Applied Sciences Lab for Advanced Industrial Flow

Lab Objectives

The lab sets out to guide students through the theoretical and practical study of the operation, assembly and disassembly of a single-stage helical gearbox, used for power transmission in industrial mechanical settings. The module integrates the tec2SKILL® Mechanical software, which uses augmented reality to enhance learning. The main objectives include:

• Understand the structure and operating principle of helical gears.
• Develop practical skills in assembling and disassembling the ETS1 gearbox using real tools.
• Learn to calculate and analyse transmission ratios, applied forces and gear geometry.
• Use CAD tools and interactive 3D models to simulate gear configurations.
• Introduce students to additive manufacturing (3D printing) of components, completing the cycle of design, simulation and production.

Educational Aims

The lab is designed to offer multidisciplinary training that combines traditional mechanics, digital technologies and advanced production methods. The educational aims include:

• Encouraging experiential learning through a learning-by-doing approach, using the real gearbox in its case and augmented reality.
• Developing transferable technical skills, from drive engineering to industrial maintenance.
• Making the study of mechanics interactive, through AR simulations, quizzes and activities with dedicated software (Tec2SKILL, Cura, CAD configurators).
• Introducing additive manufacturing (3D printing) as a method for designing and producing functional prototypes.
• Encouraging technical documentation and communication, with content structured in manuals, CD-ROMs, transparencies and exploded models. Simultaneous access for up to 4 independent workstations, each equipped with a case, tools, software and AR content, allows flexible, effective and highly customisable teaching.

Conclusion

The lab dedicated to the ETS1 single-stage helical gearbox is an advanced example of integrating traditional mechanical training with immersive digital technologies. Through augmented reality, 3D printing and CAD work, students gain a modern, applied and complete view of the design, production and maintenance of transmission systems. This experience not only prepares students for the challenges of today’s technical professions, but also promotes teaching focused on innovation, operational precision and design awareness, making the training path engaging, structured and geared towards the world of work. This solution includes technological systems that promote inclusion and equal opportunities through innovative teaching methods. It is designed to encourage active, collaborative learning.