Workshop on Digital Manufacturing

St Joseph Engineering College (SJEC), Mangaluru, through its AICTE IDEA Lab, in collaboration with the Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Electrical & Electronics Engineering, organized a four-day Workshop on Digital Manufacturing from 15th to 18th September 2025. The workshop was designed for diploma students of Government Polytechnic Bantwal and Karnataka Polytechnic (KPT), Mangaluru, to provide experiential learning opportunities in modern digital manufacturing technologies. This initiative was part of the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) drive to nurture technical competencies and innovative thinking among students.

The workshop aimed to:

• Introduce students to digital and computer-aided manufacturing technologies.
• Provide hands-on exposure to equipment such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, and PCB design tools.
• Enhance problem-solving and teamwork skills through batch-based, peer-to-peer learning.
• Demonstrate how digital manufacturing contributes to Industry 4.0 practices and future-ready engineering skills.

The program engaged enthusiastic diploma students from:

• Government Polytechnic, Bantwal
• Karnataka Polytechnic (KPT), Mangaluru

Students were divided into groups to ensure effective participation and learning in all the hands-on sessions.The workshop was conducted across four days, combining technical sessions, demonstrations, and practice. The four-day program combined introductory sessions, demonstrations, and hands-on practice across various digital manufacturing technologies:

• 3D Printing & Scanning – Understanding additive manufacturing, design-to-print workflow, and practical operation of 3D printers.
• Laser Cutting – Demonstration of digital cutting processes for rapid prototyping and customized designs.
• CNC Machining – Exposure to subtractive manufacturing techniques with real-time machining operations.
• PCB Design and Fabrication – Training in electronic circuit board design and prototyping.

To maximize learning, students rotated across different technology stations in batches. Faculty mentors guided them in applying concepts and solving real-time design challenges. The workshop provided students with:

• First-hand experience of digital manufacturing tools and workflows.
• Improved understanding of how mechanical and electrical domains integrate in modern industry.
• Enhanced confidence to take up mini-projects and innovation challenges using digital fabrication methods.
• Development of collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Conclusion: Students highly appreciated the interactive and hands-on approach, expressing that the workshop broadened their perspective on future manufacturing technologies. Faculty members highlighted the enthusiasm and active engagement of participants.

The Workshop on Digital Manufacturing successfully met its objectives by bridging theoretical learning with practical applications. By empowering diploma students with exposure to Industry 4.0 tools, the SJEC AICTE IDEA Lab continues to foster innovation, skill development, and industry readiness among young engineers.