Where No Cardinal Has Gone Before

AN INSIDE LOOK AT FARMINGTON’S PRE-ENGINEERING PROGRAM

MARK HUMPHREY ENTERPRISE-LEADER Farmington teacher Jed Beall demonstrates the BenchMill 6100, a versatile computer-based benchtop CNC machining center. Beall teaches Introduction to Engineering Design which is one of the school's STEM career pathways courses.
MARK HUMPHREY ENTERPRISE-LEADER Farmington teacher Jed Beall demonstrates the BenchMill 6100, a versatile computer-based benchtop CNC machining center. Beall teaches Introduction to Engineering Design which is one of the school's STEM career pathways courses.

FARMINGTON -- Instructor Jed Beall and his students in Farmington's career academy pre-engineering program are boldly venturing where no Cardinal has gone before.

"It's the first year for Farmington, the first year for me, the first year for our kids, all happening in a new school," said Beall, who teaches History and Civics.

Farmington High School has acquired instructional equipment for the Career Academies’ pre-engineering program. Among these are what instructor Jed Beall says is a $17,000 machine, the BenchMill 6100.

According to manufacturer’s specifications, the BenchMill 6100 is a versatile computer-based benchtop CNC machining center that enables a teacher to deliver robust instruction in computer numerical control and advanced manufacturing for students. The BenchMill 6100 comes equipped with Ethernet-based motion control, 3-axis stepper motors, ball screws, a variable speed spindle motor, and ISO20 taper tooling.

This CNC system required no assembly, and was shipped to Farmington High School ready to run on an Ethernet port on a standard computer. The machine has been designed to fit comfortably into any classroom, without sacrificing features. Like larger industrial machines, the BenchMill 6100 uses Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and FANUC™-compatible G&M code programs to cut parts in a variety of materials.

FANUC is a group of companies of Japan, Rochester Hills, Mich., and Luxembourg, that provide automation products and services such as robotics and computer numerical control systems. FANUC is one of the largest makers of industrial robots in the world. FANUC had its beginnings as part of Fujitsu developing early numerical control (NC) and servo systems. The company name is an acronym for Fuji Automatic NUmerical Control.

G-code is the common name for the most widely used numerical control (NC) programming language. It is used mainly in computer-aided manufacturing to control automated machine tools. G-code is sometimes called G programming language.

G-code can also be described as a language used to tell computerized machine tools how to make something. The manner of operation is defined by G-code instructions provided to a machine controller or industrial computer which tells the motors where to move, how fast to move, and what path to follow. The most common application of the code is that, within a machine tool, a cutting tool operates according to these specific instructions through a toolpath and cuts away material to leave only the finished workpiece. For example codes G17 - G18 - G19 are for Z-Y plane for arc machining; mill and lathe with live tooling.

Beall relishes the job of taking an enterprise on a maiden voyage with a rookie crew excited for the adventure. The program is part of the school's Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) career pathways.

"To me, the engineering side of things is up my alley," Beall said. "I didn't go to college for that. I'm a history major, but it's my interest and my passion."

Enthusiasm emits from Beall's voice as he describes an unanticipated opportunity. He was not the original choice to lead the pilot program, but the other teacher left creating a vacancy.

Beall grew up in a three-story house built entirely by his father, who did all the construction, plumbing and electrical wiring himself. The only thing his father outsourced was in hiring someone to do the carpet because he didn't want to get down on his hands and knees.

"I grew up in a family where we worked with our hands," Beall said. "I don't take my car to get it fixed. I always do it myself. I've always enjoyed that. Whenever a teacher has a problem with a car, they always talk to me. So, everybody knew that was one of my interests and strong suits. I've even had discussions with Mr. (Principal Jon) Purifoy about starting a diesel mechanic program."

"They came and asked me so I said 'yeah.' It's something I have an interest in, something I am capable of."

The program begins with sophomores taking Introduction to Engineering Design.

"It's also called I.E.D. That's kind of a bad acronym," Beall admits, acknowledging the same acronym also stands for Improvised Explosive Device as a tactical term dealing with terrorism.

The industrial explosion at Farmington High School is far from negative and designed to enhance as opposed to destroy the future of students taking these courses entering a free market society after high school. The career academy model acknowledges that while 50 percent of Farmington graduates may go to college, they will all enter the workforce at some point.

Next year another course, Principles of Engineering, will be added for juniors; and in two years, seniors will be able to take Computer Integrated Manufacturing. These courses were designed by a non-profit organization called Project Lead The Way, which Beall says develops curriculum for schools.

"Everybody takes the first two courses in Project Lead The Way," Beall said, explaining, "We looked at northwest Arkansas and asked ourselves, 'what is the driving force for engineers?' A lot of it is in the manufacturing workforce."

"It's sad in some ways. A lot of people in the manufacturing business are being replaced by computers and robots. So, what could we do to keep our students in the manufacturing business."

"Americans like automation and robots when it comes to home. When it comes to the workplace, they don't. It's kind of scary."

The Farmington Career Academies' mission is to bring about a positive impact upon the educational experience of each student.

The district's vision statement is "We will equipment students to be confident in their ability to pursue their dreams."

According to Beall, the Introduction to Engineering Design course does just that. Most of the 20 students taking the course have one or both parents involved in engineering. He has heard lots of positive comments like, "That's stuff I did in college that my kid is getting to do in 10th grade."

Beall said the course is comparable to Engineering 101 although they don't receive college credit. The year-long course covers things like design process, basic math, basic measurement, conversion and statistics.

"The biggest part of the course is 3-D cad work," Beall said. "Students start learning the program. With the Auto Desk Inventor you can learn to design anything in three dimensions."

The future looks bright for Farmington engineering students. They may have to design some new shades.

General News on 11/22/2017