AMT Smartforce Educates the Next Generation of Manufacturers

AMT Smartforce Development, education institutions and industry-wide exhibit partners are gearing up for the Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS 2018 and looking forward to introducing students from elementary through post-secondary schools to the dynamic, exciting careers in advanced manufacturing. 

Free to students, their teachers, administrators and chaperones, the Student Summit will include hands-on challenges, learning labs for teachers and advanced students, apprentices competitions and more on topics ranging from CAD-CAM design, CNC programming, mechatronics, and smart manufacturing to collaborative robotics and generative design.

3D-Printed Air-Rocket Challenge

The popular RIPPL3D.com’s 3D-printed Air-Rocket Challenge will return to the summit and go deeper into aerospace and outer space exhibits. Students will delve into the physics of rocket flight (launch pressure, launch angle, nose weight and tail fin configuration) by designing and 3D printing a rocket body, wings and fins. The rocket will then be tested in a flight-test silo, allowing the students to see their designs in use.

Learning Labs

Educators will earn a NIMS certificate to acknowledge participation in the learning labs and to further professional development in advanced manufacturing technologies. Learning labs will be set up classroom-style with seating for up to 30 participants, while other learning labs will be conducted at equipment in a workstation-style lab and are available for up to nine participants.

Engaging Activities

Mentor Labs, high mileage vehicle displays and FIRST Robotics team demonstrations will compliment the industry exhibits to help students learn about the entire manufacturing process, from design and 3D printing, CNC programming and machining, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality and more.

“The open and engaging environment of the Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS 2018 is the perfect opportunity for students to experience the excitement of a career in manufacturing by allowing students to operate the actual job functions using high-tech tools and equipment. The summit also helps students connect STEM learning with careers in manufacturing technology,” says Greg Jones, AMT Vice President of Smartforce. “The activities at the summit will help to positively change student perceptions about manufacturing.”

For more information, visit IMTS.com/student.

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