This paper describes an undergraduate research program recently established at the Instituto Tecnolo´gico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM). The motivation, structure and expected benefits of this program are presented. Early results are illustrated through case studies. The first case study focuses on the evaluation of cycle time and contouring error in high performance machining centers. Contouring error measurement is conducted with a Heidenhain Grid Encoder on several high performance machining centers and tool path shapes. The second case study focuses on the development of an experimental micro-positioning systems based on compliant mechanisms and smart materials for actuation.

Volume Subject Area:
Mechanical Engineering Education
Topics:
Machine tools, Mechatronics, Microelectromechanical systems, Undergraduate research, Errors, Machining centers, Compliant mechanisms, Cycles, Shapes, Smart materials
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