2014 Production Project

First Piece Inspection

Each year, students in the Machine Tool & C.A.M. program are assigned a project that is referred to as a "production project."  The actual project has changed over the years but last year we started making Stirling Engines.  Last years class was tasked with making 27 engines and they were successful in doing so.  Feeling confident, I decided that this years class was not only going to make a different design but that they would make 50 Stirling Engines.

With two weeks left in the school year, we managed to assemble our first motor.  There was a huge sigh of relief in the entire shop when we managed to get this first motor running.  Keep in mind that I was not even sure if our designs would even work.  (I don't tell the students this concern when I'm telling them to make parts for 50 motors)  Now that we have assembled a functioning engine, we will spend a majority of the last week of school assembling the last 49 engines.  This process should make for an interesting week.

This project has turned into an excellent experience for the Machine Tool students.  Most of their lab assignments require them to make one single part.  With this project, they are required to make 50, which forces them to approach the production of a part from a completely different angle.   In addition, the students are forced to work together in the production of these parts.  This particular engine is comprised of 30+ parts and if a single part is incorrect, the engine simply will not function.  Teams were created with each having a team leader who is charged with coordinating the groups efforts.

There have been some bumps along the way but I optimistic that all fifty engines will be assembled and operational by weeks end.  If you would like to lend moral support, feel free to stop by the shop.

YouTube Video of first assembled engine
2014 Student Stirling Engine