Welcome Letter

Dear Prospective Student:

Thank you for your interest in the Advanced Digital Manufacturing (ADM) program. At TSTC Marshall, Advanced Digital Manufacturing is one of the programs within the Enterprise Systems Division. You will find that our programs are made up of the most advanced innovations in manufacturing technology known today.

Advanced Digital Manufacturing is the most advanced program on campus and consists of using CAD drawings and computer technology to manufacture prototype parts that will later be converted to more traditional manufacturing processes. The software used in this program converts the CAD file to a special program which slices the part into layers and programs the production machine. The production machines use laser technology, extrusion technologies or printer technologies to produce the part layer by layer in a process known as Solid Freeform Layered Fabrication. In this program the student studies the various manufacturing systems, conversion software and the operation of the machines. Students study digital manufacturing and a sufficient amount of drafting to produce drawings for the systems and enough machining to convert the prototype to more traditional manufacturing techniques. This technology has found a place in all major manufacturing environments i.e., automotive, aerospace, biomedical and consumer manufacturing. In fact, one of the machines is capable of producing living cell tissue from a sample of a persons DNA.

In all of our programs the students learn the principles of the program but spend most of their classroom time on the actual machines themselves. While some of the principles may be taught on simulation software, the laboratory equipment, where most of the student's time is spent, are machines and software used in today's fast paced and highly competitive manufacturing environment. What you see in our labs is what you will see when the student goes to work. In addition, the faculty all have years of experience in the field working in their areas of specialization. Many are members of professional societies and each of them stays abreast of current trends in their fields.

If you have questions or would like to tour the department, or the campus please contact us. We would be happy to schedule a personalized tour and we welcome the opportunity to talk with you. I hope to see you soon.

Sincerely,
Wayne Dillon