Division of Business and Engineering

Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology

Engineering Facilities

Engineering Labs

J. E. Holtzinger Building

Computer Lab - Room 203
Two state-of-the-art computer labs are used for instruction in the EMET program. Students work with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. In addition, they receive extensive instruction in the mechanical drawing software AutoCAD, as well as the solid modeling packages SolidWorks and Pro/Engineer. Students also work with MasterCAM, LabVIEW, MATLAB/Simulink, RSLogix 500 and 5000, RSView, and a variety of other software programs in courses throughout the program.

Room 204 - Materials Testing Lab/Mechanical Lab

  • Instron Tensile Testing Machine
  • Impact Tester
  • Hardness Tester
  • Heat Treatment Ovens

The Materials Testing Lab provides access to an Instron tensile tester, heat treatment ovens, a Charpy impact tester, and assorted hardness testers.

Students perform material testing on specimens and analysis of data. Tensile testing is accomplished with an Instron machine to evaluate material strength. Students utilize an Equotip hardness tester to determine the resistance to permanent deformation under dynamic loading. Impact strength is assessed using a Tinius Olsen Charpy impact tester.

Ralph and Helen Force Advanced Technology Center

Automation Lab - 103 Force

  • Programmable Logic Controllers
  • Robots
  • CNC Machining Equipment
  • Laser Engraver

In the Automation Lab, there are eight benches where students work with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), robots, and a sorting and assembly process composed of various industrial sensors and actuators. In addition, Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machining equipment, and a laser engraver / cutter are available for instruction and course projects.

Programmable Logic Controllers - Students learn to program PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), which are used in industry to control processes. Located at each PLC bench are two PLCs, one SLC 5/05 and one ControlLogix processor. Students program the PLCs using simple inputs and outputs (switches, pushbuttons, and lights) in the introductory course. In the subsequent course, students accomplish a sorting, assembly and inspection process by utilizing a variety of sensors and actuators used in combination with PLCs and programming. Throughout the PLC sequence, students learn to program using in a variety of languages.

Robots - The anthropomorphic robots have five axes which control movement, as well as grippers which open and close, allowing them to pick up and put down parts.

CNC Machining equipment - Students learn the proper procedures for programming Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) equipment in order to machine parts. Both a CNC mill and CNC lathe are used.

Laser Engraver - Students cut precision parts for use in assembling models using a laser engraver.

Projects Lab I - 104 Force
Senior- level students utilize this lab to complete the assembly of their senior design projects each semester.

Projects Lab II 106 Force
Mini-Baja Vehicle

This second Projects Lab is also used for assembly of projects in the EMET capstone design course (EMET 440) and for the college's SAE Mini-Baja team. This lab is outfitted with an overhead hoist, a floor lift, overhead air lines and electrical lines, hand tools, and assorted power tools.

ASME Mini Baja Vehicle - Student members of ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) design and fabricate a mini-baja vehicle and compete in an annual competition sponsored by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers).

Machine Shop - 107 Force
The Machine shop is equipped with two manual mills, a manual lathe, a conversational CNC lathe, an iron worker, a sheet metal worker, a horizontal and a vertical band saw, and several different types of welding equipment. Students receive instruction in general laboratory safety and specific instruction in the use of each of the machines. They can then make use of this equipment in class projects as well as in their senior design project work.

Process Control Lab - 207 Force
Students learn about process controls in junior and senior level coursework. They use various process control workstations, computer-controlled data acquisition equipment, and control system development and simulation software.

Computer Lab - 208 Force
A second state-of-the-art computer labs is used for instruction in the EMET program. Students work with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. In addition, they receive extensive instruction in the mechanical drawing software AutoCAD, as well as the solid modeling packages SolidWorks and Pro/Engineer. Students also work with MasterCAM, LabVIEW, MATLAB/Simulink, RSLogix 500 and 5000, RSView, and a variety of other software programs in courses throughout the program. A Rapid Prototyper is also housed in this lab and is used by students to produce prototype parts used in their design work.

Electrical Labs - 207 and 209 Force
Two general electrical engineering laboratories accommodate hands-on study of electric circuits and advanced electronics. The facilities are equipped with customary laboratory instruments such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, function generators, and multi-meters. Integrated PC-based workstations are also available for design, testing, measurement, and analysis of electrical and electronic circuits. Computer-assisted circuit design simulation, and rapid prototyping are supported by a variety of software packages including Matlab/Simulink, DSpace, LabView, and Electronics Workbench.

Additional Electrical Equipment: Experiments in AC and DC rotating electric machinery and electric drives are supported by configurable motor/dynamometer workstations. . Supporting equipment for these experiments includes high voltage power supplies, AC and DC motors and generators, dynamometers, optical encoders, programmable power electronics boards, and electrical load banks. PC-based workstations and the programmable power electronics modules are used to support experiments with variable speed AC and DC motor drives. Digital electronics and microprocessor laboratories are equipped with modern FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) boards and various microprocessor, microcontroller, and DSP (Digital Signal Processor) development boards.

Contact:

Ms. Irene M. Ferrara
Instructor in Engineering
Division of Business & Engineering
Penn State Altoona
Office: 205 Force Technology Center
Phone: 814-949-5568
Email:
WWW: http://www.personal.psu.edu/ixf107