CNC Software, Inc., manufacturer of Mastercam, wants to see what kind of young design and machining talent is out there by hosting its 2011 Innovator of the Future national competition. The Mastercam IOF competition entices students with a real-world manufacturing challenge and a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship. Plus, it serves as a motivational tool for teachers to get students excited about product design and manufacturing.
The Challenge—Students must design and machine a working guitar capo (a capo is a clamp that attaches to a guitar’s neck to raise the key or pitch of the open strings). Winners will be selected based on part accuracy, creativity and cleanliness among other criteria.
The Judge—The competition will be judged by Mark Summers, the co-founder and current president of CNC Software, Inc. Mark’s combined interests in machining and guitars—he has been strumming six strings for more than 20 years—makes him a great evaluator of both functionality and manufacturing skills.
The Awards—Everyone who enters the competition receives an exclusive Mastercam IOF shirt. The student who creates the winning entry will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship to the school of his/her choice. In addition, the winner and Mastercam instructor will receive a trip to Tolland, Connecticut to tour CNC Software’s world headquarters. Mastercam IOF recognition plaques will go to both the winner and school. The winner’s instructor will also receive a limited-edition Mastercam IOF polo shirt.
The Rules—Here are a handful of competition rules:
• The part must be programmed with a licensed copy of Mastercam.
• The part must have a professional look and meet specifications.
• The entry must consist of one finished, unpainted part.
• All entries and completed entry forms must be received by May 31, 2011.
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