Fused filament fabrication 3D printing is a process by which three-dimensional objects are created by depositing layers of a material onto a hard, flat surface by a robot. It is often referred to as an "additive manufacturing" technique because material is added in successive layers to create an object. Because many scientific…

Close to a decade ago, John Hersey High School (JHHS) in Arlington Heights, Illinois, made a transition from a traditional classroom-based pre-engineering program. The new program is geared towards helping students understand the entire manufacturing process. Previously, a JHHS student would design a project in computer-aided design (CAD) software…

In modern CAD and CAM manufacturing companies, engineers design parts for machines and consumable goods. Many of these parts are cut on CNC machines. Whether using a CNC lathe, milling machine, or router, the ideas and designs of engineers must be translated into a machine-readable form called G & M Code that can be used to cut parts to precise…

Humans by their very nature are users of tools, materials, and processes as a part of their survival and existence. As humans have progressed over time, their civilizations and societies have changed beyond imagination and have moved from hunters and gatherers of food and materials for survival to sophisticated societies with complex social and…

In this article, the author describes how students in Kirk Marshall's industrial technology class at Bloomsburg Area High School, Pennsylvania, designed and manufactured battling robots (BattleBots) and their participation in an annual national robotics competition. According to Marshall, designing and building a complex robot would be virtually…

Manufacturing isn't what it used to be, and the United States must ensure its position in the world trade market by educating factory workers in new automated systems. A computer manufacturing engineer outlines the training requirements of a modern workforce and details robotic training devices suitable for classroom use. (JN)

Over the past decade the software products available for solid modeling, dynamic, stress, thermal, and flow analysis, and computer-aiding manufacturing (CAM) have become more powerful, affordable, and easier to use. At the same time it has become increasingly important for students to gain concurrent engineering design and systems integration…

A boom in industrial robotics has led numerous vocational institutions to launch extensive training programs in this specialty. ITT Educational Services offers two curriculum programs to train future manufacturing engineers. The firm's national director describes this model curriculum for meeting the needs of today's workforce. (JN)

Describes Iowa State's Exploration Program, a one-week course for gifted/talented youth, which includes videotapes, experiments, computer programing, debugging, and a final project. Provides objectives, material and equipment needs, and a student quiz. (SK)

This publication identifies exemplary programs and human resources in the automated manufacturing technologies. Its purpose is to assist vocational education program planners and curriculum specialists in updating programs and staff skills to prepare for high technology. Chapter 1 is an introduction. Chapter 2 describes the seven U.S. Secretary of…

This task analysis report for the Robotics/Automated Systems Technician (RAST) curriculum project first provides a RAST job description. It then discusses the task analysis, including the identification of tasks, the grouping of tasks according to major areas of specialty, and the comparison of the competencies to existing or new courses to…

This report describes the technologies of programmable automation (PA) in manufacturing, their uses, and future capabilities. Following the summary and introduction, the prospects for PA are examined from several perspectives. Chapter 3 defines PA technologies, describes their developmental trends, and evaluates the potential for the integration…