Best of the Week 2022-2023: Excellence in College Prep

IB ENGINEERING STUDENTS GET TO VISIT PARKER HANNIFIN'S MOTION TECHNOLOGY CENTER

The IB Engineering students (Design Technology and Computer Science) recently attended a field trip to the Parker Hannifin Motion Technology Center. While on the campus, students had the opportunity to meet with professional engineers and explore technologies within the Engineering and Computer Science fields. They also got to sit in on presentations on Additive Manufacturing, Collaborative Robotics, Human Motion Control, Motor Electrification, Motor Dyno Testing, Hydraulics within Construction Equipment, and Project Management.

"During the Additive Manufacturing presentation, students had the opportunity to see three different methods: Fused Deposition Model (plastic), Photopolymerization (plastic with additives for strength), and Powder Bed Fusion (metals). All of these methods were great opportunities to see a direct connection to the 3D Modeling they complete in their Engineering courses," says Engineering Department Chair JC Froelich '08.

The Collaborative Robotics presentation allowed students to see how humans and robots interact in a manufacturing setting. The Human Motion Control presentation allowed the computer science students to understand how impactful coding can be through a product designed to help paraplegic people walk to maintain muscle density during physical therapy. "Sometimes seeing computer science in action can be a challenge and this specific presentation allowed our students to have a better understanding of that application," adds Mr. Froelich. "Overall, thanks to Parker Hannifin, our students were given an opportunity to see how Engineering concepts from their course apply to real world careers and interdisciplinary projects."