CAD/CAM
CAD/CAM – Computer Assisted Drawing, Computer Assisted Machining was introduced across each Year level this year and has been highly successful. Every student embraced the technical design challenges along the way and have created some wonderful work. As a subject CAD/CAM is perfectly poised to enhance students’ digital drawing skills particularly in a manufacturing environment. Emmanuel students are fortunate to have access to a range of numerically controlled machines for different purposes. Our equipment is the same standard used in industry, which gives students an edge when entering the workforce.
INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION Our laser engraving, vinyl cutting, 3D printing and plasma cutting machines are controlled by drawing software such as AutoCad and CorelDraw. Students have been learning how to digitally draw and control each of the input parameters to enable the machines to correctly cut/print or engrave their designs. Year 8 students have taken these new digital drawing skills and applied them to several projects including laser-cut acrylic puzzles and timber wall plaques. Students get very excited when the design and programming is finally sent for machining and it all goes to plan! Year 9 CAD/CAM students have embarked on some more challenging tasks that not only require the digital and programming skills but also an understanding of the physical properties of the materials they are working with. With students able to select the subject over the whole year we are seeing some very capable students mastering the software which is fantastic.
Year 10 students have taken the course to another level. They have embraced AutoCad and 3D design software such as Fusion 360 to produce some wonderful work.
Year 10 students had complete freedom to design and draw unique projects including 3D printed mobile phone holders and LED desk lamps. The 3D printed desk lamps incorporated colourchanging LED low voltage electronics so students needed to consider not only those design challenges but also skills such as soldering circuit boards, switches and power supplies. Congratulations to all CAD/CAM students for a very productive year and we know that many will build on these skills long after they have left the College. Mr Brad Nicholas Head of Technologies
2017 YEARBOOK
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