Summary reader response (draft 3)

According to the article 'Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame' from Autodesk Instructables, (Androole, 2012), the purpose of a Custom 3D printed carbon fiber bike frame is to give people an option to create their own. This allows them to customize the design of their bike frame according to whatever they prefer to give it an “unparalleled design flexibility” while being cost-efficient.

As androole stated, the process takes advantage of the growing availability and affordability of CAD and 3D printing to allow people to build themselves a unique custom bicycle with unparalleled design flexibility, (2023). This emphasizes that the process of using carbon fiber to create bike frames is a better option compared to other materials since it is flexible in terms of cost and availability, and it is also efficient and simple. Additionally, 3D printing using carbon fiber allows customization of features and functions of the bike frame that may not be included in premade bike frames. Examples of customizable options would be comfort, stiffness, efficiency, high strength-to-weight ratio and malleability. According to Androole, since the tubes are bonded together with epoxy and carbon fiber, people can use whatever material they’d like for the tubing – aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, titanium, or bamboo, (2023). This emphasizes that he encourages people to be creative with their designs. The final product has three groups of components, tubes, 3D printed joints, and outer reinforcement made of epoxy and carbon fiber. BikeCAD is a software that people can use to find alternate frame designs with generated detailed geometries. With proper reference, 3D models can be created using CAD software to print the final product. Components can be adjusted to suitable requirements for assembling. A mold must be constructed to allow injection of carbon fiber and epoxy to conclude the creation of the Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame.

While most bicycle frames are made from aluminum, steel and titanium, they are not a good option if people are looking for a material that can be adjusted to suit their needs, especially when it comes to creating their own bike frame using the software and tools that are currently at their disposal.  As such, carbon fiber is a recommended material option as it is popular with many bike enthusiasts due to its flexible and highly adaptive properties in creating a bike frame according to what its user wants. Not only does it assist with comfortability, but it is also durable in terms of environmental conditions and impact resistance.

For both competitive and noncompetitive riders, the main benefit of a carbon fiber bike frame is comfortability. Carbon fiber can be used to make a frame that’s extremely light and extremely stiff, with the option to wrap the carbon into complex, aerodynamic tube shapes, while still considering ride quality using aerodynamic tube shapes that are made by using carbon fiber. Unlike aluminum, carbon fiber has vibration damping qualities that provides a smoother ride to its users, (Reid Cycles, 2020). It is a highly adaptable material that can be shaped and fine-tuned to precise requirements, balancing stiffness, comfort and aerodynamic performance, (Norman, 2021).

Carbon fiber frames can be designed to meet specific demands of its user as it can curate the properties of each part of the frame, (Paul Norman, 2021). The fibrous nature of the material allows frame builders to adjust stiffness and compliance by aligning the carbon layers in varying ways, (wheretheroadfork, 2022). Not only can its durability be altered, but it has been lab tested to outperform alloys, especially in good impact resistance. Impact is not the only aspect that it is resistant to. Carbon fiber is considered an inert material; thus it is not susceptible to chemical corrosion or salt damage, (Reid Cycles,11 February, 2020). It survives the most severe environmental conditions like humidity, rainfall, radiation, chemical exposure, and more, (CCUK, 2022).

While Carbon fiber has its many advantages, that does not mean it doesn't come with its own set of flaws. Though carbon fiber frames can be easily damaged in areas such as quick-release dropouts, they are not the only source of damage to the frames. Bangs and bashes can also cause damage to the interior of frame tubes, which may not be visible from the exterior and can cause a frame to break unexpectedly. Thus, requiring an ultrasound or X-ray inspection to detect the internal damages inflicted in the frame, (Norman, 2021). Unfortunately, another one of carbon fiber’s setbacks is that it is not sustainable for the environment as it takes a lot of energy to manufacture and is not biodegradable. Most carbon fibers are difficult to recycle and repurpose, especially since they cannot be melted down and used to make new products or items, (CCUK, 2022)

It goes without saying that Carbon fiber is a material that is versatile in providing consumers the opportunity to create a useful Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame that suits their requirements and needs. However, consumers must be wary when it comes to taking care of their bike frames as it will be difficult for them to repair the damage inflicted on them. All in all, carbon fiber is a reasonable choice when it comes to selecting a material for a bike frame.

Reference List

Androole (2012). Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame. Autodesk Instructables. https://www.instructables.com/Custom-3D-Printed-Carbon-Fiber-Bike-Frame/

Composites Construction UK (February 1, 2022). Is carbon fibre a sustainable material for strengthening buildings and structures? Composites Construction UK.

https://www.fibrwrap-ccuk.com/carbon-fibre-strengthening/is-carbon-fibre-a-sustainable-material-for-strengthening-buildings-and-structures/#:~:text=Carbon%20fibre%20is%20not%20currently,make%20new%20products%20or%20items.

Composites Construction UK (2022). Carbon fiber reinforced polymer pros and cons. Composites Construction UK. https://www.fibrwrap-ccuk.com/blog/carbon-fibre-reinforced-polymer-pros-cons/

Paul Norman (November 8, 2021). Bike frame materials explained: carbon vs aluminum vs steel vs titanium. Bike Radar. https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/bike-frame-materials/

Reid Cycles (11 February, 2020). 5 Benefits of carbon fibre. Reid Cycles. https://www.reidcycles.com.au/blogs/news/5-benefits-of-a-carbon-fibre-bike

Wheretheroadforks (November 23, 2022). Carbon Vs Aluminum Bike Frame: Pros and Cons. Wheretheroadforks. https://wheretheroadforks.com/carbon-vs-aluminum-bike-frame-pros-and-cons/

Summary reader response (draft 2)

 According to the article 'Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame' from Autodesk Instructables, (Androole, 2023), the purpose of a Custom 3D printed carbon fiber bike frame is to give people an option to create their own. This allows them to customize the design of their bike frame according to whatever they prefer to give it an “unparalleled design flexibility” while being cost-efficient.

As androole stated, the process takes advantage of the growing availability and affordability of CAD and 3D printing to allow people to build themselves a unique custom bicycle with unparalleled design flexibility, (2023). This emphasizes that carbon fiber is a better option compared to other materials since it is affordable, efficient and simple. Additionally, 3D printing allows customization of features and functions of the bike frame that may not be included in premade bike frames. Examples of customizable options would be comfort, stiffness, efficiency, high strength-to-weight ratio and malleability. According to Androole, since the tubes are bonded together with epoxy and carbon fiber, people can use whatever material they’d like for the tubing – aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, titanium, or bamboo, (2023). This emphasizes that he encourages people to be creative with their designs. The final product has three groups of components, tubes, 3D printed joints, and outer reinforcement made of epoxy and carbon fiber. BikeCAD is a software that people can use to find alternate frame designs with generated detailed geometries. With a proper reference, 3D models can be created using a CAD software to print the final product. Components can be adjusted to suitable requirements for assembling. A mold has to be constructed to allow injection of the carbon fiber and epoxy to conclude the creation of the Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame.

While most bicycles are made out of aluminum, steel and titanium, they are not a good option if people are looking for a material that can be adjusted to suit their needs, especially when it comes to creating their own bike frame using the softwares and tools that are currently at their disposal.  As such, carbon fiber is a recommended material option as it is popular with many bike enthusiasts due to its flexible and highly adaptive properties in creating a bike frame according to what its user wants. (comfort, durable)

For both competitive and noncompetitive riders, the main benefit of a carbon fiber bike frame is comfortability. Carbon fiber can be used to make a frame that’s extremely light and extremely stiff, with the option to wrap the carbon into complex, aerodynamic tube shapes, while still considering ride quality. Unlike aluminum, carbon fiber has vibration damping qualities that provides a smoother ride to its users, (Reid Cycles, 2020). It is a highly-adaptable material that can be shaped and fine-tuned to precise requirements, balancing stiffness, comfort and aerodynamic performance, (Norman, 2021).

Carbon fiber frames can be designed to meet specific demands of its user as it has the ability to curate the properties of each part of the frame, (Paul Norman, 2021). The fibrous nature of the material allows frame builders to adjust stiffness and compliance by aligning the carbon layers in varying ways,(wheretheroadfork, 2022). Not only can its durability be altered, but it has been lab tested to outperform alloys, especially in good impact resistance. Impact is not the only aspect that it is resistant to. Carbon fiber is considered an inert material, thus it is not susceptible to chemical corrosion or salt damage, (Reid Cycles,11 February, 2020). It survives the most severe environmental conditions like humidity, rainfall, radiation, chemical exposure, and more, (CCUK, 2022). 

While Carbon fiber has its many advantages, that does not mean it doesn't come with flaws. Carbon fiber can be easily damaged in areas such as quick-release drop-outs. Bangs and bashes can also cause damage to the interior of frame tubes, which may not be visible from the exterior and which can cause a frame to break unexpectedly. It may require ultrasound or X-ray inspection to detect internal damage, (Norman, 2021). Unfortunately, another one of carbon fiber’s setbacks is that it is not sustainable for the environment as it takes a lot of energy to manufacture and is not biodegradable. Most carbon fibers are difficult to recycle and repurpose, especially since they cannot be melted down and used to make new products or items, (CCUK, 2022)

It goes without saying that Carbon fiber is a material that is versatile in providing consumers the opportunity to create a useful Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame that suits their requirements and needs. However, consumers must be wary when it comes to taking care of their bike frames as it will be difficult for them to repair the damages inflicted on them. All in all, carbon fiber is a reasonable choice when it comes to selecting a material for a bike frame,

(Original Source)

Androole (2023). Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame. Autodesk Instructables. Retrieved February 8, 2023, from https://www.instructables.com/Custom-3D-Printed-Carbon-Fiber-Bike-Frame/

(Supporting Sources)

https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/bike-frame-materials/

https://www.reidcycles.com.au/blogs/news/5-benefits-of-a-carbon-fibre-bike

https://wheretheroadforks.com/carbon-vs-aluminum-bike-frame-pros-and-cons/

Composites Construction UK (February 1, 2022). Is carbon fibre a sustainable material for strengthening buildings and structures? Composites Construction UK.

Retrieved February 8, 2023, from 

https://www.fibrwrap-ccuk.com/carbon-fibre-strengthening/is-carbon-fibre-a-sustainable-material-for-strengthening-buildings-and-structures/#:~:text=Carbon%20fibre%20is%20not%20currently,make%20new%20products%20or%20items.

Composites Construction UK (2022). Carbon fiber reinforced polymer pros and cons. Composites Construction UK.

Retrieved February 8, 2023, from 

https://www.fibrwrap-ccuk.com/blog/carbon-fibre-reinforced-polymer-pros-cons/

Summary reader response (draft 1)

 According to the article 'Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame' from Autodesk Instructables, (Androole, 2023). The purpose of a Custom 3D printed carbon fiber bike frame is to give people an option to create their own. This allows them to customize the design of their bike frame according to whatever they prefer to give it an “unparalleled design flexibility” while being cost-efficient.

As androole stated, the process takes advantage of the growing availability and affordability of CAD and 3D printing to allow people to build themselves a unique custom bicycle with unparalleled design flexibility, (Androole, 2023). This emphasizes that carbon fiber is a better option compared to other materials since it is affordable, efficient and simple. Additionally, 3D printing allows customization of features and functions of the bike frame that may not be included in premade bike frames. Examples of customizable options would be comfort, stiffness, efficiency, high strength-to-weight ratio and malleability. According to Androole, since the tubes are bonded together with epoxy and carbon fiber, people can use whatever material they’d like for the tubing – aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, titanium, or bamboo, (Androole, 2023). This emphasizes that he encourages people to be creative with their designs. The final product has three groups of components, tubes, 3D printed joints, and outer reinforcement made of epoxy and carbon fiber. BikeCAD is a software that people can use to find alternate frame designs with generated detailed geometries. With a proper reference, 3D models can be created using a CAD software to print the final product. Components can be adjusted to suitable requirements for assembling. A mold has to be constructed to allow injection of the carbon fiber and epoxy to conclude the creation of the Custom  3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame.

While most bicycles are made out of aluminum, steel and titanium, they are not a good option if people are looking for a material that can be adjusted to suit their needs.  As such, carbon fiber is a recommended material option as it is popular with many bike enthusiasts due to its flexible and highly adaptive properties in creating a bike frame according to what its user wants.

For both competitive and noncompetitive riders, the main benefit of a carbon fiber bike frame is comfortability. Carbon fiber can be used to make a frame that’s extremely light and extremely stiff, with the option to wrap the carbon into complex, aerodynamic tube shapes, while still considering ride quality and comfort. Unlike aluminum, carbon fiber has vibration damping qualities that provides a smoother ride to its users. If people are not prepared for a full carbon fiber rig though, they have the option to mitigate some of the vibrations by fitting wider tires and choosing a bike with a carbon bike fork.

Carbon fiber frames can be designed to meet specific demands of its user as it has the ability to curate the properties of each part of the frame. It is a highly-adaptable material that can be shaped and fine-tuned to precise requirements, balancing stiffness, comfort and aerodynamic performance. The fibrous nature of the material allows frame builders to adjust stiffness and compliance by aligning the carbon layers in varying ways. For example, the carbon fiber bike frame will have stiffness in the bottom bracket and head tube areas for power delivery and control, and compliance in the seat tube and stays for rider comfort. Not only can its durability be altered, but it has been lab tested to outperform alloys, especially in good impact resistance, Impact is not the only aspect that it is resistant to. Carbon fiber is considered an inert material, thus it is not susceptible to chemical corrosion or salt damage.

While Carbon fiber has its many advantages, that does not mean it doesn't come with flaws. Carbon fiber can be easily damaged in areas such as quick-release drop-outs. Bangs and bashes can also cause damage to the interior of frame tubes, which may not be visible from the exterior and which can cause a frame to break unexpectedly. It may require ultrasound or X-ray inspection to detect internal damage. Unfortunately, another one of carbon fiber’s setbacks is that it is not sustainable for the environment as it takes a lot of energy to manufacture and is not biodegradable. Most carbon fibers are difficult to recycle and repurpose, especially since they cannot be melted down and used to make new products or items.

It goes without saying that Carbon fiber is a material that is versatile in providing consumers the opportunity to create a useful Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame that suits their requirements and needs. However, consumers must be wary when it comes to taking care of their bike frames as it will be difficult for them to repair the damages inflicted on them. All in all, carbon fiber is a reasonable choice when it comes to selecting a material for a bike frame,

(Original Source)

https://www.instructables.com/Custom-3D-Printed-Carbon-Fiber-Bike-Frame/ 

(Supporting Sources)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon-fiber-reinforced_polymers

https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/bike-frame-materials/

https://cyclingtips.com/2018/01/how-carbon-fibre-bicycle-frames-are-made/

https://www.reidcycles.com.au/blogs/news/5-benefits-of-a-carbon-fibre-bike

https://wheretheroadforks.com/carbon-vs-aluminum-bike-frame-pros-and-cons/

https://www.fibrwrap-ccuk.com/carbon-fibre-strengthening/is-carbon-fibre-a-sustainable-material-for-strengthening-buildings-and-structures/#:~:text=Carbon%20fibre%20is%20not%20currently,make%20new%20products%20or%20items.

Descriptive Summary (draft 2)

 According to  the article 'Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame' from Autodesk Instructables, (Androole, 2023). The purpose of a Custom 3D printed carbon fiber bike frame is to give people an option to create their own. This allows them to customize the design of their bike frame according to whatever they prefer to give it an “unparalleled design flexibility” while being cost-efficient.

As androole stated, the process takes advantage of the growing availability and affordability of CAD and 3D printing to allow people to build themselves a unique custom bicycle with unparalleled design flexibility,(Androole, 2023). This emphasizes that carbon fiber is a better option compared to other materials since it is affordable, efficient and simple. Additionally, 3D printing allows customization of features and functions of the bike frame that may not be included in premade bike frames. Examples of customizable options would be comfort, stiffness, efficiency, high strength-to-weight ratio and malleability. According to Androole, since the tubes are bonded together with epoxy and carbon fiber, people can use whatever material they'd like for the tubing – aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, titanium, or bamboo, (Androole, 2023). This emphasizes that he encourages people to be creative with their designs. The final product has three groups of components, tubes, 3D printed joints, and outer reinforcement made of epoxy and carbon fiber. BikeCAD is a software that people can use to find alternate frame designs with generated detailed geometries. With a proper reference, 3D models can be created using a CAD software to print the final product. Components can be adjusted to suitable requirements for assembling. A mold has to be constructed to allow injection of the carbon fiber and epoxy to conclude the creation of the Custom  3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame.

(Original Source)

https://www.instructables.com/Custom-3D-Printed-Carbon-Fiber-Bike-Frame/ 

(Supporting Sources)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon-fiber-reinforced_polymers

https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/bike-frame-materials/

https://cyclingtips.com/2018/01/how-carbon-fibre-bicycle-frames-are-made/

Descriptive Summary (draft 1)

From the article 'Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame' from Autodesk Instructables, (Androole, 2023).

It costs more than 600 dollars for bike enthusiasts to make customized bicycle frames from traditional materials such as steel. Whereas 3D printing technology provides a better option that is affordable, efficient and simple.

Building bicycle frames out of carbon fibre with the aid of 3D printing allows customization of features and functions. Examples being comfort, stiffness, efficiency, high strength-to-weight ratio and malleability, therefore making it a suitable material to make bicycle frames.

The final product has three groups of components, tubes, 3D printed joints, and outer reinforcement made of epoxy and carbon fibre. The materials of the tubes can even be bamboo as the final product will be reinforced by epoxy and carbon fibre.

First, with the assistance of software like BikeCAD, alternative frame designs can be generated with detailed geometries. Next, with the reference provided, 3D models can be constructed using CAD software where the final product will be printed out. After the joints are printed, the tubes can then be cut into suitable lengths and assembled with the 3D-printed joints. Lastly, a mould will be made to sandwich the tubes and joints, which will then be bound together using epoxy and carbon fibre by injecting them into the mould.

Ideally, both the tubes and the joints can be 3D printed from carbon fibre-reinforced plastics. And eventually, a 3D-printed bicycle frame made of carbon fibre is developed.

(Original Source)

https://www.instructables.com/Custom-3D-Printed-Carbon-Fiber-Bike-Frame/ 

(Supporting Sources)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon-fiber-reinforced_polymers

https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/bike-frame-materials/

https://cyclingtips.com/2018/01/how-carbon-fibre-bicycle-frames-are-made/

Task 3: The Importance of communication skills for engineers

 “Employers identify communication as one of the basic competencies every graduate should have, asserting that the ability to communicate is valuable for obtaining employment and maintaining successful job performance.”

- Sherwyn Morreale, Michael Osborn & Judy Pearson, Professors of Communication (2000)

Explanation:

The following quote suggests that in order to be successful in obtaining an employment, and in the long run maintain a successful job performance. Every graduate must be able to present their capabilities in communication as it is one of the basic competencies that employers find to be valuable in the work setting. Therefore, it implies that employers are looking for potential employees who are able to confidently demonstrate to them good communication. Not only is good communication to impress the interviewer during the interview process, but also for when you obtain the job and start working in the company. This shows that having good communication skills is important not only for the company, but also for yourself to ensure you secure the job you want and have the capability to maintain your position by having a better job performance to prove that you deserve your place in the company. As such, the company will regard you as an asset and will want you to continue working for them.

Descriptive Reflection (Formal Introductory Letter)

 Dear Professor Brad Blackstone,

I am writing this letter to you to introduce myself in regards to the ‘Descriptive Reflection’ assignment. My name is Mavis Chong Meiyi, but you may call me Mavis. I am a year 1 engineering student in Singapore Institute of Technology, currently studying in the mechanical design and manufacturing engineering course.

Regarding the topic of my interest in engineering. If I am being honest, engineering was not my first choice when I had to decide which course to enroll into at Nanyang Polytechnic. I enrolled in the common engineering programme, which was for one semester, to find a suitable engineering course that I wanted to pursue. At the end of the programme, I chose to specialize in the digital and precision engineering course. I started to see engineering in a different light and discovered my passion for drawing both 2D and 3D models. 

Something that differentiates me from others is that I am capable of working in a smaller group setting for projects when initially designed for a larger group (and so). The assignment was on 3D modeling, which gave me a confidence boost when we got an A for it.. As such, 3D modeling would definitely become an asset  that will help me with graphics related modules I would potentially take in university.

In terms of communication, my strength in communication revolves around my ability to converse on a variety of topics with others, even if I am not familiar with the topics. While my weakness would be that I am very introverted, thus I do not actively interact with others, especially strangers, due to my lack of confidence. As such, what I would like to achieve from this module is to strive to interact socially with others comfortably. I would also appreciate help in writing proper emails and letters since I feel that the ones I am writing now are lackluster.

I look forward to learning more from you in the coming classes.

Regards,

Mavis Chong Meiyi