Students at Ridge High School have been taking advantage of the latest technology found in the engineering world. Teachers Mr. Mark Dotta and Mr. David Aufiero have recently added a computer integrated manufacturing unit into the Engineering/CAD I and Engineering/CAD II courses. Students in CAD I design custom drawings using AutoCad, and then use the Epilog Laser Cutter to manufacture their designs. CAD II students are designing prototypes using the 3D modeling program, AutoDesk Inventor. These prototypes are printed using the MakerBot Replicator 3D printer. Mr. Dotta and Mr. Aufiero have created a challenging and exciting curriculum, guiding their students through the complete engineering design process. This year, students have designed some advanced and impressive projects!
Congratulations to Tristan Hinoul for receiving this years “Engineering Design Award”. Tristan has successfully completed Mr. Dotta’s Engineering Design/CAD II and Architecture courses. He has learned how the combustion engine works, coupled with a priceless hands-on opportunity to disassemble a 3.5 H.P small gas engine. Students received instruction about proper safety, tools and fasteners. Then students measured certain parts of the engine, then modeled them in 3D in using the Inventor software. During this past school year, Tristan spent countless hours as an independent study, precisely measuring and rendering every major component of the engine. Finally, after seventy-five hours of printing the 3D parts, he assembled a full-scale replica of the target engine. The plastic printed engine parts even moved just like the real thing!
To see more pictures of student work from CAD I, CAD II, Robotics, and Architecture, please visit the RHS Tech. Ed. Site at http://mrdotta.blogspot.com/.
