HAVERHILL – Superintendent Maureen Lynch is pleased to announce that Whittier Tech recently purchased cutting-edge technology which will be utilized by students in the Computer-Aided Design (CAD)/Drafting and Engineering pathways.
Whittier Tech purchased an Epilog Fusion Pro 32, a laser engraving and cutting machine, for the CAD pathway. The device has a CO2 laser and a maximum laser strength of 120 watts. An 80-watt laser also was purchased for the Engineering pathway. To view a video of CAD Instructor Scott Robertson using the Epilog Fusion Pro 32 to engrave a design he created into a piece of wood, click here.
“Our industry is a groundbreaking one and our students deserve to practice with cutting-edge technology in our area. It’s one of the foundational beliefs of vocational education. Having the tools that are currently being used in industry at our disposal, means our students have the skills for these high-tech career opportunities,” said Robertson, who has been working at Whittier Tech for 17 years.
Whittier Tech also purchased a 3-D scanner, as well as a Stratasys J55 3-D printer, which will allow students to print prototypes and parts of various colors, materials, and textures. To view a video of students removing keychain samples that they printed from the J55 3-D printer, please click here.
The school also purchased three laptops and two Alienware Aurora R12 gaming desktops to support Whittier’s Virtual Reality Program. The gaming desktops are designed for high-performance gaming and have tool-less upgradability features.
“This technology will be a big help for competitions like SkillsUSA, because students will be able to do things quickly since this technology is part of our everyday use. Before the grant, we were using technology like this sparingly and for special occasions. I’m excited for what is next, continuing to create new and innovative projects for our shop, our school, and our communities,” said student London Briley, a junior from Amesbury.
The items were purchased using a $300,000 Skills Capital Grant for Technology Funding, which Whittier Tech was awarded during the 2020-2021 school year.
“We are so grateful for this funding because it supports our continued efforts of being a leader in vocational education, specifically in the technology fields. I look forward to seeing all that our students will learn and create with this state-of-the-art technology,” Superintendent Lynch said.
About the Computer-Aided Design/Drafting Pathway
The CAD/Drafting program introduces the student to the use of drafting instruments, measuring, line work, geometric construction, orthographic projection, sketching, isometric drawing, and perspective drawing. Students progress to drawing layout, multi-view drawings, sectioning, auxiliary views, assembly drawings, and model making. A major part of the curriculum includes computer-aided drafting using AutoCAD, Solidworks and Revit software to produce drawings on the computer.
About the Engineering Pathway
Engineering Technology is a new program for students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The program introduces students to engineering concepts and principles, as well as to address the requirements and opportunities for students interested in a career in Engineering/STEM related fields.
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