UCS1001-Critical Thinking and Communicating-S21 Caleb's Blog

Brooks (2023) states that FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) operates when a filament, usually made of PLA (Polylactic acid) or ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is heated, and is placed in layers onto a print bed. Directing this process, the design is converted into instructions for the printer by slicing software. The object forms when each layer hardens. According to Protolabs Network (n.d.), material versatility allows users to switch their choice of material depending on the properties they would like to achieve. FDM is also accurate to the nearest mm (millimeter). Lastly, FDM features the most economical way to produce custom thermoplastic parts and prototypes. Because of the affordability and availability of FDM printers, lead times are shorter and cheaper than other additive manufacturing methods. This technology also enables the creation of intricate shapes and designs that would be difficult or impractical to achieve otherwise (Engineering Product Design, 2024). Thesis State...

Figure 1 Adapted from "WHAT IS FDM 3D PRINTING", HLHRAPID.COM Retrieved September 16, 2024 Justin prompted a gAI, ChatGPT to give us a list of features and functions for the technology of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). Using the information provided by ChatGPT as stated earlier, I prompted Google to search for the functions of Fused Deposition Modeling while Justin handled the research on the features. I read though various websites for Google which describe the functions of Fused Deposition Modeling. Additionally, I evaluated from the research Justin worked on for our Summary Draft to see which features will strongly support my thesis in my own summary of the Reader Response. For my thesis, I used ChatGPT with the prompts: "Provide three reasons why Fused Deposition Modeling can replace traditional methods in the industry" and "From the previous response, give a counter argument that shows why traditional manufacturing methods are better than Fused Depositio...

Dear Professor Blackstone, I am writing this email to introduce myself for your class. Before university, I was in Nanyang Polytechnic where I studied the Common Engineering Programme for my first semester before pursuing the Diploma in Robotics and Mechatronics onwards. Fascinated with robotics since I was young, it was my reason for studying engineering. After polytechnic, engineering design became my new interest as I want to use my creative mindset to implement new ideas to serve the needs of others. Since the Mechanical Engineering Program offers a Design specialization in Year 2, it attracted me to pursue my studies in SIT. My strength in communication is being authentic, which makes it unique. Whenever I share my week with my close friends, they describe it as an inspiring take on my own perspective of life and are eager to listen to more. This ability also helped to interact meaningfully and forge bonds with new people that I meet.  However, I feel that I am weak in my oral...

“Communication skills are an essential component in the education of engineering students to facilitate not just students’ education but also to prepare them for their future careers.” Not only does communication skills help to interact with others, but also used in meaningful ways in the industry. In today’s context, such skills can be applied to projects, engagements and leadership roles. In learning communication skills, students can blend their technical knowledge with the ability to express their ideas and opinions, for their future careers.