STCC manufacturing program adds 3D printing to curriculum

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – How passionate is instructor Alexander Lozada about 3D printing?

The Springfield Technical Community College assistant professor and 2020 graduate of the Mechanical Engineering Technology program loves the technology so much that he bought a 3D printer to design and produce parts at his home. He has created a lot of parts he uses around his house, including a custom silverware holder to fit into a kitchen drawer.

“I used the skills I learned here when I was a student at STCC,” Lozada said. “Being able to turn your ideas into reality is super fun and satisfying.”

Lozada brings his enthusiasm for 3D printing every day to his job as an assistant professor. After joining STCC’s faculty in the fall of 2023, he suggested and obtained approval for the Mechanical Engineering Technology Department to create a 3D printing lab, also known as an additive manufacturing lab.  This equipment complements existing rapid prototyping materials and technology already used by the manufacturing program.

The Department already was using 3D printers, but it was not a formal part of the curriculum which is known throughout the region for design and quality control elements. Lozada suggested creating a dedicated lab and purchasing three more 3D printers similar to the one he has at home. They are relatively inexpensive ($210 each). The lab now has nine printers.

“3D printing is becoming more common in the industry, so it’s important for us to stay up to date,” Lozada said. “Students should be aware of 3D printing before they graduate.”

STCC’s Dean of STEM, Lara Sharp, said a 3D printing lab will benefit students and the college’s industry partners.

“Creating and visualizing student projects will connect design skills with application,” Sharp said. “I am excited to have the additive manufacturing lab as part of the MET program at STCC.”

Mechanical Engineering Technology degree-seeking students are learning about 3D printing in their second-level SolidWorks class. SolidWorks is a solid modeling computer-aided design and computer-aided engineering application.

3D printing is becoming more common in the industry, so it’s important for us to stay up to date. Alexander Lozada, STCC assistant professor

3D printing allows for the construction of three-dimensional objects from a CAD (computer-aided design) model or a digital 3D model. Under computer control, the printers in the MET lab create models with plastic material being added layer by layer.

Students learn how to program the computers and operate the machines. The printers can design intricate objects with internal features that cannot be manufactured using conventional methods. Lozada points to one 3D-printed object – a fan with gears that were printed at one time.

“This is actually an impossible-to-assemble construction,” he said. “When you start 3D printing, the rules for how things are built are different, and it opens up new possibilities.”

Lozada displays several 3D printed objects in the lab, including a 3-foot model of a Saturn V rocket. Some of them such as a muscle-flexing Pokemon character are fun and quirky. Others are practical and include gears and turning parts that could be used in machines. One class built a fender for a student’s wheelchair.

Lozada asked students to design a small toy-sized boat using a 3D printer. The goal was to see how many quarters their boat could hold without sinking. The 3D-printing exercise taught students engineering concepts about volume and physics.

“I made one too, because I wasn’t going to let them have all the fun!” Lozada said.

In addition to the 3D lab, the Mechanical Engineering Technology program at STCC features a lab with 16 Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines and a precision inspection lab with five Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) representing a cumulative investment of multiple millions.  The college recently affirmed in the latest strategic plan the priority to “elevate” its technical mission.

MET students can take day or evening classes to learn the practical application of engineering and scientific principles as they pursue two-year associate degrees or one-year certificates.

Graduates are prepared to enter a competitive job market in the precision manufacturing industry. In addition, graduates have transfer options to continue with their education and pursue a bachelor’s degree.

 Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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