Madison Reporter

Mechanical engineering students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison participated in a hands-on learning experience this fall, collaborating with the Art Department's foundry to cast screwdriver handles. The initiative was part of the ME 311 course — Manufacturing: Metals and Automation, which took place over one week in October.

More than 200 students were involved in creating their own designs for screwdriver handles as part of the curriculum focused on manufacturing metal parts, including casting. Mike DeCicco, a teaching faculty member and lab coordinator from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, emphasized the importance of understanding casting processes for aspiring engineers. "Many products are initially cast," he stated. "It’s really a fundamental skill."

Frank Pfefferkorn, professor and lecture instructor for the course, highlighted that this exposure could guide students towards careers in one of Wisconsin's 115 metal casting facilities or among the 1,750 foundries across the United States. He remarked, "Students gain a better understanding of a manufacturing process that is used to produce almost every metal part at some point in its manufacturing life cycle."

The collaboration extended beyond ME 311 as 16 students from ME 601 — Advanced Metal Casting also utilized the foundry throughout the fall semester. They worked on projects such as casting Wisconsin mugs and frying pans using aluminum.

Leslie Smith III, chair of the Art Department, expressed enthusiasm about potential interdisciplinary collaborations between art and engineering departments. He noted that they are exploring possibilities for cross-listing courses to enhance cooperation further. "We want to create a space where artists and engineers can cohabitate," Smith said.

Students like Aubrey Olson appreciated the practical aspect of their education through these exercises. Olson commented on her enjoyment of hands-on labs: “I personally love the hands-on side of engineering... because the process of making the mold and seeing the part we made in the same lab was really satisfying.”

In spring, opportunities continue with Art 414 — Art Foundry, allowing students interested in working with other metals like bronze to further explore these skills.