Twenty students, ages 12 to 15, enjoyed a four-day, hands-on manufacturing technology experience. Faculty from College of DuPage led projects that progressed from computer-aided design through rapid prototyping ideas, culminating with actual fabrication. Participants completed a variety of projects using the rapid prototyping system, then used that data to fabricate metal projects using water jet, CNC technology, and welding. They also used laser marking and identification procedures as they put the finishing touches on name badges, “metal people,” and lock boxes. Students also took field trips to CamCraft in Hanover Park, Ill., a precision metal and robotics company, and Flexco in Downers Grove, Ill., which specializes in conveyor belt maintenance solutions for many industries worldwide. Guest speakers exposed students to the importance of education, the role of manufacturing and technology in the world of work, and future career options.
“I can say that after five minutes of listening to Professor Mark Mayer talk with such passion about the world of manufacturing technology, I was sitting upright and actually excited! Manufacturing was about factories, yes, but it was about so much more. It was about ideas coming to life.”
--Jane Trotter |
