Development of virtual reality electric discharge machining system for education and training

• Main Author: Acharya, Arjun
• Other Authors: Cai Yiyu
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Manufacturing::Product engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/71509
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Virtual reality has been around as a concept for many years, but it is only recently that it has become an increasingly valuable asset through the large range of functions it can accomplish. Virtual Reality creates a virtual or simulative environment which corresponds very closely to the same environment in reality. Users of Virtual Reality are able to interact with the objects in the virtual environment and essentially learn about surroundings they may not even be in. Virtual Reality has grown largely in the gaming and entertainment industry. It has begun spreading into the training and education industries. The military, pilot and driving academies and medical industries have adopted VR in its training regimes. One field VR is gaining popularity in is engineering. Operation of the various machines used in engineering can be taught through a VR system without the loss of resources or without incurring costs. This project aims at making an interface which aids the training and education on the manufacturing machine known as the Electric Discharge Machine. The electric discharge machine is a widely used tool for machining of products used in manufacturing. It is a tool that can achieve parts with a wide range of shapes. Knowledge and understanding of its operations and how to use it will be important for someone aspiring to work in manufacturing and production. This project uses 3D software Unity 3D to create an interface that allows users to understand the build of the machine and also interact with it on a basic level and observe how the machine cuts workpieces down to size.