ATE students engrave a variety of products for individuals and businesses on and off campus.

IT students produce high-tech laser products

by Mary Lisa Russell

Need that special gift for your employee, spouse or colleague? Chances are that Advanced Technology Enterprise (ATE) at Fresno State has it - and at a competitive price.

The student-run program in the Department of Industrial Technology uses laser engraving that produces fine detail on plastics, wood, metals and a variety of surfaces.

"The purpose of ATE is to design and manufacture high quality products for the general consumer," said Dr. Gary Grannis, professor of industrial technology and supervisor

of the program. "I usually have more than 25 students per semester who get hands-on experience."

Grannis said that ATE teaches the students marketing, computer numerical control machining, product design, laser engraving, product assembly, inventory control, and other skills.

"This is one of two custom laser engraving machines of its kind in the Central Valley," said Virgil Haywood, a junior industrial technology major and ATE general manager.

"We engrave wedding glasses, wine bottles, custom pen and pencil sets, clocks, jewelry boxes, custom plaques, signs, name tags, and a dozen other products."

Grannis added that ATE can provide laser services virtually overnight. "In most cases, our turnaround time is very rapid."

Haywood said he can take almost any company logo or special artwork and put it on wood, glass, leather, plastic and even marble.

For information on ATE products or services, call ext. 8-5209.