REYNOLDSVILLE — The Jeff Tech Joint Operating Committee (JOC) met in the IT Academy for its March meeting to learn about projects happening in the engineering technology classroom.
Students in the engineering program are “immersed in the design process and develop, test and implement engineering solutions to real-world problems, with a focus on using CAD (computer aided design) and design to create products,” according to Jeff Tech’s website. The curriculum includes various industrial 3D printers, including a selective laser melting (SLM) metal printer. Students also learn/apply the principles of “power, energy, motion, mechanical advantage and hydraulics and pneumatics,” as well as study material properties and explore green energy and basic electronics.
Instructor Josh Bundy introduced junior Ryan Piszker and freshman Andre Hepler, both students in the program, to speak about some of the projects they have been doing using 3-D printers.
Piszker told the JOC that in engineering, they have worked in partnership with almost every shop at the school, such as welding and auto mechanics. For auto mechanics, Piszker said they have done both metal and nylon projects. For example, he was able to create a drive-shift adapter for a go kart for the auto mechanics shop using the metal 3-D printer.
He also spoke about using the nylon 3-D printer, which utilizes laser technology and the same process as the metal printer, but the nylon is used to mass produce products. For example, during Christmas time, Piszker said they have a competition in the engineering shop where they produce Christmas ornaments.
Piszker’s sending school is Punxsutawney. When he graduates, he plans on going into architectural drafting or the nylon/metal printing area.
Hepler told the JOC about the filament recycler that students use; they are able to turn things like two-liter soda bottles into filament that can be used for 3-D printing.
Bundy added that the shop had two broken printers that he couldn’t bear to throw away, so the students turned the parts into a filament recycler themselves.
Hepler’s sending school is DuBois. After graduation, he is considering becoming an electronic engineer.
Several JOC members commended the students on their presentation. Chairman Robert Wachob said that by making their own filament, students are preventing a lot of waste, and displaying a very interesting use of resources.
Wachob also commended Bundy on “staying ahead” and innovative through this program, keeping things cutting edge and focused on the career aspect, what Jeff Tech is all about.
Administrative Director Barry Fillman said the teacher/student dynamic between Bundy and the students is a perfect example of what sets Jeff Tech apart — not quitting, learning and working productively together to solve any issues that arise, finding the best outcome possible.
Superintendent Brian Mulhollan noted that the two students were “very knowledgable” about the process, and commended Bundy as well, as the students are actually learning and understanding what he is teaching them.
