: https://bit.ly/3Rk3kXn #ManualMachining #EngineeringJourney #SmartDesignExploration #SmartDesign