The Engineering Technology program at the Ohio Valley Career and Technical Center (OVCTC) has received their new 3-D printer. The new Afinia H800 is the latest addition to the new program at the OVCTC.
The process of 3-D printing starts long before the actual printing begins. First, students will design a part from their own work or given dimensions through Inventor, the 3-D modeling software from Autodesk. Using the design, the student will then take the file and transfer it to the Afinia printing software to be loaded into the printer. Then, after heating a spool of ABS plastic, the printer will print fine layers of melted ABS into the shape of the design. The juniors of the Engineering Tech Program plan to use the printer for custom work and replicating parts.
In the new program at the OVCTC, students are able to learn the basics of engineering before moving on to college. Concepts such as electricity, 3-D modeling, technical sketching, truss calculations, digital electronics, manufacturing, simple machines, and robotic coding are just some of the topics covered in the program. This program gives students who are interested in engineering a hands-on boost before hitting the first textbook in college.
College credit is also available to the students who complete the requirements. Any current sophomore who is interested in the program can contact the OVCTC at 937-544-2336 about enrolling for next fall. Enrollment starts March 2 at the Open House from 4-7 p.m. Space is limited.
