Screwdriver Project

This project in MECH 200B expanded on what we learned from the clock project and introduced us to more new manufacturing methods like forging and injection molding. I made a flathead screwdriver with a steel shaft and cast aluminum handle which was turned in a CNC lathe and knurled manually. Then I used a drop forge to forge the shape of the head and then ground it to shape and heat treated it. The injection molded one was very easy but taught me a great way to make products in the future.

After the screwdriver was finished I calculated the costs for building it, including the wage for a machinist multiplied by the time it took me to make it. I also gave input on how our process could have been improved to speed up the process and make it cheaper, eventually to be scaled up for mass production.

Takeaways and Advice

This project is fun and a bit easier than the clock project, and I managed my time much better. I would reccomend future students to manage their time like I did, have your screwdriver ready before each assembly line day and do the knurling and forging as soon as you can, grind it quickly but accurately as soon as possible, and do the heat treating as soon as you can with a group of friends. Most of all, take really detailed and good notes during labs as it wil help you a lot when making the process sheet. I mostly had to copy down my notes with a little more detail for the process sheet and I don't know what I would have done had I not had great notes.