Vocabulary and Software

Vocabulary

NOTE: I asked chatgpt to explain these following terms to me simply.

Throughout the course I am learning so many new vocabularies that were initially alien to me. I think these vocabularies are a must in order to complete this course.

Git stands for Global Information Tracker, which tracks changes in source code or other files.
GitLab is a web-based platform for DevOps (Development and Operations) that provides tools for software development, version control, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), and project management.
CLI (Command Line Interface) allows users to interact with software by typing commands.
GUI (Graphical User Interface) uses visual elements like buttons and icons for interaction.

Basic Electronics Terms

Development Board – A small circuit board with a tiny computer (microcontroller) used for building and testing projects. Example: Arduino.
GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) – Pins on the board that can send or receive signals, like turning an LED on or reading a button press.
MCU (Microcontroller Unit) – The tiny computer inside the board that runs programs and controls everything.
Peripherals – Extra parts that connect to the board, like sensors, motors, and displays.
PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) – A way to control things like LED brightness or motor speed by turning power on and off very fast.
Firmware – Special software inside the microcontroller that helps it work.
Parameters – Values you give to a function to change how it works. Example: delay(1000); waits for 1 second.
Function – A small piece of code that does something useful, like turning an LED on.
Library – A ready-made collection of code that makes programming easier. Example: A library for controlling sensors.
Command – An instruction you give to the computer or microcontroller. Example: print("Hello") shows "Hello" on the screen.
Variable – A container that stores information, like a number or a word. Example: temperature = 25; saves the number 25.

Basic Words for 3d printing machine

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) –Additive manufacturing is basically a process of creating 3D objects by adding layer by layer of a material based on a digital model. This allows for complex geometries and customization.
Additive Manufacturing: –A 3D printing technology where a thermoplastic filament is melted and extruded through a nozzle to create objects layer by layer.
Subtractive Manufacturing: –It is removing material from a solid block to achieve the desired shape, usually through processes like milling or laser cutting. It can create a lot more waste than the additive manufacturing process.

CNC Machining Terms

Runout: The amount of deviation or wobble in a rotating tool or spindle. Excessive runout can cause uneven cuts, poor surface finish, and premature tool wear.
Alignment: Ensuring that the CNC machine's components (spindle, bed, fixtures, and tools) are properly positioned and calibrated to maintain accuracy in machining.
Fixturing: The method of holding and securing the workpiece in place during machining. Good fixturing prevents movement and ensures repeatability.
Speeds: The spindle speed (measured in RPM – revolutions per minute) at which the cutting tool rotates. Proper speeds depend on the material, tool type, and desired finish.
Feeds: The rate at which the cutting tool moves through the material, usually measured in inches per minute (IPM) or millimeters per minute (mm/min). It affects surface finish and tool life.
Materials: The type of material being machined (e.g., wood, aluminum, steel, acrylic). Different materials require different cutting speeds, feeds, and tool types.
Toolpaths: The programmed paths that the cutting tool follows to shape the material. These are created in CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software and include different strategies like contouring, pocketing, and drilling.

NOTE: these definitions were also generated by Chatgpt and the prompt was "Explain these terms to me simply."

Networking and Communication Terms

NOTE: these definitions were copied and pasted from a notion page that Rico san had shared with us. It is called the Weekly Jargon. You can access it here."

Communication – information sharing between 2 or more parties
Protocol – methods, procedure, rules for engagement…
Binary – 0 and 1 (0V and 5V/3V3…for MCUs)…ex: 11111111 = 255
Synchronous vs Asynchronous – clock or no clock
Clock Pulse – MCU’s transmission clock rate (the metronome rhythm)
Baud Rate – speed bits are transferred (when one bit ends and another starts)
Data Packet – packet size in bits
Networking – inter-connected devices that can communicate among each other
Bus – communication line
Addressing – unique identifier (at a specific location)
Encryption – communication security

Electronics Production

General Terms - Full credits given to AI-chatgpt because I asked it to explain them.

PCB (Printed Circuit Board) – A board used to mechanically support and electrically connect electronic components.
Boardhouse – A factory or service where your PCB design is sent for professional manufacturing.
Microcontroller – A small computer on a single chip used for embedded systems.

Fabrication Terms

Toolpath – The path that the milling tool follows to cut the board.
Milling – Using a machine to cut traces and outlines on a copper board.
Stuffing – Placing and soldering components onto the board.
Soldering – A process of joining electronic components to a board using melted metal (solder).
De-bugging – Finding and fixing errors or problems in the board or code.

Machine Settings

Feeds and Speeds

Feed rate – How fast the tool moves through the material.
Spindle speed – How fast the milling tool spins.

Plunge Rate – How fast the tool goes down into the material.
Depth of Cut

Trace depth – How deep to cut for the copper traces.
Outline depth – How deep to cut around the board's edge.

Programming Terms

Upload a Program – Sending code from your computer to the microcontroller.
Blink Sketch – A simple test program that blinks an LED to check if the board is working.
NC Files (Numerical Control Files) – Machine-readable files that control the milling process (not mandatory to include).

Documentation

Hero Shot – A clear, high-quality picture showing your completed and working board.
Source Code – The program you wrote and uploaded to your board.

Molding and Casting

Generated with assistance from ChatGPT and then edited for clarity. (Thanks, AI!)

Molding

Mold: A hollow form used to shape liquid or pliable material into a desired structure.
Mold-making: The process of creating molds from various materials.
Mold release agent: A substance applied to the interior of a mold to ensure easy removal of the cast.
Mold box: A container used to hold mold material during the molding process.
Mold cavity: The hollow section inside the mold where casting material is poured.
Mold seam: The line formed where two halves of a mold come together.

Casting

Casting material: The substance poured into a mold to form a cast.
Casting process: The series of steps involved in pouring, setting, and demolding a cast.
Casting defects: Imperfections in the cast, such as air bubbles or incomplete filling.
Casting temperature: The ideal temperature at which a casting material is poured.
Casting resin: A liquid plastic compound used for casting.
Investment casting: A method in which a wax model is coated with a ceramic shell, then melted away to create a cavity for casting.
Sand casting: A process where molten metal is poured into a mold made of sand.

Tools and Equipment

Pouring cup: A container used to pour casting material into molds.
Ladle: A large spoon-like tool used to transfer molten material.
Sprue: A channel through which casting material flows into the mold cavity.
Vent: A passage that allows gases to escape from the mold during casting.
Pattern: A replica of the desired object used to form the mold.

Post-Casting

Demolding: The act of removing the finished cast from the mold.
Finishing: The process of cleaning and refining the cast's surface.
Casting shrinkage: The slight reduction in size of a cast as it cools and solidifies.
Casting flash: Thin excess material that seeps between mold halves, usually removed during finishing.

Materials

Silicone rubber: A flexible and durable material often used for mold-making.
Plaster of Paris: A fast-setting material made from gypsum, commonly used for molds.
Polyurethane resin: A versatile resin used in both flexible and rigid casting.
Epoxy resin: A strong, durable resin used for casting, coating, and adhesion.
Metal alloys: Common casting metals like aluminum, bronze, and brass.

Software used

Throughout the course I have learned how to use and used many softwares that were truly incredible. I believe that these are some of the softwares you must have to tackle all of the challenges fab acaedemy throws at you. You can go to the links to download the softwares.

I would like to thank Mr. Adrián Torres as his documentation really helped me a lot and I got the idea to use Phantom template for my website thanks to him.

Git Bash – A command-line interference tool for Git version control.
Flameshot – A screenshot tool with editing features.
Fusion 360 – A 3D CAD[ Computer-aided design ] and CAM[ Computer-aided manufacturing ] software.
Inkscape – A vector graphics editor.
KiCad – A schematic and PCB[printed circuit board] design software.
GIMP – A free image editor.
Fab Library for KiCad – A component library for KiCad.
ImageMagick – A tool to convert and edit images.
Prusa Slicer – To export files for 3d printing.
Brackets – A lightweight code editor.
WSL – enables linux tools making it easier to use open-source software for Fab Academy. Prof. Neil and other instructors repeatedly asked the Windows Users to download it.
Arduino IDE – used to write, compile, and upload code to Arduino microcontrollers for electronics and embedded system projects