h a n e
V a n
m a g e
B o x t e l / I
S t u d i o s
hen companies can turn ideas
into reality within 24 hours, it's
not hard to imagine the powerful
impact 3D printing can have on the
manufacturing industry. Simply
put, 3D printing technology turns 3D computer models
into prototypes by "printing" the model, layer by layer, using
various substances such as powder or plastic to create a
tangible object.
"It's an easy way to visualize your parts to check them for
form, fit and function," says Dean Sommerfeld, instructor
of mechanical design technology at Fox Valley Technical
College (FVTC). "You can model something on computer
and it looks good, but it's hard to tell scale. If you're designing
something to fit in your hand, does it fit?"
There is plenty of demand for workers trained in this
technology. FVTC's Mechanical Design Technology
program has a consistent 90-plus percent graduate
employment rate. The college is the only
continued >
w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g . c o m November 2013
•
/ insight on manufacturing
|9
