The activity was held at the institution’s Design Studio.

It was facilitated by the Studio’s staff, who have experience in laser cutting objects for a wide variety of applications.

Laser cutting is a fabrication technique that allows fabricators to make two-dimensional cuts either in a plastic or a wood.

The event helped the participants to learn the basics of laser cutting. Among other objectives, the students had an opportunity to learn how to use laser cutting software and how to design drawings.

According to the Studio’s Director, Brittany Allen, the training was organized in order to teach engineering students how to set up and operate the laser cutter so that they can become more familiar with the technique and use it to design elements for independent and course-related projects.

Allen stated that the function, like the Design Studio itself, was open to all Polytechnic students as well as community members. 

She further said they have planned to organize a series of workshops throughout the coming semester.

In an interview with the Studio’s Manager who also facilitated the event, Hillary Lodzanyama, said he was pleased with high turn up of attendees.

“As the Design studio, we are so happy to see a good number of students of Diploma Engineering classes. We did not expect this kind of turn out, but to have them it shows that there are a lot of students who are willing and have passion to engage in designing activities and to improve in engineering knowledge,” he said.

He urged those who want to elevate their knowledge in engineering field to keep attending as it is for their hands experience.

A final year student who is studying Advanced Diploma in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, Robinson Kamwendo, said the event has helped him to elevate knowledge in Engineering designing and technology development.

This initiative aims at increasing students’ familiarity with various prototyping equipment available in the Design Studio. These are 3D printers and Arduinos.

The event was sponsored by the University of Malawi, the Lemelson Foundation and the Rice 360° Institute for Global Health.