Explore high-paying careers in clean, high-tech Connecticut manufacturing.

Name of NGM Educator:

Neil English, Technology Education and Engineering

Litchfield High School and Tunxis Community College

Name of Host Company:

Trumpf, Inc.

Grade Level:

Community College

Student Work Types

Oral presentation:

Research and prepare an oral presentation on one of the following lean manufacturing concepts.

• 5S
• TPM
• 8 Sins of Waste
• Six Sigma
• JIT
• Kanban
• SMED
• Pull vs Push
• One piece flow

The amount of topics covered by the students can be increased or decreased depending on the size of the class. The teacher will need to fill in for topics not covered by the students.

Field trip to a local company that practices lean manufacturing.

Students will then compose a report outlining the elements of lean observed and fixtures used to implement lean.

Task Abstract:

-3D modeling components

Students will use the program Inventor to design parts.

-3D modeling assembly

Students will use the program Inventor to assemble parts.

-Presentation of lean manufacturing material.

-Introduction of modular components.

-Development of lean device.

-Final report

Task Objectives:

The students will know:

• The basic elements of lean manufacturing.
• How to design with modular components.
• How to apply 3d modeling concepts to solve real world problems.

Esssential Understandings/Questions:

• What are the benefits of manufacturing in a lean environment?
• What are the benefits of using modular components?
• How are device aides used to improve efficiency in a lean world?

Task Description:

Design a device that addresses elements of lean manufacturing using parametric modeling software.

Students will:

• Using Lego Designer and Lego building components the students will design and construct a device in the virtual and real world.  

• Centered on one of the areas of lean the students will sketch the solution to a lean manufacturing problem using modular components.

• Develop a set of working drawings of lean modular device.

• Final Report.

  • Students will prepare a final report with the following:
  • Lean area addressed
  • Problem
  • Perceived need
  • Sketches
  • Working drawing
  • Prototype model (optional)
  • Conclusion

Resources Required:

• Lean Manufacturing notebook.
• Internet access
• Microsoft Office
• Lego Designer (download free from internet)
• Lego building blocks
• Mini-tec web site (for modular components)
• Parametric modeling software (AutoCAD Inventor, Solidworks, ect)
• Printer

Prior Learning Required:

Proficient with :

• Internet
• Office
• Lego Designer
• Inventor

Class in 3D Technical Drafting

Individual or Group Work: 

Individual

Educator Comments:

As I developed this learning module my prime objective was to give the students useful information then present them with a real world problem that could then apply using the material covered in the class. By using the modular approach the students will not be tied up with hours of tedious drawing. Thus they can concentrate on the big picture and not get bogged down. I am very excited with the prospect of introducing this project to my class this fall.