When ideas become reality – the Trotec Q400 elevates teaching

It started with a machine that didn't measure up – but ended with a solution that inspires an entire generation of engineering students. At Hedda Anderssongymnasiet in Lund, investing in the right tools has become an important part of the school's vision for the future of learning.

Challenge: Substandard machine that limited learning

Hedda Anderssongymnasiet, Lund's newest municipal upper secondary school, is more than just a place for teaching. It is a creative environment where the problem solvers of the future are shaped in close collaboration with business, universities and social actors. In the school's so-called makerspace – a high-tech workshop with everything from laser cutters to 3D printers – students get to work on real projects that stimulate both creativity and innovation.

But the journey they have taken has not been straightforward.

- We bought a cheaper laser machine a few years ago, but it quickly proved to be inadequate and did not meet our requirements for functionality and capacity., says Ulf Jonsson, technology teacher and former civil engineer. Among other things, there was a leak of fumes, especially from plastic materials, which we use a lot. Despite attempts with hoods and fans, it could not be solved.

The limitations of the machine became an obstacle to teaching – both practical and educational. And without approved ventilation, the machine was not allowed to be fully used.

Learn more about Hedda Andersson High School

Logimark's solution: Technology that matches the school's vision

When the school was allowed to move to new, modern premises next to Polhemskolan, new opportunities opened up. The management saw the potential in the makerspace and decided to invest fully. Despite a tight budget, the investment in a Trotec Q400 – a professional laser cutter and laser engraver that meets both quality and safety requirements.

- They fully agreed that the old machine was not working, and even though the Q400 was a little over budget, the management chose to prioritize the school's vision., says Ulf.

The installation was handled by Logimark, which also provided the training. With the new Ruby software, the workflow became both simpler and more intuitive. - The software is very user-friendly. What takes time is learning the right settings for different materials – but that is a natural part of learning.

Result: More inspiration, better learning

The effect was immediate. With the Q400, students could not only work faster, but also with greater precision and creativity.

- The difference in quality is huge. And the best part is that students become more motivated when they see their ideas become reality., says Ulf. There's a big difference in holding something you designed yourself, compared to just seeing it on the screen.

The laser cutter complements 3D printers well, especially in larger projects where time is a crucial factor. Where a 3D print can take hours, cuts Q400 out in just a few minutes – as long as the object is in 2D.

- It teaches students to think practically – to design smartly and time-efficiently, just like they do in real industrial projects.

A future-proof investment

Ulf sees Q400 as a pedagogical asset, not just a technical upgrade. The next step could be to let the students themselves take more responsibility for the machine – from design to operation.

He also encourages other schools and municipalities to look into the value of integrating laser technology into teaching:

- Tie technology to course objectives and real projects. When students are given tools to create for real, learning becomes both deeper and more fun.

The fact that Hedda Anderssongymnasiet dared to invest has not only given a boost to teaching – it has also strengthened the school's profile as a place where young people get the right education.prerequisites to meet the needs of the future.

Q-Series – Offers the best price-performance ratio

• Q series is a mid-range laser that combines all of Trotec's features for efficient and high-quality laser engraving and cutting.
• With the Q series you can cut and engrave a variety of materials such as acrylic and wood up to 15 mm, textiles, paper and cardboard, leather and cork.
• With the Q series, there is also the option of Trotec's Print & Cut for precision cutouts.
• Achieve excellent results in both cutting and engraving. The built-in DC CO2 laser sources for fast cutting and CeramiCore® RF CO2 for high-quality engraving.
• Trotec's central technology OptiMotion™ enables both fast and precise laser processing.

Read more about our Laser machines - Laser cutter and Laser engraving machines

Contact us for advice!