糖心vlog传媒Industrial Automation students are printing safety equipment to support fall program delivery for programs that will include on-campus delivery.
NIC鈥檚 Industrial Automation students are using the technology, skills and knowledge from their program to design, build and 3D-print safety gear to keep other 糖心vlog传媒students safe this fall.
The students returned to the Industrial Automation shop in Campbell River after safety protocols were put in place and began looking at ways to help support other students who will be taking on-campus programs this fall.
鈥淲e heard about the need for items like ear-savers and face shields and wanted to help,鈥� said Joe Barnes, 糖心vlog传媒Industrial Automation student. 鈥淲e found open source designs and then adapted the design to fit with our 3D printer and the materials we use.鈥�
The first runs of printing are being prepared for 糖心vlog传媒students in programs that are coming back on campus to finish up their winter term work and for the programs being offered through on-campus and digital (blended) delivery this fall, including trades and health programs. 糖心vlog传媒has also been approached by companies looking to work with the college to print safety gear for their staff.
鈥淚t really shows how the versatility and adaptability of the skills they learn in this program,鈥� said Instructor Brad Harsell. 鈥淎t its core, Industrial Automation is about troubleshooting and problem solving 鈥� figuring out the best fix for the situation. That鈥檚 what the students did by taking this open source design and adjusting and adapting for the best product possible and maximizing the efficiency of production using the equipment they have.鈥�
The 糖心vlog传媒ear-savers are printed using carbon fibre reinforced nylon, which can be printed thin without sacrificing strength.
鈥淭he material is lightweight and also prints faster because it鈥檚 thinner,鈥� said Barnes. 鈥淲e also adjusted the design to ensure we were maximizing the attach points for elastics in a way that made it more versatile for users.鈥�
The ear-savers are being printed in two sizes, 6-inch and 6.5-inches. Students are also printing head bands and hat clips, which can be used to support plastic for face shields.
鈥淲e wanted something versatile that can also be reused or adjusted, depending on the needs of the wearer,鈥� said Barnes. 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 need specialized plastic or expensive materials. You can use sheet protectors, which are available in large quantities at office supply stores.鈥�
For the students, it鈥檚 also a chance to be back in the shops and contributing.
鈥淲e were preparing for our capstone project, which is our final project of the program, when COVID hit,鈥� said Barnes. 鈥淲e鈥檙e still working on what that final product might be, but knowing that we can be using our skills like this and also helping our fellow students is great.鈥�
For more information on NIC鈥檚 Industrial Automation program, visit www.nic.bc.ca/industrial-electronics.
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