Steering Students Toward Manufacturing

By DE Editors

Students can test their manufacturing mettle in the Mastercam 2007 Innovator of the Future Competition sponsored by CNC Software (Tolland, CT). The 2007 challenge is to design and machine a half-scale steering wheel. The wheel’s outside diameter must be 7 inches, with an overall thickness of 1 inch. The grip cross section has an unspecified diameter. The center hub must have a diameter of 2.25 inches with a minimum thickness of 0.20 inches. The mounting hole pattern must provide 9 holes on a 1-inch radius to accept #6-32 screws. A center hole 1.75 inches in diameter accommodates wiring. A horn button must cover the mounting screws. The final assembly must achieve a tolerance of +/- 0.010 inch.

In addition, the part must be programmed with Mastercam software. It can be made from any material that would be appropriate for an actual steering wheel. Entrants must also tell the story behind the part—its inspiration, materials used, and so forth. Deadline for entries is December 31, 2007. Click here for more details.