STEM Classroom to Factory

What began as a middle school research project has grown into a powerful partnership between Plastikos Inc. and Fairview High School (FHS), resulting in a hands-on, real-world STEM collaboration that is helping shape the future of technical education. STEM Classroom to Factory.

The relationship between Plastikos and the Fairview School District began when students at the middle school were assigned research projects on local technology companies. Plastikos was on the list, and through a father-daughter classroom connection, Plastikos Molding Manager and Junior Partner, John Williams, II, was invited to speak to the class about careers in manufacturing – both engineering roles and technical trade paths that don’t require a four-year degree.

The initiative struck a chord with FHS Director of STEM & Gifted Education and the Cyber Academy Principal Dr. Bookhamer and Plastikos leadership, including General Manager and President Philip Katen and Manufacturing Manager and Partner, Rob Cooney. Encouraged by Plastikos’ executive team to deepen ties with local schools, the collaboration evolved rapidly in early 2023. With the enthusiastic support of Plastikos engineers, including Williams and Shawn Dailey, senior automation engineer, Plastikos committed to mentoring FHS STEM Academy seniors on an engineering project.

Real World Task

FHS had recently acquired a new robot, and Bookhamer and the Plastikos team identified an opportunity for a practical challenge. The collaboration reached new heights this school year with a group project focused on a real-world task: redesigning end of arm tooling (EOAT) for one of Plastikos’ plastic injection presses. Plastikos provided project parameters and student teams were formed to brainstorm, prototype, and refine their EOAT solutions. As the students worked through the stages of development, Williams and Dailey worked closely with them on everything from design-for- manufacturability to problem-solving strategies as they coached the students through stumbling blocks and obstacles and sometimes highlighted underdeveloped opportunities. For most of the students, this was their first and sizeable engineering project where they worked through real world trial and error, specifically solving a challenge faced at Plastikos.

The passion and intellect of the FHS students quickly stood out, fully supported by the Fairview School District’s effort to equip students with the tools and training to test their ideas (solid modeling, 3D printers, machining equipment, and materials).

According to Williams, “the students are encouraged to push the envelope, and that it is okay to fail.”

In just a few months, the students were able to combine the best features from their group designs and together, delivered a fully built and functional EOAT, ready for a true test on the Plastikos press floor. Fairview’s Bookhamer and Graham Fennell, Superintendent Skip Stark, IU5 Director Brad Whitman, as well as local legislators including Bob Merski, Parke Wentling and representatives from Dan Laughlin’s (Chris Carroll) and Ryan Bizzaro’s (PJ Monella) offices attended the big reveal at Plastikos. Williams and Dailey set up the EOAT in a press with the student-engineers watching with anticipation.

Integrate Automation

“The partnership between Plastikos and the Fairview School District has provided students the opportunity to integrate the worlds of automation, 3D printing and engineering into a new End of Arm Tool,” Bookhamer said. “The automated manufacturing project allowed our high school STEM Academy students the chance to engage in the development of an industry level tool that integrated new materials and concepts to an existing production model. The collaboration provided students with the opportunity to work alongside the Plastikos engineers to design, prototype, and engineer an efficient and innovative pneumatic gripper system. Fairview and Plastikos have invested in developing students’ technical skills, understanding of manufacturing, and experiences in STEM based careers.”

The whole Team of students, mentors, and administrators were excited about the successful unveiling, but it was the students’ attention to detail that truly impressed the Plastikos Team. The final product was designed not only with function in mind but with company branding as well. The EOAT color scheme was intentionally matched to Plastikos’ corporate colors – an unexpected and thoughtful gesture that deeply resonated with the engineers.

“In 20 years, I’ve never seen an engineer worry about the color of their build,” said Williams. “That level of care showed how deeply the students thought about every aspect – technical and otherwise.”

Two Way Exchange

This collaboration has proven to be far more than an educational exercise – it’s a meaningful, two-way exchange that has energized both the students and the professionals involved. What started as a company’s effort to give back to the community has grown into a model of what corporate-educational partnerships can achieve.

“Our goal was to inspire and guide the next generation of innovators,” said Williams. “But what we didn’t expect was how much we would learn and be inspired in return.”

Plastikos remains committed to growing its relationship with Fairview School District and continuing to support and invest in STEM education throughout the region.

Williams added, “We have made a conscious effort to extend an education initiative inspiring STEM careers and forming a lasting relationship of collaboration in the region and ultimately, student/employee development.”

Source: STEM Classroom to Factory

https://www.todaysmedicaldevelopments.com/news/plastikos-and-fairview-high-school-stem-academy-forge-partnership-with-real-world-engineering-project/

https://www.techedmagazine.com/category/news-by-industry/stem/

STEM Classroom to Factory