STEM Education Powered by Roland DG’s Rapid Prototyping Equipment
Saddleback College | Mission Viejo, California
After 33 years as a technical educator, Glen Stevenson, says he’s still excited about what he sees his students do every day. Stevenson is department chair of the Advanced Manufacturing program at Saddleback College, a community college located in Mission Viejo, California. “It’s been great to see the growth that a rapid prototyping curriculum can foster both in the students and in our program overall,” he said.
Stevenson’s Advanced Manufacturing program caters to a broad range of students, from teenagers just out of high school to adults who have been in the workforce and need training or re-training in cutting-edge technology. “Some of our students have never have used a CAD/CAM machine or 3D printer before,” said Stevenson.
“We have several types of 3D printers, but all of our students start on the Roland DG ARM-10,” said Stevenson. “Roland DG’s wizards are great – they help make the technology easy to understand.”
In addition to in-class projects, students who have completed the coursework are permitted to use the machines for outside work, provided they pay for the materials. Saddleback students also participate each year in the Orange County Maker Challenge, or OC Maker Challenge.
“What excites me as an instructor is the potential Roland DG’s technology offers to help our students create things that can make a difference in people’s lives,” said Stevenson.
“What excites me as an instructor is the potential Roland DG’s technology offers to help our students create things that can make a difference in people’s lives.”
Quality and durability
Stevenson’s work has helped the college bring state-of-the-art equipment to their expanding facility, including Roland DG’s MDX-40 CNC mill and ARM-10 rapid prototyping 3D printer. “Roland DG’s equipment is extremely high quality and durable – it’s a perfect fit for our program,” he said.Stevenson’s Advanced Manufacturing program caters to a broad range of students, from teenagers just out of high school to adults who have been in the workforce and need training or re-training in cutting-edge technology. “Some of our students have never have used a CAD/CAM machine or 3D printer before,” said Stevenson.
“We have several types of 3D printers, but all of our students start on the Roland DG ARM-10,” said Stevenson. “Roland DG’s wizards are great – they help make the technology easy to understand.”
In addition to in-class projects, students who have completed the coursework are permitted to use the machines for outside work, provided they pay for the materials. Saddleback students also participate each year in the Orange County Maker Challenge, or OC Maker Challenge.
Ease of use means success for students
“The Roland DG MDX-40 is easy to use and holds its accuracy really well. It lets all of our students feel successful with CNC milling from their first project on up,” said Stevenson.“What excites me as an instructor is the potential Roland DG’s technology offers to help our students create things that can make a difference in people’s lives,” said Stevenson.