Intellecta Technologies Pty Ltd

for PICAXE education, Roland CAM, New MDX-540 ,Techsoft CAD, Intellecta control, Atmel, Arm and Microchip

News 2007

2007 promises to be another great year for technology educators in Australia.

New developments from Roland, new ProE Education CAD software, new laser scanners, new support materials are all in the 2007 pipeline.

Our new support products such as the new engraving tool holder and the tapped table for the MDX-40 have arisen from consultation with our users and staff engineers.

The result is a better, flexible environment for translating the designs of teachers and students into real world products.

We have also seen a greater emphasis on design via initial sketching and thinking. For example, the great student output on clocks from Brisbane Grammar School brings inspiration to many teachers. These have been made on the Roland MDX-650 in a design facility that has a minimilistic approach to machinery but a great vision on design.

Education support in Brisbane- Toowoomba Christian College

The 2007 training year started with a visit to our first MDX-540 customer in the high lands of Toowoomba Queensland. Peter Sondergeld was the author of an excellent project that focused on a number of CAD/CAM initiatives.

Tony Pugatschew from Intellecta was joined by Russell Cooper ( Education Manager) Roland ,,,,,,,,,,, to summary

Education support in Brisbane- Griffith University

Ivan Chester from Griffith University is one of our teaching technology mentors and has been instrumental in the introduction of CAD resources into Australian schools. Intellecta supports the centre with all our resources and energy.

It was good to catch up with Ivan and one of his graduates - Luke Ferdinands. ................................... to summary

As part of their final-year project, Chris Gater and Andrew Kirby developed four cutting-edge curriculum packages for schools to use with a computer aided manufacture machine, made by Roland Technologies and distributed by Adelaide-based company Intellecta.

'Most computer aided manufacture technology is expensive and large, which makes it unsuitable for use in schools, but these machines are small and affordable and can still produce the same results as industrial equipment,' Chris said.

Taking four months to complete, the curriculum packages include learning outcomes, lesson plans and examinations for 3D modelling, where the student inserts a computer drawing into the machine which then produces the article; 3D engraving; plastic injection moulding; and a vacuum-forming mould for use in intricate work such as electronics.

Check out the unique technology education programs at Griffith Uni. Read about the Roland project undertake by Chris Gater

http://www.griffith.edu.au/futurestudents/education/gater.html

Machine Number 2 at Sienna College

Bill Kelly ,his son and Peta Bourke, from Sienna College, attended a Sunday afternoon training session at the school.

Bill is now the proud user of the MDX-40 AND an MDX-20. The 40 excels in rapid operation and the team had no problems in using Dr. Engrave and Modela Player 4.

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Advanced Design technology Electronics Centres training

Tony Pugatschew from Intellecta was part of the group that instigated these unique centres in Queensland. Three days were spent on teacher training at McGregor HS, Calamvale Community College and Clontarf State high School.

The schools are in the early phases of implementation and time was spent on the MDX-40’s PCB Design and Make and the unique operation of the MDX-540 at Clontarf.

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Upgrade at Churchie

Niel Butters and James Moroney are the proud new users of an MDX-40 at Churchie. The system is an upgrade to the MDX-20 and both teachers appreciated the new features such as job removal, USB interface and automatic height sensing.

James is the catalyst for jewellry designs in Pewter and the new machine will see a broad range of applications

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Training at Ipswich Grammar School

Brian Tierny heads a great team of teachers at this school that has excellent technology faciilities Intellecta supplied a comprehensive suite of materials - Intellecta controllers and models, Roland products and Techsoft UK materials.

The training examined the use of the Roland machine to undertake a simple game product and then to use the CAMM1 to make a package.

Many teachers use 3D software such as Prodesktop and Inventor and the 2D base is often hidden from the student. However, some designs really benefit from a 2D environment and this is evident in the packaging projects.

2D Design from Techsoft UK really makes it easy to score and cut the material with the colour allocated to the pressure of the cutter. This adjustable force is available on the Roland GX-24 series products.

We had a great time making a box from the cheapest source of cardboard around - the lowly manilla folder -

The manila folder is a holder designed to contain documents and paperwork. It is generally formed by folding a large sheet of stiff card in half. Though traditionally beige, sometimes other colors are used to differentiate categories of files.

The manila component of the name comes from manila hemp or áabac, from which manila folders were originally made. Manila hemp is a type of fiber that comes from a relative of the banana plant. Commonly used for ropes, paper products, and coarse fabrics, manila hemp is indigenous to the Philippines and gets its name from the country's capital.

Tech Ed in Victoria - TEAV

Victoria has an active and progressive tech teacher environment and these educators have a great conference every year. Northland Secondary College was the venue. 200 teachers attended a number of presentations, keynotes and the trade display in the school hall.

We had the great new MDX-540 turning out models and the MDX-40 was set up for the rotary axis. As usual, the machines were active demonstrators of great, rapid prototyping activities and curriculum applications.

Russell Cooper , education manager from Roland DG in Sydney played an active role in supporting the display and presented the education initiatives such as the solar boat challenge and other projects.  to summary

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MDX-40 Training at Geelong Grammar

David Andrews from Geelong Grammar ( see earlier link), is a leading teacher in the area with great Prodesktop skills

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The tech centre is a unique facility and the resources were expanded in 2007 by the acquisition of a Roland MDX-40 with rotary axis.

We visited David and conducted a short course on the operation of the Rotary axis. The whole team was competent in other areas of operation.

A highlight was a test piece on the machine from our machining wax. This was our first test material and has been tested for most of the 2007 year. Release is planned for 2008.  to summary

National Manufacturing Week Display Melbourne

Roland and Intellecta Technologies featured at the NMW in Melbourne. This is one of the leading trade shows in Australia and has the usual display of high power, large machining centres. We feel like David and Goliath in these shows since we have the smallest and cheapest machines that are ideal for prototyping and testing.

The MDX-540 was running with the large rotary axis and the MDX-40 was designing electronics enclosures from machining wax. to summary

Box Hill Training

The team at Box Hill Secondary College supplemented their skills with a training session on the MDX-650 by focussing on the link with Prodesktop.

The designs were focussed on a machined bottle top opener based on an integral handle and central slotted aperture - just right to show the patterning process in prodesktop.

A set of parts were cut from a variety of materials and formed the basis for units of work that examine the design of a simple product.  to summary

Ferny Grove State High School

Luke Ferdinands and the team at Ferny Grove State High Schhol in Brisbane took delivery of the special bundled MDX-40.

The training session was very positive with the team that have a great AutoCAD Inventor curriculum that will be extended to CAD/CAM with the MDX-40. to summary

Toowwomba Stata High School

Toowoomba in Queensland is becoming a focused CAD/CAM centre with projects in several state and private schools.

Leigh Cripps from Toowoomba State was interested in expanding the technology program and chose the great small MDX-20 for this quest.

We had a great training session with him and plan followups during the year. to summary

Opening of Design Centre for Advanced Prototype Technology and Aerospace Education

Queensland is leading the way with many education initiatives and it was very pleasing to attend the opening of this new centre at Griffith University.

Intellecta Technologies has a very long standing relationship with the University via Dr. Ivan Chester who recognised the power of the Intellecta control systems almost 10 years ago. The easy icon control environment lays the foundation for the systems teaching in the technology teachers education program.

The centre has an MDX-20/40/650, LPX scanner, laser cutter, rapid printer and provides a range of innovative processes for the students.

The formal location of the centre was the result of an innovative conversion of the old machines area into a modern teaching facility.

The opening was attended by a number of representatives from Education Queensland, member schools, Russell Cooper and Marcus Adler from Roland.

A highlight was a demo of a real jet model driven by an ex-graduate of the teaching program. to summary

Opening at Aviation High

Queensland education advances further with the formal establishment of Aviation High at Hendra near Brisbane Airport. The school serves as a hub with many schools who focus on new aviation focused curriculum such as aeroskills and aerospace.

The opening was held in the school hall and was attanded by CEO’s from major aviation companies such as Boeing, Virgin and Quantas. Other companies such as Thales and Roland Australia and Intellecta were represented.

A highlight for the Roland team was to experience a flight simulator environment that is used at the College. Russell Cooper shares the cockpit while Marcus Adler looks on. to summary

MDX-540 display at All Saints Anglican College, Merrimac Queensland

The Gold Coast in  Queensland has many innovative schools and Russell Cooper from Roland took the opportunity of visiting some schools to introduce the Roland Solar Boat Challenge.

An MDX-540 was located in the technology centre at All Saints and teachers viewed the system and the machined hulls.  to summary

Launch of Solar Boat Challenge, Albert Park Melbourne

Roland DG Australia is the proud sponsor of the Solar Boat Challange in Australian schools : http://www.solarchallenge.com.au

Intellecta Technologies was invited to the Melbourne event and it was great to see hundreds of students participating in many levels of the competition.

As always, solar needs the sun and there were times when the energy source disappeared behind clouds.

Students enjoyed the practical outcomes of the activities and it is hoped for an expanded program in 2008. to summary

TechNET 2007

TechNET 2007 was great conference a the Griifith Unii Southport Campus. The conference focused on the input from the Technical staff that serve as the backbone of most University and tertiary departments.

We had a great display and well supported by Russell Cooper and Matthew Landrigan from Roland

The program’s overall theme of ‘TECH SMARTER: DOING IT BETTER, DOING IT DIFFERENT' drew upon the knowledge, experiences and practices of technical staff from a wide variety of teaching, research and administrative fields including; health, science, engineering, education, arts & visual media, mechanical and electronic workshop manufacturing, field operations, instrumentation, information technology, occupational health and safety, animal facilities, management and career development.

During a time of rapid change, technical staff are continually challenged to maintain high quality support with fewer resources.

Note to conference planners. This was the bestt organised  conference that we have seen in a long time. Th attention to detail was fantastic - even to the point of having TECHNET 2007 labelled drinking water water. The conference bags are a work of art. We also found that other trade staff enjoyed the conference. to summary

Toowoomba Christian College Rotary axis training

The MDX-540 is a great teaching system that comes complete with a rotary axis attachment. Unattended machining of many sided designs can be easily performed. The excellent size and length means that most projects can be accomodated.

The system is virtually automatic and follows on from the Wizard base from the Roland MDX-40 system.

Intellecta ran a training session for Peter Sondergeld and team teachers as part of the training plan.

Two days were spent on the set up, typical tool path processes and test models were cut from a variety of materials.

The training offfered an excellent opportunity to conduct further trials of the Intellecta designed machining wax. This has different properties than the standard jewellry wax due to deep pocketing. The accumulation of waste materials can bind on the tool.

The material performed flawlessy and a two sided phone cover was a good test object.

Thanks to the team and school for great hospitality and a productive training environment.

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Merrimac State High School presentation

The Gold Coast in  Queensland has many innovative schools Intellecta was very proud to supply a set of Roland systems to Merrimac State High School.

The school was awarded one of Innovative Schools programs and supported the expansion of the technical studies facility with state of the art MDX-40, MDX-540, LPX-60 laser scanner and GX-24 vinyl cutter.

The first visit was aimed at meeting the team, and viewing the facility.

It was a great pleasure to meet the principal, Chris Tobin

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Electronics School visit

Three schools - MacGregor State High School, Calanvale Community College and Clontarf State High School are part of a network of schools to examine and develop new teaching strategies in electronics education.

Greg Christensen ( right) from MacGregor machined a sample wax part that was then vacuum formed. This was an ideal test for the heat resistance of the wax material that melts at 105 deg C.

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Victorian teachers update

Lilydale High School and Lowanna College are proud owners of Roland MDX-40 systems and Intellecta sponsored a free training session at the Roland offices in Melbourne.

It was a trip for both teachers but they enjoyed the concentration and support for their specific questions.

Thanks to Russell Webb and Mike Waddel for your time.

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Engineering studies conference in Perth

We attended a great session at Edith Cowan in Perth that looked at the new engineering studies program in Western  Australia. Speakers from TAFE, Willeton SHS, WA Defence Industry Skills Unit, Perth Modern School and many others run informative sessions on the important role of this course.

Some great ideas were discussed - role of safety issues, specificprojects such as wind turbines, air track design, Engineering careers and others.

We had the opportunity of showing the power of prototyping designs from CAD software with the Roland MDX-540.

Extra sessions were conducted with the technology education students in the education department. The 540 was shown as well as listening to student presentations on a variety of intersting topics.

A highlight of the visit was sampling the excellent pizzas cooked in a home made oven constructed by Dr. John Williams. As always, the hospitality was fantastic

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ProEnginner ( Schools edition) launch in Adelaide

As always, solar needs the sun and there were times when the PTC (www.ptc.com) are the developers of the Prodesktop package that has been a very popular CAD package in schools. The curriculum support and teacher base is very large and the software is used in many countries.

As always, the software expands to fill the needs and PTC release the Proengineer schools edition that has a direct link to the industrial ProE version.

Ivan Chester from Griffith University has been spearheading the new ProE roll out in schools and Adelaide was the venue for the South Australian launch.

Teachers from the NAMIG netwrok in the northern suburbs attended the sessions at the Uni of SA campus, Mawson Lakes.

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Morning with Victorian Teachers and Latrobe Lecturers

 Tony Pugatschew from Intellecta was invited to speak at a teacher training session conducted by Janedin River from Latrobe. The venue was at our partner schools - Northland Secondary College in Melbourne.

The aim of the session was to discuss how teachers can fit into a number of roles in various education areas such as systems ( home for electronics), textiles, CAD/CAM and integration of these areas.

A highlight was the demonstration of a water rocket by Aaron Poulter from Greensborough High. Everyone stood back during the air compression in the PET bottles and most teachers stayed behind Aaron as he moved the rocket to the launch site. Cape Northland was inaugurated as the rocket was launched and came crashing down on the school roof. Aaron used this as a good example of linking some physics to a technology project that interests students.

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UniSA CAD/CAM project

 Bob Wright from the School of Education introduced to students some of the Roland equipment in an information day. Students then used a GX-24 cutter for some of their projects in the following week.

Students commented on the ease of use of the system as well as the easy software.

A demo was conducted in the MDX-20 and linking this to current curriculum topics. to summary

Northern Territory joins the Intellecta family

 It was a great honour to visit Peter Coulter and the team at Darwin High School in the Northern Territory. The month was December and that means “heat” is on the weather agenda.

The technology area was certainly hot with excitement as both Tony Pugatschew from Intellecta and Russell Cooper from Roland DG took Peter and the teachers through the MDX-540 and rotary axis.

Peter showed to us some top class automotive designs in Rhinoceros that took our breath away in terms of innovation and creativity.

The projects also focus on jewellry and we machined some of the special Intellecta wax for a test ring

Electronics and a range of new activities is on the 2008 agenda as well as solar boats and hydrogen cars.......... to summary.

MDX-540 in the Queensland Academies

 The Queensland Academies provide an opportunity for the state's best and brightest high school students to experience an educational environment characterised by challenge, innovation, leadership and achievement.

David Gooch is based at the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology (QASMT) , Toowong and heads up the new Design and Technology facility. The design makes a break with the conventional view of a technology area with a greater emphasis on Design and prototyping.

The MDX-540 is an excellent fit into this vision and Intellecta looks forward to working closely with David. to summary

embedded PICAXE microcontroller embedded into the curriculum

 The great PICAXE 18X system that controls DC motors, servos, switches and a number of other peripherals has been evaluated by the Design and technology education team at Brisbane Grammar. The teachers soldered their kits with no issues and have firmly embraced the system.

2008 will be the launch of the teaching program with students. to summary

Happy MDX_540 users in Toowoomba

 The great PICAXE 18X system that controls DC motors, servos, switches and a number of other peripherals has been evaluated by the Design and technology education team at Brisbane Grammar. The teachers soldered their kits with no issues and have firmly embraced the system. to summary

 The Facility

 The MDX-540 and LPX-60 laser scanner

Serious Technology Centre at Merrimac State High School

 It was a great pleasure to run a 4 day training session at Merrimac under  the guidance of Mile Murphy. The school attracted a Federal government innovation fund and chose to upgrade the technical facility. The area combines wood, metal and new CAD/CAM in a seamless manner.

Here is the general view of the large work area that houses a Roland MDX-540, Roland MDX-40, Roland GX-24 cutter, LPX.60 laser scanner.

The training sessions involved basic set up the machines, set up of rotary axis, using Modela Player 4 and SRP Player, dr. Engrave and 3D Engrave.

Intellecta was supported by specialist staff from Roland DG - Matthew Landrigan 3D Specialist and Russell Cooper, Education Manager

 The new facility also features a Rland LPX-60 laser scanner that can scan objects in 3D. The part is placed on the rotary turntable amd easy software takes over.

The part scan can be exported in a number of formats that are compatible with 3D software that can modify the scan.

Simple export to the STL format means the part can be imported into Roland Modela Player 4 or SRP player for manufacture. The CAM or manufacture cycle can change the dimensions of the object.

Mike Murphy ran through the system by scanning a plastic drink bottle that was than manufactured from balsa on the MDX-540 wirg Rotary axis.

This process is ideal for art programs where organic shapes can be moulded from mayterials, scanned and manufactured in hard materials such as perspex.

The scanned files can also form the basis of a CMM 0 Coordinate measurement machine) project by the students.

The training program was a success and the centre will form the home base for training programs in the Gold Coast region of Queensland.  to summary

 They said it could not be done!!!!!

The challlenge of change always has a set of prescribed excuses - no time, too expensive, too complicated, I am happy with the way I am doing it etc etc etc.

Unfortunately, growing awareness of health and environmental issues becomes an important issue as seen in lead free petrol, lead free paint etc.

It is surprising that many schools etch circuit boards in dangerous chemicals that normally should be disposed by sending to an appropriate processing plant. The reason for this usage is based on the facts that “it is much faster to etch than other processes but the argument is not presented in a scientific manner. For example, expose an etc one set of boards and then get one student to drill the board. Make sure the board has a set of DIL IC holes and see if they line up.

Such is the challenge with making boards by engraving with an NC mill. The machine is more expensive than an etching tank but there are no issues re environmental damage.

However, when confronted with the apparent succcess of the engraving process over etching, a last ditch straw is brought out - :” You can’t do surface mount boards”

Well, we approached this in a serious manner. You have to engrave the PCB in a different design to prevent solder splash since the board is soldered in a wiping  manner. And look at the surface mount ATNEL Tiny 26 surface mount board with smt leds and resistors. Of course, there is a limit and that is the TQFP package that is shown.

It can be done!!!!!!!

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