College Students Forge Steel Globe for Little League Team

Little League’s Iconic Globe Gets a Stunning Facelift Thanks to Penn college Students

A beloved symbol of youth baseball has been reimagined wiht amazing craftsmanship from Pennsylvania College of Technology students.The iconic Little League globe, standing tall at six feet in diameter, now boasts a fresh, expertly fabricated design.

the project began with concept drawings developed by Danielle Gannon, a graphic designer at Little League. She collaborated with fellow graphic designer Natalie Lincalis and creative director Amanda Cropper-Rose. All three are proud graduates of Penn College.

These detailed sketches then found their way to Penn College’s Craig A. miller. As an assistant professor and department head of engineering design technology, Miller transformed the drawings into precise blueprints.

These blueprints provided the roadmap for allen and his dedicated welding students to bring the globe to life. The scale of the project was promptly apparent to the students involved.

Clayton J. Fegley, a welding and fabrication engineering technology student, recalled his initial reaction. “When I saw the blueprints, I was like, ‘OK, this is going to be a handful,'” he said. “But as the project went on,it definitely got more manageable.”

Fegley expressed his excitement about contributing to a piece that would be seen by so many. Classmate Alaina S. Myers, from Hanover, shared a similar sentiment of surprise and eagerness.

“I was honestly shocked. I didn’t think it was doable,” Myers admitted. “I had never worked on a project like this. I was intrigued and super excited to get my hands on it. I had no idea what to expect.”

To navigate the unexpected challenges, Allen opted to have some students build a prototype.this scaled-down version, made of mild steel, proved crucial in planning the fabrication process.

“we found that if we set the globe up vertically, that we could not reach the top of it,” Allen explained. The solution? “So, we decided to build a fixture to lay the globe sideways so we could actually spin it and roll it.” This innovative approach made reaching all areas for welding substantially easier.

While one team worked on the practice globe, another group tackled the main structure. They expertly welded the base from three sheets of 3/8-inch stainless steel. Strategically placed pockets within the base ensure the 1,200-pound sculpture can be moved with a forklift.

The CNC plasma cutter played a vital role, used by students to produce the globe’s stand. Allen himself utilized the same machine to precisely cut out the continents and little league’s distinctive keystone emblem for the project’s crowning feature.

This collaboration showcases the power of hands-on learning and the remarkable talent of budding engineers and designers. The newly fabricated Little League globe stands as a testament to their dedication and skill.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who designed the concept for the new Little League globe? Danielle Gannon, a graphic designer at Little League, led the concept advancement, with support from Natalie Lincalis and Amanda Cropper-Rose.
• What college was involved in fabricating the globe? Pennsylvania College of Technology students and faculty were instrumental in the fabrication process.
• What materials were used to construct the globe? The globe was primarily fabricated using stainless steel, with a mild steel prototype also created.
• How much does the new globe weigh? the 6-foot-diameter sculpture weighs approximately 1,200 pounds.
• What made the fabrication process challenging? The size of the globe and the need to access all areas for welding presented initial challenges, which were overcome with a custom-built fixture.

What do you think of the new Little league globe? Share your thoughts and impressions in the comments below!

How did the students ensure the structural integrity of the 3-foot diameter steel globe during the design phase?

The Project: A Unique Team Award

This summer, a team of engineering students at State University took on an unusual project: forging a steel globe as a unique, lasting award for the local Maplewood Little League team. The initiative, born from a desire to apply classroom learning to a real-world challenge, has garnered attention for its ingenuity and community impact. This isn’t just about metalworking; it’s about STEM education, community engagement, and the power of student projects.

From Concept to Creation: The Engineering Process

The students,primarily from the university’s Mechanical Engineering department,weren’t simply welding spheres together. The project involved a comprehensive engineering process, mirroring professional practices.

Design Phase: Initial designs focused on a globe approximately 3 feet in diameter, representing the Earth.Students utilized CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software to create detailed blueprints, considering weight distribution, structural integrity, and aesthetic appeal. Metal fabrication design was a key component.

Material selection: Mild steel was chosen for its weldability and cost-effectiveness.The team sourced the steel from a local supplier, prioritizing recycled materials where possible, aligning with sustainable practices.

Fabrication Techniques: The globe wasn’t cast; it was painstakingly constructed from individual steel plates.

1. Cutting: Plates were cut using a plasma cutter, ensuring precise shapes for seamless assembly.

2.Forming: The plates were then formed into curved sections using a rolling machine. this required careful calibration to achieve the desired spherical shape.

3. Welding: skilled student welders meticulously joined the plates, employing various welding techniques – primarily MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding – to create strong, durable seams. Steel welding techniques were crucial for success.

4. Grinding & Finishing: Rough edges were ground smooth, and the entire surface was prepared for a protective coating.

Protective Coating: A rust-resistant coating was applied to ensure the globe’s longevity, protecting it from the elements. This involved priming and painting with a durable, weather-resistant enamel.

The Role of University Resources & Mentorship

The project wasn’t undertaken in isolation. State University provided access to its well-equipped fabrication lab, including the plasma cutter, rolling machine, and welding stations.Crucially, Professor Emily Carter, a seasoned mechanical engineer specializing in materials science, served as the project’s faculty advisor.

professor Carter provided guidance on:

Material properties and selection.

welding best practices and safety protocols.

Structural analysis to ensure the globe’s stability.

Project management and timeline adherence.

This mentorship was invaluable, offering students practical experience beyond textbook learning. The university’s commitment to experiential learning was a driving force behind the project’s success.

Benefits of the Project: Beyond the Globe Itself

The impact of this project extends far beyond a unique trophy for a Little League team.

Practical Skill Progress: Students gained hands-on experience in metal fabrication, welding, CAD design, and project management – skills highly sought after by employers in the manufacturing industry.

Community building: The project fostered a strong connection between the university and the local community. The Little League team was actively involved in the process,visiting the lab and witnessing the students’ progress.

Promoting STEM Education: The project serves as an inspiring example of how STEM principles can be applied to create tangible, meaningful results. It encourages younger students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Portfolio Building: The completed globe represents a important addition to the students’ portfolios, showcasing their skills and abilities to potential employers. Engineering portfolio projects are vital for career advancement.

Real-World Applications & Similar Initiatives

This isn’t an isolated incident. Universities across the country are increasingly engaging in community-based engineering projects.

Habitat for Humanity: Many engineering departments partner with Habitat for Humanity to design and build affordable housing.

Assistive Technology: Students often develop assistive devices for individuals with disabilities, applying their engineering skills to improve quality of life.

Renewable Energy Projects: Designing and building small-scale renewable energy systems (solar panels, wind turbines) for local communities.

These initiatives provide valuable learning experiences for students while addressing real-world needs. The State University steel globe project exemplifies the power of applied engineering and the benefits of university-community partnerships.

Safety Considerations in Metal Fabrication

Working with steel and fabrication equipment requires strict adherence to safety protocols. The students received comprehensive training in:

Welding Safety: Proper use of welding helmets, gloves, and protective clothing to prevent burns and eye damage.

Plasma Cutting Safety: Understanding the hazards associated with plasma cutting and using appropriate safety gear.

Machine guarding: Ensuring all machinery was properly guarded to prevent accidental injuries.

* Ventilation: Maintaining adequate ventilation to remove fumes and dust generated during fabrication processes. Industrial safety standards were paramount throughout the project.