Help with engineering program

You might try contacting equipment dealers. A good source is Machine Tools West -- it's a monthly "magazine" of manufacturers, dealers (new & used), auctions, etc.

Online form for a free subscription available ...
http://www.machinetoolswest.com/

I would contact the major research universities in your area. Many state universities have a surplus program by which property can be turned over to any other state agency for free or a small fee to pay for the bureaucracy involved.

First, Keep it up! We need LOTS more like you!!!

Unfortunately, I can't be of much help (if I knew of any such major equipment, I would be directing it to the school where I used to teach), but I do want to point out that computer printers always have either steppers or servos, or both. I have refused offers of two defunct Apple LaserWriters within the last month. I may still be able to get them - they have a pretty heavy-duty size 23 stepper with a helical gear output shaft. In addition I'm pretty sure I have at least one, and likely 2 or more spares of the same motor stashed away for repair. If you want them they're yours.

Dick

Hello gdelveccio,

You may wan`t to consider asking for a donation from major local engineering firms. If their name can be promoted, and they are aware that they could benefit from the future student body trained on the likes of 3D printers, they may sponser.

We are facing a similar situation, as we are trying to promote 3D printers into schools, primarily into Colleges and Universities, but the time has come to start teaching this technology earlier.

We are in Canada and it is even more difficult, as the manufacturers of state of the art colour 3D printers are in the US. Currently Educational sales grants from manufacturers such as Z-corp(R) are available in the US, but not in Canada at this time, as far as we know the manufacturer is reviewing this to extend it north. You might as well have full colour if you want to print in 3D! Since you are in the US, you should consider contacting them for availability of discounts.

Hey all you well established high tech engineering companies, and workers out there - how about discussing with your bosses about sponsoring the next generation such that your pension is safe! Why not contact a High School/ Public School near you and see how you can help, perhaps you get a tax write off and free puplicity.

All the best in your endevours,

Mirco.

I am one of the directors with the Bluegrass Chapter of the Kentucky Society of Professional Engineers and am the chairperson for the Project Lead the Way Program. This program is trying to establish engineering based programs starting in the 6th grade with math and science. We in Kentucky are having the same funding problems. I find it amazing that the powers at be do not recognize that the no child left behind is not working.

Try going to this web site:

www.pltw.org/

I would suggest also contacting any major OEM's in your area. I know that Sikorsky/Pratt quite often have surplus equipment that they offer to their vendors for a very low cost - things such as cmm's, cnc's, and other items. I'm sure that given the chance for a tax write off that you could acquire some very nice, but dated equipment from a major OEM.

Good luck and keep up the good work.

Your class might be interested in using a free, powerful circuit simulation program. You can find information about microcap9 and sample circuit kits at www.tier-2-innovation.com.

In addition to the other helpful advice, I would also suggest contacting local manufacturers and technical societies in your area and attempt to set up long term relationships (partnerships, sponsorships, etc.). In addition to donated new and surplus equipment, you may also gain access to their technical staff and facilities. (Technical societies are important because their membership has an inherent interest and through them, you also gain access to their employers).

Several industries in my area have partnered with local high schools, middle and junior high schools to assist in guiding qualified, interested students into engineering and other technical fields.

Declining enrollment in college and university engineering programs have drawn the attention of industry and professional technical societies and they are looking for ways to reverse that trend.

Long term relationships can be far more valuable than one time donations and now is a good time to do it since National Engineers' Week is in February.

Contact your nearest military base (service branch will not matter) about getting in touch with the nearest Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office (DRMO). They can provide surplussed equipment free of charge to any non-profit organization (which by definition is a public school!) upon request. The most it will cost you is to go pick it up... The military gets good stuff and does maintenance like nobody's business, so much can be had that's maybe not 'state-of-the-art' or 'cutting edge', but still with much service left in it! Good on you for all you do!

Thank you to all of you for your sage input! I will pursue these suggestions as I try to give our future engineers the best experiences possible BEFORE they make their final career choice. It is gratifying to know that so many engineers take an active stake in the future of students who will follow in their footsteps. Again, thank you to all.

G. Del Vecchio

Engineering Instructor

Project Lead the Way