Shape Deposition Manufacturing

Shape Deposition Manufacturing (SDM) is our method of choice for creating bio-inspired robots, haptic devices etc. Briefly, SDM is somewhat similar to other rapid-prototyping methods like laser sintering, fused deposition modeling, etc. However, it works with combinations of hard and soft materials and allows one to embed discrete components such as sensors and bearings in the middle of a part. The price we pay is that it is slower and requires more manual effort than commercial rapid-prototyping processes.

For those who are not at familiar with the process, SDMOverviewAndLinks contains information describing the process and examples of parts made using SDM.

Tutorials for Current Lab Members

These pages contain all the information you should need to create an SDM part from start to finish.

• SDMUsingPolymers - Pouring polymers safely, waste disposal, polymer details (cure-times, mix ratios, hardness, etc)
• SDMQuickReference - quick overview/reminder of the steps in Unigraphics
• SDMBasicUnigraphics - Basics of setting up a part in SolidWorks, importing parts into Unigraphics, creating a basic planar mill operation, basic post-processing.
• SDMAdvancedUnigraphics? - See SDMTutorialNotes for now until we migrate stuff over. Cavity mill and contour mill operations, advanced post-processing.
• MachiningOnTheHAAS - How to use the HAAS, downloading toolpaths, running programs, planing blocks
• HAASToolTable - Information about feed rates and cut depths, etc. for the tools on the HAAS
• SDMConsumableMaterials - All the supplies needed to SDM and where to restock them

SDMProcessNotes contains useful information about the SDM process, including a tutorial and much more (urethane properties, end mills, etc...)

• SDMTutorialNotes - A comprehensive tutorial of the SDM process
• MachiningOnTheHAAS - How to use the HAAS
• YoungsModuliForUrethanes
• SdmTechniques - Various useful SDM techniques
• UrethaneWaste - How to deal with the hazardous waste

• NewEquipmentOptions - thinking about new options