Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Despite the tremendous job opportunities and high wages available in manufacturing, schools and technical colleges across the U.S. still struggle to fill their training programs, especially with female students.

As a case in point, over the past 10 years, the Computer Integrated Machining Program at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology (TSCT) in Lancaster, PA, has enrolled only one female in each cohort of 25 students. In order to achieve a more diverse cohort, and attract more interest in manufacturing, the staff at TSCT decided to focus their attention on this gender gap. 

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Years ago, if you wanted to teach 5-axis machining, your choices were few, primarily big vertical machines with dual-axis, trunnion-style rotaries. Not only were they just too big for the classroom, but they were prohibitively expensive.

That all changed when Haas Automation introduced the UMC-750 Universal Machining Center, a machine that combines 5-axes of motion into a relatively compact package, at a much more affordable price – 5-axis machining is no longer out of reach!

Today, there are even more choices for the 5-axis classroom, and prices are more within reach of educational institutions. Topping the list is the new Haas UMC-500 – a smaller, lighter, lower-cost version of the venerable UMC-750. 

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

This past July, for the 10th year in a row, Haas Automation and NIMS (the manufacturing industry’s standards and certification body) hosted the three CNC machining contests at the SkillsUSA Championships in Louisville, KY. This year, 144 State Gold Medal winners competed in these contests, representing 83 high schools and 61 colleges across 43 states.

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

The Haas Next Generation Control (NGC)!

When Haas Automation launched the VF-1 at IMTS in 1988, the Haas control was the first of its kind. It provided simple G-code programming and Fanuc compatibility at a price that no other builder could touch.

Although there have been various revisions in software and firmware over the years, the control system’s architecture has remained nearly the same. 

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

How to Build a Successful STEM / Manufacturing Program

STEM-related fields are going to dominate careers in the future, but how do you create a program that prepares students for success? At SkillsUSA in Kentucky this year, Haas Automation partnered with an HTEC program in upstate New York to help accomplish this – by holding seminars for skilled-trades teachers from around the country on building successful STEM / Manufacturing programs.

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

In early 2018, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) contacted Haas Automation to discuss the current state of American manufacturing. Through meetings at Haas in Oxnard and at IMTS in Chicago, they made clear their concerns that, in time of war or duress, American manufacturers could struggle to meet this country’s advanced manufacturing needs. 

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

In April, more than 70,000 people from around the world – plus 1400 robots – descended upon Houston and Detroit for the 2019 FIRST® Championship events – the world’s largest celebration of STEM for students. 

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Do What You Love and Love What You Do

Keegan McDuffie started working in the graphic design industry right out of high school. But a few years into a steady paycheck, he realized he had settled for an unfulfilling job, rather than a lifelong career. 

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Machining & Welding Competition Debuts in April

After more than a year of discussions and planning, a high-profile group of early investors has agreed to help establish an inaugural advanced manufacturing skills competition to increase the interest in manufacturing trades nationwide. The competition will kick off in April 2019, with trials in several states. 

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Haas Automation Creates Videos for Educators and Industry Alike
The primary focus of Haas Automation’s Video Marketing Team is to build a community of highly educated and capable CNC machinists – by creating high-quality videos that expose newcomers and diehard fans alike to the powerful features and functionality of Haas machines. 

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

How Hudson Valley College Procured Funding for a $14.5 Million Center for Advanced Manufacturing Skills

On Sept. 3, 2019, the 37,000-square-foot Gene F. Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing Skills (GHCAMS) will open its doors at Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) in Troy, NY. Just a dream in 2012, the new facility is now nearing completion, and other schools across the country are asking: “How did you go about funding a $14.5 million facility . . . and how can we?” 

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

The Gene Haas Foundation announced this week that they are expanding their relationship with FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) through sponsorship of the nationwide FIRST Robotics Competitions.