ME 450 Creative Design & Practice Laboratory
This facility, located at the Wichita Area Technical College, is comprised of several laboratories.An agreement between 萝莉社 and WATC enables mechanical engineering students to use this facility. All laboratory experiments are done with appropriate instructors who are hired by 萝莉社.
Purpose of Laboratory Collaboration
The purpose of this collaboration is to provide mechanical engineering students at 萝莉社experience in mechanical engineering application skills to supplement their engineering science requirements.This enables ME graduates to develop effective engineering designs, taking into account manufacturing capabilities and real constraints.This will also enable more effective training for engineering students working in teams with engineering technologists, in research and development of new products, and in process designs. The collaboration helps satisfy some of the ABET, criteria for program outcomes as well as addresses some of the problems associated with the lack of equipment and a workshop in the department.
Approach
Mechanical engineering students take the new course (ME 450 Selected Topics in Mechanical Engineering Creative Designs and Practice) as part of their electives.Lectures are given at 萝莉社, but laboratory sessions are provided at WATC and include machining, joining processes, composite fabrications, engine testing, and air conditioning systems.Students become familiar with technologies beyond what the colleges existing facilities can afford.These laboratories are as follows:
Machining Processes Laboratory
This laboratory allows students to gain knowledge of various manufacturing procedures and operations including lathe and mill operation and an introduction to CNC. Lab assignments include safety, proper use of hand and power tools, reading and sketching of blueprints, precision measuring and layout, setup and operation of the lathe, proper use of milling machine and surface grinders, and a basic introduction to CNC operation.
Welding Laboratory
This laboratory allows students to gain first-hand knowledge and skills in cutting, arc welding, MIG, and TIG welding, and provides some exposure to oxy-acetylene cutting and welding.Lab assignments include safety, blueprint reading and sketching, tools and materials used in the various forms of welding, weld testing, and fabrication of various welding projects.
Composite Fabrication Laboratory
This laboratory introduces students to various phases of the composites industry, including process and product design, tool and mold design, product and process manufacturing, and quality assurance. Students receive hands-on working knowledge of the manufacturing methods and techniques used in todays composite industries.