Barren County ATC Gains Use of Unigraphics Software Through EDS Grant

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Barren County ATC Gains Use of Unigraphics
Software Through EDS Grant
The machine tool technology program at the
Barren Co. ATC recently received a grant from
Electronic Data Systems (EDS) allowing them the
use of 10 licenses of Unigraphics (UG) Software.
This high-end computer assisted program is
regarded as the industry standard in computer
aided engineering. It is used by such company
giants as General Motors, Toyota, Honda and
McDonald Douglas as well as all tier one
Pictured above Casey Pedigo and Ben Wood at work
with Unigraphics V.18
original equipment manufacturers (OEM) that
supply these companies. EDS, manufacturer of
the software is a leading global information
technology services company with approximately
130,000 employees in 60 countries.
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Brian Janes, machine tool technology
instructor at the ATC, applied for the grant in
the summer of 2002. There is a real need for
this type of technology in this area. Several
companies in and around Barren County are OEMs.
Training like this is a real advantage to
students once they enter the workforce, and to
the manufacturers as well, he said.
According to Mr. Janes, UG can perform many
functions that are vital to the industry in
simulating real-time mechanical situations
including finite elements analysis, parametric
solid modeling and total product lifecycle
management. The grant provided the program
licenses and included the specialized training to
go with it. Mr. Janes spent spring break in
Boston learning how to use the product. I would
like to become knowledgeable with Unigraphics so
we can train our students to do entry level work
using this software, said Janes. Had it not
been for the grant, we would not have been able
to experience the use of this program. The cost
of the software is normally 3,049,750 however,
everything was provided thanks to EDS.
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EDS has long been involved in educational
endeavors through their Education Outreach
program which maintains business/education
partnerships with more than 100 schools in 10
countries. Through these partnerships, EDS
provides schools with a broad base of programs
including mentoring, tutoring, curriculum and
career enrichment, staff development, student and
teacher grant programs, technical consulting and
support, leadership and professional development
classes, student recognition programs and many
other volunteer efforts. Obviously, if it
were not for EDSs dedicated commitment to
education, we would not have had the chance to
learn from this great product, said Mr. Janes.
EDS is a world-class company that has provided
us with a positive opportunity to excel.
Mr. Janes has worked extremely hard to ensure
that our machine tool technology program meets or
exceeds industry standards, says Barren Co. ATC
Principal Hal Toms. This product gives our
students an opportunity to experience the same
software as design engineers currently working in
industry.
Good News Flash 22 April 28, 2003
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