Students in the Modern Machine Technology program at the A. K. Smith Career Center in Michigan City will be using a new Computer Numerical Control (CNC) mill, thanks to a $10,000 donation from the Morgan Family Foundation.
The CNC system, a Syil X5Pro vertical milling machine, was unveiled on Tuesday, May 3.
According to Modern Machine Technology teacher Chris Smith, the CNC system is wonderful addition to equipment in the career center’s machine technology lab. “Our goal is to cycle older equipment out, replacing it with newer machines that students will encounter when they work for area companies or pursue additional technical training at Ivy Tech or Vincennes,” he said. “We will continue to teach students fundamentals on manual mills and lathes. But this new equipment is the present and future standard for the manufacturing industry, and knowledge of its operation can lead to well-paying jobs for our graduates.”
The Morgan Family Foundation was established in memory of Bill Morgan, who founded Filter Specialists, Inc. of Michigan City in 1972. His passion for his business and innovative ideas resulted in numerous patents, and fundamentally changed the filtration industry. The Foundation supports philanthropic work focusing on education, and especially on non-traditional education options.
“This project was a perfect fit for the Morgan Family Foundation,” said Pat Lain, Foundation representative on hand for the CNC machine unveiling. “Our mission is to help people in LaPorte County be more successful in life, to match them with high-demand jobs.”
According to LaPorte County Career and Technical Education Director Audra Peterson, the Modern Machine Technology program at the A. K. Smith Career Center will double in size next fall, due to increased interest from students at the six county high schools served by the program.
Students in this track earn dual credit and a MSSC (Manufacturing Skills Standards Council) industry certification after two years of coursework, which includes machining, mathematics, print reading, assembly, pneumatics, hydraulics, CAD, and CAM.
For more information about La Porte County Career and Technical Education, call (219) 873-2120 or visit EducateMC.net/careertech.