THE USE OF ICT APPLICATION IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION

-CNC milling machine-

INTRODUCTION OF CNC

CNC is the one of the example of IT in manufacturing engineering. The abbreviation CNC stands for computer numerical control, and refers specifically to a computer "controller" that reads G-code (is a common name for the programming language that controls NC and CNC machine tools.) instructions and drives a machine tool, a powered mechanical device typically used to fabricate components by the selective removal of material. CNC does numerically directed interpolation of a cutting tool in the work envelope of a machine. The operating parameters of the CNC can be altered via software load program.

CNC was preceded by NC (Numerically Controlled) machines, which were hard wired and their operating parameters could not be changed. NC was developed in the late 1940s and early 1950s by John T. Parsons in collaboration with the MIT Servomechanisms Laboratory. The first CNC systems used NC style hardware, and the computer was used for the tool compensation calculations and sometimes for editing.

Punched tape continued to be used as a medium for transferring G-codes into the controller for many decades after 1950, until it was eventually superseded by RS232 cables, floppy disks, and now is commonly tied directly into plant networks. The files containing the G-codes to be interpreted by the controller are usually saved under the .NC extension. Most shops have their own saving format that matches their ISO certification requirements.

The introduction of CNC machines radically changed the manufacturing industry. Curves are as easy to cut as straight lines, complex 3-D structures are relatively easy to produce, and the number of machining steps that required human action have been dramatically reduced.

With the increased automation of manufacturing processes with CNC machining, considerable improvements in consistency and quality have been achieved with no strain on the operator। CNC automation reduced the frequency of errors and provided CNC operators with time to perform additional tasks। CNC automation also allows for more flexibility in the way parts are held in the manufacturing process and the time required to change the machine to produce different components.

-CNC machine-

OBJECTIVES

Every works that we done must have their own objectives. The works will only can be categorized as successful if the objectives had achieved successfully. In this case, ICT application is used in engineering education to make the works become more easier. With ICT application, all information can be achieved only on the fingertips. The next objective is ICT applications help us to produce the products that have high quality. If we make the product manually, maybe the quality is not better than the product that had been produced using ICT applications such as machines and other program. Using ICT applications, we are also can produce extraordinary products that can’t be done by ordinary people. As an ordinary people, our potential to produce something has the limit but using ICT applications, anything that we don’t expect can be done easily. We are also can communicate with others that live far from us or live in other country. With this way, we can share anything with them. Next objective is we can produce many products in shorter period of time that we can’t do by ourselves.

-ehead of CNC-

METHODOLOGY OF CNC

In order to realize ICT applications in engineering education, the government should reveal the machines that been used and their applications to students through some subject for instant living skill and many more. Thus, they would also build more training centre for youth such as Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara, Institut Latihan Perindustrian, Community College and many more because when they entered in the institute, they can add and increase their knowledge about ICT application in engineering. By this way, the student can learn how to use the machine properly. This will be revealed to them after they had finished their study in their school or in their institute. In other way is using latest machines totally in factories and workplaces. Besides using the latest machines, the youth should be revealed with the latest technology during their studies. The government also should give encourages to students so that they can produce something new related to ICT applications. In this case, the best country to be the example is Japan and German. Lastly, the Ministry of Education should update our syllabus about machines usage for engineering students.

- CNC milling machine-

CONCLUSION

For conclusion, application ICT in engineering can makes our work become easier and give us more benefits. Besides that, using ICT, we can produce the products that have highest quality. So, the product that we build or create can be attracting more people to get and to have it. ICT application also is the most essential part in engineering education because without this application, engineering education can’t be done excellently. In the other word, the ICT application is the most important element in engineering. If we not apply the ICT, we will have the problem that we create by ourselves because blindness about ICT. Like our course, manufacturing, we use ICT application to produce item that impossible to do using man power such as stamp the body car. The other example is machine CNC milling machine. This machine can detect wrong insert in connecter because it check the electrical flow in the wire. Lastly, we can conclude that ICT can improve our quality lives in the future.