<<Back

TM2-FUNdaMENTALs of Precision Design – Part 1 – Focus on Theory
TA2-FUNdaMENTALs of Precision Design – Part 2 – Focus on Applications

Dr. Alexander H. Slocum (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Part 1 Tuesday, October 27, 2026 (8:00 AM – 12:00 Noon)
Part 2 Tuesday, October 27, 2026 (1:30 PM – 5:30 PM)

Part 1 – Focus on Theory This tutorial provides a fast-paced introduction to rapid precision machine design based on FUNdaMENTAL principles with focus on theory and best practices. Topics include: initial error allocation to enable rapid design, principles of accuracy, repeatability and resolution, bearings, structures, and actuators.  Kinematic and elastic averaging-based designs and the implications for bearing life and dynamic performance are stressed with F=kx and w = sqrt(k/m) as recurring themes throughout the design of a machine.  Examples will be presented to show how FUNdaMENTAL principles are critically important for an engineer to understand in order to be able to most effectively use modern design tools such as solid modeling and finite element analysis in the design of precision machines.

This tutorial should be helpful for those at the beginning of their careers and also for those who wish to tune up their design approach with linking design approaches with first order analysis to develop designs more rapidly and to check output from FEA.  In addition, examples of ways to use AI (LLMs) are given. Attendees should expect to leave with useful design tools (spreadsheets) they feel comfortable applying and a host of new design ideas for selecting and integrating bearings structures and actuators in precision machines.

Part 2 – Focus on Applications This tutorial builds on Part 1 and uses hands-on kits distributed, case studies and real-time design exercises on how to precisely locate large batteries for electric vehicles such that they can be rapid swapped.  As they are located, how can electrical and fluid contacts be engaged to minimize wear?  These sorts of design questions are common to many types of mechanisms.  For a mechanism to load the battery, a detailed error budget will be constructed using AI as an assistant which will then be compared to pure human engineer effort.

This tutorial should be helpful for those at the beginning of their careers and also for those who wish to tune up their design approach with linking design approaches with first order analysis to develop designs more rapidly and to check output from FEA.  In addition, examples of ways to use AI (LLMs) are given. Attendees should expect to leave with updated experience using design tools (spreadsheets) for generating machine design ideas including selecting and integrating bearings, structures, and actuators in precision machines.