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Volume 4 No.1, Winter 2000 |
ISSN# 1523-9926 |
Wesley L. Baldwin |
Over the last decade virtual hardware has been implemented effectively into many engineering technology laboratories. An area with which I am familiar is CNC machine tool simulation. I believe it is possible to replace completely real machine tools and teach students entirely on the computer-simulated hardware.
Virtual laboratories have many advantages over hardware-based laboratories. First and foremost is safety. I never worry about accidents when my students cut a toolpath on a computer simulation. Second the cost associated with a software laboratory is a small percentage of the cost of a real machine. My students can now program and simulate 5-axis mills that would cost over a quarter of a million dollars each if purchased.
On the other hand, I tell myself that students still need experience on real hardware. I have not declared the CNC mills and lathes in our laboratories as salvage. My students still break tools and drill holes with end mills. I continually tell myself that the virtual equipment is only a supplement to the real hardware.
Engineering Technology faculty in all fields face a similar decision to the one just described. Realistic computer simulations are available in almost every area of study. Many of them claim to be complete laboratories. Can a student complete a technical program and only use computer simulations? Should a student complete a technical program and only use computer simulations? What is the balance between real and simulated laboratory equipment? How should faculty make this decision?