The design of a washing machine prototype

The design process for a washing machine prototype is described. The prototype was developed within the final-year project of the Mechanical Engineering course at the University of Aveiro. Professional designers at the School of Arts and Design of Matosinhos carried out conceptual studies and the CAD modelling. To develop the appliance, different design and engineering aspects were carefully studied, namely concept studies, scaled model prototyping, structural engineering, materials selection, CAD/CAM mould making, advanced sandwich composite manufacturing structures, automation (programming and control) and testing. Within the project, pedagogic objectives were also set. In fact, these types of projects incorporate extra teaching and learning values because they involve students in more practical learning of engineering topics.