As we know it today, there is a skilled labor shortage in the manufacturing industry, and future generations need more encouragement to pursue a STEM education. Â So, when Bill Lemme, an engineering educator from Arvin High School requested to bring his engineering students in for an off-campus learning experience, Purple Platypus gladly accepted.
Purple opened their doors to the Arvin High School engineering group and provided an exciting background on the advanced prototyping technologies, and how a career in manufacturing can be innovative.The engineering students have just begun their studies on Solidworks 3D CAD design software, as part of Bill’s curriculum. Â Their field trip tour was catered to their lesson plan, where the Purple Platypus team prepared a presentation on how to take a Solidworks file and prepare it for 3D printing. After learning and understanding the process, the students were able to tour the showroom consisting of 10 different 3D printers by Stratasys, both PolyJet and FDM technologies. From applications, and industries served, to materials, and build size capabilities, these students realized that they were only limited by their imagination, and were truly inspired to be creative and become innovative, no matter what career path they take.
These engineering students are ahead of the game! Â Let’s all continue to join together in this STEM education and MfgDay Movement, and encourage more students and educators on the advancement in manufacturing, design, and engineering.