Students in the High School’s “Design and Draw for Production,” “Manufacturing/Advanced Manufacturing” and “Architectural Design” classes will further sharpen their technology skills through the use of two new Epilog laser engravers, which includes a rotary attachment for engraving cylindrical products, made possible through a $50,000 grant secured by State Sen. James Skoufis.
The new laser engravers now complete the desired equipment in the High School Technology Department, and will operate in tandem with the department’s CNC machines, an industry standard 3D printer and woodworking tools and machinery. The machines, as well as the design programs used in class, are used in many industrial settings. The original engravers were old, no longer functional and obsolete. Replacement parts were no longer available to keep them operational.
Senator Skoufis visited the High School on Oct. 17 to see the new equipment and met with students to learn about how new equipment will assist in their learning.
During his visit, Senior Alexander Valentine explained how the equipment worked, including how special software interfaces with the engraver. He shared two designs created that would be suitable for laser engraving on a drinking glass and invited Senator Skoufis to select what he'd like to see engraved. He picked the one featuring a New York State silhouette with a New York Mets logo and watched as Alexander prepared the machine and installed the glass which was engraved in less than five minutes. That glass, plus a special previously etched glass, were presented to the senator to thank him for his grant securement efforts.
"This is simply amazing," Senator Skoufis said as he watched the engraver in action. "This type of technology is so cutting edge and didn't exist in recent years. The technology skills that students will learn and bring to the workplace will make them immensely desirable to employers."
As a prelude to using the new equipment, Technology Teacher Christopher Tuthill explained students start out by learning the fundamentals of the design process using Corel Draw and Vectric Aspire. Then, they learn the basics of the machines, including how to prepare and transfer files and setup and use the machines.
“As the students build on their knowledge in using the design programs and the machines, they will have the ability to design and create a variety of products using a variety of different materials,” Mr. Tuthill said. “Students will gain knowledge on the various materials that can be engraved which includes speed and power settings for etching, engraving and cutting.”
Superintendent Brian Monahan thanked Senator Skoufis for securing the grant, noting the new equipment will allow students to learn additional and valuable 21st Century skills that will help them succeed when they enter the workforce.
“With the addition of the new laser engravers, students will have a more well-rounded technology education that will help them succeed well into the future,” he added. “We are grateful to Senator Skoufis for his awareness of and support of the great instructional work our Technology Department provides to our students to make them college and/or career ready."