Facilities
The laboratories used in Engineering coursework are housed in two different buildings on campus:
- J. E. Holtzinger Building
- Ralph and Helen Force Advanced Technology Center
Automation Lab - 103 Force
In the Automation Lab, there are eight benches where students work with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), robots, Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machining equipment, and a laser engraver / cutter.
- Programmable Logic Controllers
Students learn to program PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers),
which are used in industry to control processes. Located at each PLC
bench are two PLCs, one SLC 5/05 and one ControlLogix processor.
Students program the PLCs using simple inputs and outputs (switches,
pushbuttons, and lights) in the introductory course. In the subsequent
course, students accomplish a sorting, assembly and inspection process
by utilizing a variety of sensors used in combination with PLCs and
programming in a variety of languages.
- Robots
The anthropomorphic robots have five axes which control movement,
as well as grippers which open and close, allowing them to pick up and
put down parts.
- CNC Machining equipment
Students learn the proper procedures for programming Computer
Numerically Controlled (CNC) equipment in order to machine parts. Both
a CNC mill and CNC lathe are used.
- Laser Engraver
Students cut precision parts for use in assembling models using a laser engraver.
Industrial Automation and Controls Lab - 104 Force
Students learn about process controls in the Industrial Automation and Controls Laboratory. This lab is equipped with various process control workstations, computer-controlled data acquisition equipment, and control system development and simulation software.
Projects Lab - 106 Force
The Projects Lab is used for
assembly of projects in the EMET capstone design course (EMET 440) and
also for the college's SAE Mini-Baja team. This lab is outfitted with
an overhead hoist, a floor lift, overhead air lines and electrical
lines, and two sets of hand tools and assorted power tools.
- ASME Mini Baja Vehicle
Student members of ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers)
design and fabricate a mini baja vehicle and compete in an annual
competition sponsored by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers).
Machine Shop - 107 Force
The Machine Shop is equipped with
a manual mill, manual lathe, an iron worker, and several different
types of welding equipment. Students receive instruction in general
laboratory safety, and then specific instruction in the use of each of
the machines. They can then make use of this equipment in their senior
project work.
Computer Labs – 208 Force and 203 Holtzinger
Two
state-of-the-art computer labs are used for instruction in the program.
Students work with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Powerpoint. In
addition, they receive instruction in the mechanical drawing software
AutoCAD, as well as the solid modeling packages Solid Works and
Pro/Engineer.
Electrical Engineering Technology Labs - 209 Force and 106 Holtzinger
A
general electrical engineering laboratory accommodates hands-on study
of electric circuits and advanced electronics. The facility is equipped
with customary laboratory instruments such as oscilloscopes, power
supplies, function generators, and multi-meters. Integrated PC-based
workstations are also available for design, testing, measurement, and
data analysis of electrical and electronic circuits. Computer-assisted
circuit design and simulation is supported by a variety of software
packages including Matlab/Simulink, LabView, and Electronics Workbench.
- Additional Electrical Equipment:
Experiments in rotating electro-mechanical energy conversion
devices are supported by configurable lab carts. Supporting equipment
for these experiments includes high voltage power supplies, AC and DC
motors and generators, dynamometers, optical tachometers, and
electrical load banks. PC-based workstations and programmable power
electronics modules are used to support experiments with variable speed
AC and DC motor drives.
Digital electronics and microprocessor laboratories are
equipped with modern FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) boards and
various microprocessor, microcontroller, and DSP (Digital Signal
Processor) development boards. Computers in the lab have necessary
tools for simulation, verification, and implementation of complex
systems on the FPGA boards. Rapid prototyping software tools are
available to generate executable code for deployment on microcontroller
and DSP development boards.
Materials Testing Lab - 204 Holtzinger
The Materials
Testing Lab provides access to an Instron tensile tester, heat
treatment ovens, a Charpy impact tester, and assorted hardness testers.
- Instron Tensile Testing Machine, Impact Tester, Hardness Tester
Students perform material testing on specimens and analysis of data
in a required Materials and Manufacturing Methods course. Tensile
testing is accomplished with an Instron machine to evaluate material
strength. Students utilize an Equotip hardness tester to determine the
resistance to permanent deformation under dynamic loading. Impact
strength is assessed using a Tinius Olsen Charpy impact tester.
- Heat Treatment Ovens
Students modify the properties of various grades of steel through
heat treatment and subsequent quenching and tempering of the specimens.
Through hardness testing and impact testing, students are able to
analyze the data to determine the effect of higher carbon content,
longer tempering times, and variation in quenchants.
- Rapid Prototyper
Students design parts for various applications and create
prototypes using Rhinoceros and/or Pro/Engineer software used in
combination with a Rapid Prototyping machine.
