Local manufacturers will get their first look at Clark State Community College’s latest addition to the Sweet Advanced Manufacturing Center at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5.
Clark State, in collaboration with FASTLANE, invested in a 5-axis CNC machine in order to meet local workforce needs. Nora Hatem, associate professor and program coordinator for Clark State’s industrial and engineering programs, said Clark State understands the needs of its employer partners and made the investment to help them develop the workforce of tomorrow.
“Several companies have approached us about offering training on 5-axis machines. Until now, the closest location students or employees could receive training has been located over three hours away in Indiana,” she said. “Having access to this training locally will be a big help to industry and will make our students more competitive when looking for employment.”
“We are happy to partner with Clark State on this 5-axis capability in order to improve this workforce skill and create meaningful impact for the manufacturers across our region,” said Phil Ratermann, director of FASTLANE.
Clark State’s current machines are 3-axis machines. The new 5-axis machine will allow for additional fourth and fifth axis machining capabilities. The part can basically be approached from all directions simultaneously and machined in one operation. According to JobsOhio, Clark State is the first college or university in the state of Ohio to offer training on a 5-axis CNC machine.
“5-axis CNC is a technical skill that is needed in many manufacturing facilities throughout our region. Having this technology at Clark State helps us further our mission for student and community success by providing this training to our manufacturing students, and the ability to offer the advanced manufacturing lab for customized training for current employees,” said Aimee Belanger-Haas, dean of business and applied technologies for Clark State. “Currently, many are training this additional skill after employees are hired, but this helps meet a workforce demand so these students and employees will be able to utilize this skill more quickly.”
CNC – computer numerical control - machining is a manufacturing process in which pre-programmed computer software dictates the movement of factory tools and machinery.
This technology will be introduced into Clark State’s current CNC certification with opportunities to further develop students’ CNC machining skills in the Bachelor of Applied Science in Manufacturing Technology Management degree. Students will be introduced to 5-axis capabilities this spring with the intent of using the 5-axis machine starting fall semester. Additional CNC classes covering 5-axis machining may be added to meet workforce needs.
“We are invested in working with our employer partners,” said Hatem. “If they are in need of specialized training that they cannot receive anywhere else, we encourage them to contact us.”