for Advanced Wood Processing has just released an innovative educational
"video game" on the basics of CNC technology and tooling. The application
allows users to explore a virtual machine shop to learn about topics related
to the electrical and mechanical components of CNC machines, as well as
tool design, physics, and metallurgy.
While many websites provide technical overviews of CNC technology, it is
often difficult to obtain accurate and objective information, and the
presentation is typically text-heavy. This video game takes
a different approach by using an interactive 3D environment to teach 3D
concepts such as tooling angles. The educational content is supported by
pictures, graphics, videos, 2D animations, and 3D animations.
The project was developed at the Centre for Advanced Wood Processing at
UBC, Canada's education and training centre for the wood products
manufacturing industry. The original concept was proposed by Richard Hewitt,
a recent graduate of UBC's Wood Products Processing program, and Robert Shum,
a UBC Computer Science student. The two subsequently hired and managed a
team of fellow UBC students to help develop the application, as well as contributing
their own animation, video-editing, and programming skills. Funding was provided
through BCCampus, a BC government initiative that promotes a fusion of
technology and education to create open learning opportunities for students
and adult learners.
The educational game is available for Windows PCs and can be
downloaded for free at:
http://www.learncnc.org
If you would like more information on this story, or to schedule an
interview with Richard Hewitt, please call him at 778.686.7424 or
email at richardlhewitt@
