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RCBI hosts SkillsUSA 3D Printing competition in W.Va.

June 01, 2017 | Categories: Member News

The Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) played host in April at its Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center in Bridgeport to five teams of students from across West Virginia for the second-annual 3D Printing competition for the State SkillsUSA.

A team from Spring Valley High School in Wayne County won the 2017 3D Printing competition and will compete in June at the SkillsUSA national conference in Louisville, Ky.

In 2016 RCBI engineers and 3D Printing experts created the first Additive Manufacturing design challenge for participants that was 3D-printed and evaluated before the event. On the day of the competition, students were tasked with modifying the design then taking a written exam to assess their knowledge of 3D Printing design, materials and technology. The 2017 contest followed this model.

“We are thrilled to continue to contribute to the State SkillsUSA Competition,” said Charlotte Weber, Director & CEO of RCBI. “This collaborative effort brings together industry, educators and students to promote advanced manufacturing through fun, competitive, learning experiences.”

Hundreds of high school students representing the 55 counties of West Virginia participate in the day-long series of contests during the annual contest. Sponsored by the National SkillsUSA organization, the competition benefits from direct input by industry, education, trade associations, labor organizations and employers. Students – in hands-on challenges that demonstrate their skill and competency in additive manufacturing, precision machining, welding, robotics and other areas – compete to earn the opportunity to advance to the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference.

RCBI has hosted and its staff has helped judge the state-level competition in precision machining and computer-numerical-control machining for more than a decade.

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RCBI delivers innovative solutions with leading-edge technology to advance manufacturing and entrepreneurship. Learn more at www.rcbi.org.

 

Courtesy of RCBI

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