New Technology Analyzes Metallic Elements

A cutting edge, hand-held X-ray unit has been purchased for use by Kalamazoo Valley’s Engineering, Design, Manufacturing, Technology (EDMT), chemistry and geology classes. “It’s a big step forward,” said EDMT faculty member Dave Brock, “Currently in our area, only a few colleges have this technology. Local industries are using this sophisticated equipment.”

The XRF Analyzer is used to tell the difference between varying components in a mixture or to quantify components in a material. “It’s a super cool tool that we’ll use to analyze metals,” Brock said. “It has the capacity to give us real insight. It can even be used to analyze paint to see if it contains lead. I’m excited to get it out here.” Brock explained that the purchase was a collaboration between three departments. “We’ll all have access to incorporate it into our labs,” he said.

Veronica McCann, who teaches physical geology, said the scanner will be useful to illustrate several scientific concepts. “I’ll be able to show students how the same metallic elements are contained in different rocks,” she said. “From a geo-chemistry standpoint, I’ll be able to show students rocks in a different way. It’s a new tool to help students understand how minerals differ and show them on a molecular level what we can’t otherwise see. Elements are kind of a foreign concept. I’m hoping this instrument will bring something they can visualize and see.”

In addition to the new portable scanner, students will soon have access to a new machine tool lab. EDMT faculty member Bill Kring said the new space, adjacent to the existing machine lab, added space and technology. “This allows us to stretch out a little and add technology and capacity,” Kring said. “It puts us better in line with local manufacturers and allows us to be more flexible to serve our current and future student needs.”

Kring said he takes phone calls almost daily from area employers who want to hire skilled trades workers. “Our renovations go right along with where the economy’s at,” Kring said. “The strongest need is in CNC and electro-mechanical maintenance type positions.”

The new lab will be equipped with three, four and five-axis VF1 machines, a Makino wire EDM machine, Sinker EDM machine, ST-20 Y lathes, Zeiss inspection equipment, and a host of manual tools including mills, lathes and grinders.

“From beginning, to intro, to advanced, we can serve our students quite well,” Kring said. “When our students leave us, they’re ready. I’m quite confident that they’re going to become some of the most valuable employees in any company. They can go to work in a host of capacities and they’re going to be some of the best.”

Kring said construction of the new lab is on track to be completed in November. Planning for the project began a year ago. The first step was to install a new, thick concrete floor. Electrical upgrades have been in progress all summer and should be completed soon. “It’s exciting that we’re getting this expansion,” Kring said. “There’s a lot of opportunity in this area and we're well connected in the industry. We’re excited about being able to streamline training and fill attrition rates.”