“We use the laser machine to show the students that a design must be feasible. So, they have to think about all the details when creating a design so that it eventually becomes a mountable whole.”
At the Odisee technology campus in Ghent, they use a BRM laser machine every day. The BRM machine is widely used for the “Design and production technology” training program. During this program, students learn how to design a product from beginning to end. They make the first drawings on the computer, but also learn the final practical design. At Odisee we spoke with the teacher Jurgen Symynck who is responsible for the drawing and design courses of the program.
The manufacturing week
One of the projects that recurs each year where the laser machine is used is the “manufacturing week”. During this week, students are given an assignment in which they have to design a product and ultimately make it with the laser machine. For example, last year they had to design a product with which they have to shoot a tennis ball at a goal. One of the projects that recurs each year where the laser machine is used is the “manufacturing week”. For this week, students are given an assignment in which they have to design a product and ultimately make it with the laser machine. For example, last year they had to design a product with which they have to shoot a tennis ball at a goal. One of the projects that recurs each year where the laser machine is used is the “manufacturing week”. For this week students are given an assignment in which they have to design a product and ultimately make it with the laser machine. For example, last year they had to design a product with which they have to shoot a tennis ball at a goal.
Jurgen points out that this is an important learning process for the students. “Students can cut out a product that we know in advance is not going to work. But due to the low cost of the materials, it is no problem that the student first fails a few times. And the student is quickly introduced to the practice, because it all goes so quickly. Therefore, they are very pleased with the machine”.
