ignificant changes are underway with our facilities and equipment.

Through a $1.2 million donation from the Caterpillar Corporation, a brand new, state-of-the-art integrated Caterpillar Integrated Manufacturing Laboratory is being constructed in Turner Hall 115. The laboratory will feature 10 automated systems workstations, with each including an ABB robot, programmable logic controller, a conveyor, a vision system, and a computer. An adjoining classroom will feature equipment facilitating student learning of fluid power, digital and analog electronics, programmable logic, and more.

Facilities

The IMS sequence has some of the latest in technology in its specialized facilities. Students are given firsthand experience with processing metals, plastics, and wood materials, as well as process control with fluid power and robotics. Pictures of equipment available to students in each of the IMS labs (plastics technology, automation and metals technology, process control technology, computer-aided design, and materials testing) are available for your viewing below. These labs allow students to get the most out of their education. For an example of a student project, check out the art to part page.

Click on the pictures to see larger images.

Plastics Technology Facilities

Injection Molding


60-ton Engel Hydraulic Clamp	Student checks mold cavity	30-ton Engel Hydraulic Clamp	Prototype Injection Molding

Installing mold on machine	Injection Molds	Injection Molds	Prototype Injection Molding

Extrusion


Brabender Plasticorder	Brabender Plasticorder	Brabender Plasticorder

Thermoforming


MAAC 30" x 36" cut-sheet thermoformer	Student loads sheet	Formed product

Compression Molding and Rotational Molding


30 ton Wabash Compression Molder	Rotational molding

Metals Machining Technology:


Coordinate Measuring Machine	Coordinate Measuring Machine	Haas CNC Machine	Haas CNC Machine

Engine Lathes (10)	Engine Lathes (10)	Bidgeport Mills (3)

Automation and Process Control Technology:


ABB Articulating Robot 120 pound payload, state-of-the-art controller	ABB Articulating Robot 120 pound payload, state-of-the-art controller

Hydraulic circuit table

Computer-Aided Design:


50+ networked computers	AutoCAD 2006	Vericut tool path simulation	Rapid Prototyping

Moldflow injection molding	Unigraphics

Material Testing:


Instron Universal Testing Machine - plastics: tensile & flexural		Tinius Olsen Universal Testing Machine

Rockwell Hardness Automated	Rockwell Hardness Manual	Tinius Olsen Impact Tester