During the Fall 2025 semester, I completed ENGR 2720 to establish a foundation in CNC machining and fabrication. The coursework covered essential skills, including manual G-code programming, machine safety, and the calculation of feeds and speeds. We applied these concepts through a comprehensive semester project: machining a multi-piece train assembly. This project required executing multiple setups on both mills and lathes, granting me experience with machine operation and tooling.
Beyond the operational skills, this course was pivotal in shaping my understanding of Design for Manufacturability. Prior to this experience, I often encountered bottlenecks where my designs were theoretically sound but practically unmanufacturable, leading to time-consuming and complex redesigns. By learning the constraints and capabilities of the machinery firsthand, I can now design components that are not only functional but also efficient to manufacture.