Mitutoyo Partners with Atlantic Technical College

Mitutoyo America Corporation, provider of measurement and inspection solutions, has established a partnership with Atlantic Technical College in Broward County, Florida. Mitutoyo will be a major supplier and supporter of its Machining Technology course. The company has a history of working with higher learning institutions, and has established relationships with many trade schools and colleges.

Atlantic Technical College is a magnet school and part of the Broward County Public School System. The campus trains junior and senior high school students and adults during the day program, with a machining apprenticeship program in the evening.

The Machining Technology Class provides students with an industry overview; teaches how to set up and operate machines, including CNC machines, micrometers and gauges; and provides the basics of CNC programming, use of CAD/CAM processes and setup and performance of advanced-level machining. The program can accept 24 high school students (split between juniors and seniors) and twelve adult students every school year.

“We have seen an increased interest in the program over the last few years, as more students recognize that a trade can be a great long-term career,” stated Kevin Finan, the Machining Technology instructor. Finan has been an instructor for eight years with  25 years of industry experience. “The program is a great opportunity to learn a skill set that is very much needed today.”

Finan was looking to improve the equipment in his classes and add a CMM to the program. He found the Mitutoyo MiSTAR 555, reported to be the company’s newest, fastest and most compact shopfloor CNC CMM, perfect for students to get experience on.

Finan worked directly with Mitutoyo America distributor Chris Sudetic, from Measurement Supply Company, to purchase and install the MiSTAR 555 and provide support throughout the process. Students also work with other Mitutoyo tools and equipment, including micrometers, calipers, height gages and various other measuring instruments.

“Metrology is a significant part of the success of every industry ranging from automotive, medical, aerospace and consumer goods,” stated Matt Dye, president of Mitutoyo America Corporation. “Precision measurement provides critical data for improving the manufacturing process, which is why Mitutoyo has a strong focus on helping educate the workforce and future generations at all experience levels.”