DELHI, NY … SUNY Delhi’s Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) program has acquired a Stratasys rapid prototyping machine, better known as a 3-D printer, with $24,000 from a recent Perkins grant. 

3-D TECHNOLOGY ENHANCES

SUNY DELHI’S COMPUTER-AIDED DRAFTING AND DESIGN PROGRAM

DELHI, NY … SUNY Delhi’s Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) program has acquired a Stratasys rapid prototyping machine, better known as a 3-D printer, with $24,000 from a recent Perkins grant.

According to Associate Professor Mike Miller, a machine of this type will put Delhi’s CADD program ahead of the pack. "Industry looks to hire graduates who have experience with the latest technology. We knew from recommendations by our alumni in the industry that if we could procure a 3-D printer, we would be giving our students an unbelievable opportunity to set themselves apart from other CADD graduates."

Using this latest technology, students of SUNY Delhi’s CADD program are now able to create three-dimensional items in the classroom. An item such as an automotive part, is formed by reading specifications of a three dimensional design created by students on the college’s CADD system. The 3-D printer produces the item by laying down thin layers of plastic, one upon the other, until the whole part is created. In most cases, the plastic part is durable enough to be tested.

Chris Pohlman, a second-year CADD student, says he’s seen how using a 3-D printer could streamline the process of making a machine part. "It’s common for designers to literally go back to the drawing board two or three times to get it right. With the 3-D printer, you can create a part, measure it, look at it, even test it to see if it works. It saves a lot of time in desig n modifications."

Professor Miller further explains that 3-D printers will reduce the number of product recalls. "By having a 3-D printer in-house, you can meet production time lines. There’s no need to send out for a prototype. 3-D printers can save tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. That’s why industry is so keen to have workers skilled in this technology."

According to Larry Morgan, a second-year CADD student who will be transferring to Pennsylvania College of Technology to pursue a B.S. in Product Design, his experience with a 3-D printer at SUNY Delhi will help him further his education. "Having experience with prototyping is highly beneficial to those of us who want to move on. I can say we already know how to use a 3-D printer."

Professor Miller adds, "At SUNY Delhi, we pride ourselves on how well prepared our students are when they move on, whether it be in industry or to a four-year program. There are very few instances when our students find a job and need additional training. When they leave Delhi, they can say they’ve worked with the leading technology."

The Computer-Aided Drafting and Design program at SUNY Delhi is a fully accredited, hands-on program that engages students in projects using the latest in CADD software. Two degree options are available—an associate degree in occupational studies (A.O.S.) and an associate degree in applied science (A.A.S). The A.A.S. degree has a greater Liberal Arts/Science component which makes it a good choice for students who plan to continue their education after Delhi. Students also have an option of a one-year certificate.