Students at Salamanca High School are gaining valuable real-world experience while making a meaningful impact in their own community through a unique partnership with the Salamanca Board of Public Utilities Water Department.
The collaboration involved students enrolled in the MCT 1380 Solid Modeling course, taught by Mr. Howard through Jamestown Community College’s College Connection Program. The college-credit course focuses on technical design, precision measurement, and advanced manufacturing skills using solid modeling software and 3D printing technology.
The project began when the Salamanca BPU Water Department encountered a challenge connected to aging water infrastructure and new leak detection technology. The department recently invested in a modern leak detection system that uses cellular-based logging correlators to monitor underground isolation valves for potential leaks. However, standard cast iron valve box lids interfered with the cellular signals needed for the equipment to operate effectively.
While replacement plastic lids were provided with the system, they were not compatible with the variety of valve box styles used throughout the City of Salamanca. Seeking a practical solution, the Water Department reached out to Salamanca High School to determine whether students could help design custom-fitted replacements using 3D printing technology.
Students were provided with existing valve box lids and tasked with replicating and redesigning them using solid modeling software. After careful measurement and precision design work, the class successfully produced customized lids using 3D printers, ensuring proper fit and functionality for the city’s leak detection equipment.
The newly printed lids are now being used throughout Salamanca as part of the city’s ongoing leak detection efforts.
“This project was an outstanding example of education meeting real community needs,” school representatives shared. “Students were able to take a real engineering challenge, apply what they’ve learned in the classroom, and create something that is now being used in the field.”
Beyond solving a real municipal challenge, the partnership provided students with valuable hands-on experience in engineering design, manufacturing, and problem-solving while demonstrating the growing importance of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in preparing students for future careers.
Salamanca High School is proud of the students’ accomplishments and grateful for the continued partnerships that provide meaningful learning opportunities while supporting the local community.
