91福利社

The process of bending sheet metal just got a little bit easier for Mid-Plains Community College鈥檚 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology department.

The department recently received $10,600 in Perkins Grant funds, which were used to purchase a Dreis and Krump 鈥淐HICAGO鈥� Model SB 1016 hand-operated bending brake.

The metalworking machine exceeds industry standards. It is expected to make HVAC students more employable as it is comparable to equipment they will use in a professional setting.

鈥淭he machine will be used for sheet metal class, to build ductwork for the college鈥檚 auction house and for maintenance department projects,鈥� said Rex Kemp, HVAC instructor. 鈥淚t replaces another machine that was old and worn out. This one should last about 100 years if it鈥檚 taken care of properly.鈥�

The new equipment allows students to cross break eight-foot pieces of sheet metal and create angles of up to 145 degrees.