Department of Technology at Illinois State University
S

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 ET 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 ET 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.

Automation and Process Control Technology:

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

Integrated Manufacturing Laboratory

Hands on Lab Class Lab Shot

Instructor lead hands-on lab activities

Conveyors and ABB Articulating Robot

 

Computer-Aided Design:

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50+ networked computers

AutoCAD 2006

Vericut tool path simulation

Rapid Prototyping

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Moldflow injection molding

Unigraphics

 

 

 

Material Testing:

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Instron Universal Testing Machine - plastics: tensile & flexural

Tinius Olsen Universal Testing Machine

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Rockwell Hardness Automated

Rockwell Hardness Manual

Tinius Olsen Impact Tester

 

 

Metals Machining Technology:

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Coordinate Measuring Machine

Coordinate Measuring Machine

Haas CNC Machine

Haas CNC Machine

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Engine Lathes (10)

Engine Lathes (10)

Bidgeport Mills (3)

 

 

Plastics Technology Facilities

Injection Molding

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60-ton Engel Hydraulic Clamp

Student checks mold cavity

30-ton Engel Hydraulic Clamp

Prototype Injection Molding

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Installing mold on machine

Injection Molds

Injection Molds

Prototype Injection Molding

Extrusion

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Brabender Plasticorder

Brabender Plasticorder

Brabender Plasticorder

 

 

Thermoforming

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MAAC 30" x 36" cut-sheet thermoformer

Student loads sheet

Formed product

 

 

Compression Molding and Rotational Molding

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30 ton Wabash Compression Molder

Rotational molding