Baja NOW Weekly Update: Week of October 22, 2017
Shop time was a little different this week. Today, instead of the usual welding, wrenching and working at our lab, we went to the Seamans Center Design for Manufacturing Computer Lab to work in a different way. This was the first day for some members to be introduced to Creo.
The Iowa Baja Team in the Design for Manufacturing Lab learning about the Creo Suite
Creo is a 3D design software similar to the software used by Iowa BAJA, Solidworks. Members were taught the basics of the software, like how to sketch, make extrusions and add holes to designs. Creo is a widely used software, with companies such as Toyota, Volkswagen, Nasa, Boeing, John Deere and Whirlpool using some part of their software suite.
President Kayla Denson (background) teaching members how to use the Creo Suite
Some members have already been exposed to Creo, mainly because it is taught in the University of Iowa’s Design for Manufacturing Class. Members who were more comfortable with the software began to sketch some of the designs that the team has approved for production. One of the members, Spencer Van Dorn, sat down to explain his new design for the competition seat inside of the vehicle.
Spencer Van Dorn working on the initial design for the new seat subsystem.
"For the past few years, we have used a hammock-style seat, where the driver is not directly sitting on the bottom of the frame of the vehicle. Recently, SAE BAJA banned the use of the hammock-style seats for 2018 due to possible safety concerns. Now, we are looking at using a new seat made out of Carbon Fiber or Aluminum which will be rigidly mounted to the frame." - Spencer Van Dorn
Spencer is working with fellow teammate Mitch Evens, who is designing the new frame.
“Whatever the design, working together with Mitch ensures the new seat will fit inside of his design.
”
New member Paulina Kroczak also enjoyed her first day working with the Creo software.
Paulina Kroczak learning how to use the Creo Suite
“I like (Creo) because I took a sculpture class when I was in high school, it’s awesome to see my designs come to life on the screen.
”
We are always looking for donations to our team. We accept material, machine time as well as monetary donations. For more information, check out the "Sponsors" page of our website.
Ryan Long and Vice President Rob Pohren (right) working on a subsystem of the new vehicle.