Alex Murchison
Mechanical Engineering Student
Engineering Design
My Initial Thoughts
Before starting the CNC coaster project and Haas mill practical exam, I expected the project to mainly test basic CNC operation and programming skills. Once I began setting up the machine, selecting tooling, and running the machining operations, I realized how important precision, planning, and attention to detail are during CNC manufacturing. The project gave me a better understanding of machine setup, work offsets, feeds and speeds, and how even small mistakes can affect the final part quality. It also helped build confidence working independently on the Haas CNC mill while applying the machining concepts learned throughout the course.
Enigneering Projects
CNC Machined Coaster Project & Haas Mill Practical Exam
METHODOLOGY / CHALLENGE / SOLUTION
Coaster Project & Haas Mill Practical Exam
This project focused on the complete manufacturing process of a CNC-machined coaster while also serving as part of the Haas CNC mill practical examination. The goal of the project was to apply the machining concepts learned throughout the course in a real manufacturing environment while demonstrating proper CNC setup, machine operation, tooling selection, and machining accuracy.
At the beginning of the project, the coaster seemed like a relatively simple part, but once machining began, it became clear how important planning, setup precision, and attention to detail are in CNC manufacturing. The project required proper workholding, accurate machine offsets, toolpath execution, and maintaining consistent feeds and speeds to produce a clean final product with a quality surface finish.
Throughout the project, several CNC machining operations were performed, including facing, contouring, pocketing, chamfering, and finishing operations. Special attention was given to maintaining dimensional accuracy, improving machining efficiency, and creating a visually clean final product. The project also reinforced the importance of process order, machine setup, and quality control during manufacturing.
One of the most valuable aspects of this project was gaining additional confidence in operating the Haas CNC mill independently while applying real-world machining practices in a timed, practical environment. It also helped strengthen my understanding of CNC programming, setup procedures, blueprint interpretation, tooling selection, and how machining decisions directly impact production quality and manufacturing efficiency.
Precision Meets Practical Design
This CNC-machined coaster project focused on combining clean design, manufacturing accuracy, and practical functionality into a finished product. The project involved CAD modeling, machining operations, dimensional planning, and finishing, with an emphasis on attention to detail throughout the manufacturing process.
From the initial design phase to the final machined part, the project helped strengthen my understanding of manufacturing workflows, tolerancing, machining strategy, and material finishing. It also gave me more experience working through real engineering challenges and refining designs based on manufacturability and overall appearance.
The final result reflects both technical precision and hands-on craftsmanship while further building my experience in mechanical design and manufacturing engineering.