Systems Technology

De La students now use the latest hi-tech equipment to produce models of vehicles and other engineered products. The boys use Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), robotics, microelectronics, digital scanning, programming and vacuum forming techniques. The College Technology faculty has purchased two Computer Aided Manufacturing centres with the support and sponsorship of Intellecta Technologies and Roland Australia. The versatile MDX 20 can digitize, cut 3D shapes and rout printed circuit boards. Currently we have scanned an HSV Commodore, a Ford Falcon, a Porsche and an F1 racer. The Modella software allows us to scale up the size of the model vehicles. The larger MDX650 high-speed router allows us to take a digitized shape and rapidly produce a model. These CAM machines complement our existing CAD software, ProDesktop. Students can model concepts and export them to the Modella CAM software. The robot arm shown was modelled in ProDesktop and using the parametric properties of ProDesktop the gripper assembly was tested moving through its motions before being manufactured. De La Salle College at present offers training in CAD/CAM for teachers around the State and is seen as the main provider of quality technology programs in Victoria. Our Technology program focuses on introducing engineering principles, where students are encouraged through the design process to develop positive and innovative problem solving methodology. They are encouraged to look at products we use in everyday life and reflect on the positive and negative effects of product design on the natural environment.

James Kennedy made this robotic arm following the design he formulated with the aid of the new computer-driven technology

This F1 racer (pictured left) was scanned by the MDX 20 and digitized into the ‘wire’ image above, then rendered into the image below using its sophisticated computer software. This image can then be viewed from every angle on CAD prior to reproduction using the high-speed router (pictured bottom left).

The high-speed router in operation, cutting the computer design on the computer screen.