Introduction of CNC Milling to First-Year Engineering Students with Interests in Nanotechnology and Microfluidics

An early introduction to various prototyping and production technologies is important to the education of engineering students . As such, the skills learned in early engineering classes build a strong foundation for students that maintain their relevancy in job markets and provide valuable knowledge that can be applied in upper-level engineering classes. As a result, many universities have cornerstone design projects for their first-year students, allowing them to get hands-on experience throughout the design process . CNC milling is a widespread technology with many useful applications in both industry and research. Typically, however, this equipment is not introduced to all engineering students, and even then, only introduced in higher-level classes. The Ohio State University has created a firstyear engineering course that is focused towards students interested in nanotechnology and microfluidics, utilizing CNC milling for manufacturing . At the aggregate level, students had a positive reaction to their CNC milling experience, regardless of declared major. Additionally, at the conclusion of the course, students presented their designs and manufacturing techniques to faculty and industry professionals.