Creating future-thinking infrastructure by investing in training tools for the jobs of tomorrow.
Through generous funding from the Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant, spearheaded by the Baker-Polito administration, Essex North Shore Technical School has invested in the technology necessary to evolve their CNC, CAD, engineering technology and metal fabrication programs to give students the skills needed to compete in an “Industry 4.0” world.
What once was a locker room had a dramatic makeover as a beautiful new Innovation Lab. This digital fabrication hub will benefit students from CAD/CAM design, engineering and machine tech trades, as well as graphic design majors. Among the additions are an Epilog Zing Laser, Stratasys F270 3D Printer, Stratasys uPrint Desktop 3D Printer, an EMCO Concept Turn Lathe and and EMCO CNC Milling Machine.
The existing machine technology center was appointed with new CNC plasma machines by Techno CNC Systems, and recently installed cutting-edge EMCO Concept Mill 200. Updates like this are supporting the efforts of administration and staff to train students with the advanced manufacturing skills necessary to become key players in modern industry.
Create an Engineering Design Lab in a Small Space and Upgrade Current Manufacturing Lab with Pro-GradeCNC equipment.
Due to space constraints, Essex Tech administrators were looking to transform a former locker room area into a well-equipped engineering lab.
Additionally, faculty wished to address concerns that current equipment did not support high-level training for CNC manufacturing students. Recognizing a rapidly changing manufacturing sector, administrators realized they needed to invest in equipment that supported 5-axis machine education.
Optimal Utilization of Grant Funding for Optimal Program Results
Working in conjunction with contractors and faculty we designed a plan for an Engineering Technology center that could be utilized by the Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and CAD departments. Looking to use funding from the Massachusetts Capital Skills grant responsibly, Superintendent Heidi Riccio tasked AET’s Senior Education Strategist, Mark Lyons with selecting cutting-edge technology that would stand the test of time, and came bundled with technical support and maintenance plan.
Lyons, a former CAD educator and engineer, was able to create a fully-functioning, well-ventilated engineering space in the school’s former locker room using desktop versions of equipment from EMCO machine, Stratasys, and Epilog Laser.
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- Epilog Laser Zing
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- EMCO Concept Mill 55
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- EMCO Concept Turn 60
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- EMCO Maxxmill CNC Machine
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- TechnoCNC HDII Router
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- Stratasys F270 FDM 3D Printer
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- Makerbot Replicator+ 3D Printer
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- Creaform HandyScan 3D Scanner
The Salem News: Apr 9, 2020
High-tech 3D printers put to work
Essex Tech using idled equipment to make protective shields
“When we received an advanced manufacturing grant from Governor Baker, AET was a great resource to guide us through the process of design, equipment selection, and installation. Our program is now equipped with equipment that will provide our students with cutting edge technology which will prepare them for college and career readiness.”
