Bechtel Donates $60,000 for New Materials Testing Equipment at WSU Tri-Cities | News | applevalleynewsnow.com

WSU Tri-Cities, Benton County

Engineering company Bechtel has donated $60,000 toward a new $100,000 materials testing machine at WSU Tri-Cities

The new equipment can test advanced materials including those used in 3D printing, unlike older machines limited to metals

More than 100 students per semester will benefit from hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment

RICHLAND — Engineering students at Washington State University Tri-Cities will soon have access to cutting-edge materials testing equipment thanks to a significant donation from a longtime industry partner.

Bechtel, a global engineering and construction firm, has contributed $60,000 toward the purchase of a new $100,000 materials testing machine for the university's engineering program. The equipment represents a major upgrade from the school's existing technology.

While the university's older equipment could only test traditional metals like aluminum and steel, the new machine expands testing capabilities to include advanced materials, including those used in 3D printing applications. This advancement allows students to work with the same materials and testing processes they'll encounter in modern industrial settings.

"Students get hands-on experience — and we help supply the workforce with graduates who are ready to go straight into industry," said Changki Mo, Director of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at WSU Tri-Cities.

The new testing machine is expected to be operational within two weeks and will serve more than 100 students each semester. This rapid implementation means current students will benefit immediately from the enhanced learning opportunity.

For WSU Tri-Cities, the donation strengthens an already robust relationship with Bechtel, which has long supported the university's engineering programs. The partnership highlights the importance of industry collaboration in keeping educational institutions equipped with current technology.

The materials testing machine allows students to analyze how different materials respond to forces like tension, compression, and bending—critical knowledge for engineers designing everything from buildings and bridges to aerospace components and consumer products.

By providing access to industry-standard equipment, WSU Tri-Cities continues to align its engineering curriculum with real-world applications, preparing graduates for immediate contribution to the workforce upon graduation.

The remaining $40,000 for the equipment purchase comes from university funds, demonstrating the institution's commitment to maintaining state-of-the-art facilities for its students.

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