OCC is given 3D laser printer for steel

Orange Coast College students will soon receive the most up-to-date manufacturing training with the help of the college’s new 3D concept laser printer.

An anonymous donor gave the Costa Mesa college’s Machine Technology Program the $325,000 printer, which can produce three-dimensional items in stainless steel, bronze and titanium, the college announced Monday in a news release.

It was given to encourage training for jobs in manufacturing, according to a news release.

Students will now be able to design and produce prototypes using cutting-edge technology, said Al Cervantes, a machine technology instructor at OCC.

While OCC already had a 3D printer that can create prototypes using plastic, it now is one of the few community colleges in the nation that has a 3D laser printer that can print in steel, the release stated.

—Hannah Fry

Twitter: @HannahFryTCN