LABCONM: A remote lab for metal forming area

Abstract

This paper aims to describe the LABCONM, that is an educational laboratory that provides remote access to one remote educational compression testing machine (MDTEC). This laboratory was developed specifically to help in the teaching/learning process of metal flow curves in the metal forming area. Two different types of analysis were defined to validate the laboratory, where the first one considerate the teaching approach and the second one the operation of the laboratory. In the technical analysis, the researchers conducted 20 remotely operated tests, where it was verified the quality and repeatability of the data to demonstrate metal flow. The data shown sufficient quality and repeatability, so that the MDTEC could be used as an educational experiment. In the pedagogical analysis, two classes, which were attending Metal Forming Course, participated. In the group that did not access the LABCONM, 17% of students had unsatisfactory result in the mathematical question. In the group that accessed to the LABCONM, 100% of the students had satisfactory or excellent result in the same question. Consequently, it was possible to conclude that there is an influence of laboratory especially for those students who have more difficulties in theoretical learning.