Microscopy equipment is being utilized within the manufacturing processes and materials laboratory, and laboratory projects are being developed for student use. The microscopy equipment that was used in the Materials Laboratory was limited to the extent that only one person could view the image at any given time. The instructor's ability to provide a meaningful answer to any questions the student asked about the structure was dependent upon the student's ability to describe what was seen. The new use of a video camera and console allows for a more positive identification of and discussion of the observed microstructure, since both student and instructor view the structure simultaneously. Other students benefit from the discussion of the microstructure in question, and all can see that structure. The imaging equipment is giving the student greater flexibility in obtaining photographic images for inclusion in laboratory reports. Using the video camera and digital printer allows making a hard copy without moving the specimen from one instrument to another. Since the digital images are less expensive as compared with the photographic methods currently used, time and money saved allow the individual student to make increased use of the microscopy equipment.
