In this project, we were tasked with producing a gasket which would fit on our individually assigned part. This project was designed to teach us how to make accurate measurements of different features of a mechanical component, to produce correctly dimensioned sketches which would serve as the basis for the creation of a CAD model, and to use GibbsCAM software for the manufacture of machine components on a CNC mill.

 

    More specifically, we were to produce the gasket above on the right to fit onto an individually assigned part, as shown above on the left. This gasket would serve as a boundary between two pieces, and when pressed together would take the form of each one, creating a very tight seal. In actual use, a gasket is meant to stop pressure, fluids, or anything else from escaping the system as it passes through the gap between two parts. Because even a very small gap could allow this escape, proper dimensioning is very important for a gasket. This assignment was meant to teach us how crucial accuracy is.

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    The selection of material for a gasket is important to its effectiveness. In this assignment, we produced our gaskets using 1/16"-thick PVC on a CNC mill. PVC is effective as it is a durable material, but when sealed firmly it takes the form of the two parts it separates. This material property is important, as even a small error in the production of a part can cause problems in the system without it.

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    We began this assignment by using a caliper set to produce a sketch of the part, as shown below. It was important to accurately dimension this sketch as we only had one opportunity to do so. This added a little aspect of pressure to the sketch, and truly showed us the importance of making accurate measurements. Using this sketch, I used Creo Parametric to produce a CAD model of the gasket, as shown below. I then uploaded this CAD file to GibbsCAM, and used that to produce code that the CNC mill can read. After determining how the machining process would happen, all that was left was to create the part.

 

    Once complete, I deburred the edges of the part to make it look a little nicer. As shown in the image above, the piece fit onto my assigned part, and could be used as a seal. This assignment was very effective in achieving it's goal, as I definitely got better acquainted to GibbsCAM and how it works. It was really cool to physically see how a model that I made sitting in front of a computer could be so easily turned into a real physical part.