MCLEAN, Va., Nov. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Missouri University of Science and Technology (Rolla, MO) and Laureate Machine and Automation (Leipsic, OH) are both celebrating the installation of their new WARDJet waterjet cutting machines, grand prizes they received as winners of the Build It! challenge at the Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS 2016 – The International Manufacturing Technology Show, held Sept. 12 – 17, 2016, in Chicago, IL.
The installation dates:
- Laureate Machine and Automation: November 28 - December 2, 2016
- Missouri University of Science and Technology: October 24 - November 1, 2016
WARDJet, a member of AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, sponsored the Build It! challenge and donated the machines, which have a combined value of $200,000. Build It! attracted more than 200 mechatronics students and industry professionals. Teams worked with waterjet experts as part of an hour-long session of planning, wiring, wrenching, and assembling a complete, high-end waterjet system. As the waterjet machines were completed, WARDJet's experts scored the teams on assembly precision, mechanical and electrical skills, overall build quality, and machine motion.
Motivated to share his passion for manufacturing and invigorate the industry, WARDJet founder and owner, Rich Ward said, "We are excited about the impact this challenge had on educating students and professionals alike. It was deeply rewarding to see so many young people enthusiastically working together to create a complex, high-tech waterjet. Our team is confident we will continue to have an active role in supporting the revitalization of manufacturing in the coming years."
Missouri University of Science and Technology machining lab won a WARDKit 5x5 as well as a HyPrecision™ 30 pump donated by its maker Hypertherm. "We are ecstatic! This new machine will replace outdated equipment and bring us to the forefront of waterjet technology," said Engineering Technician Jeff Heniff. "Having worked with waterjet technology since 1968 and advancing its many uses, we understand and appreciate the value of this gift. Our students are looking forward to incorporating it into national design competitions."
John Mullett of Laureate Machine and Automation won the E-1515. Laureate Machine and Automation offers fabrication for a variety of industries and is looking forward to adding an abrasive waterjet to their list of capabilities.
The Smartforce Student Summit is committed to inspiring young people for dynamic careers in advanced manufacturing as well as promoting the industry's state-of-the-art work places, excellent compensation, and opportunities to enhance one's quality of life and the economy. This year 17,000 students, teachers, and parents visited the summit. The next Smartforce Student Summit will be held during IMTS 2018, one of the largest industrial trade shows in the world, Sept. 10-15, 2018, at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.
WARDJet
WARDJet is a world-renown waterjet cutting company, founded in 1993 by Rich Ward, who was born and raised in Zimbabwe, attended the University of Cape Town and began his career as a civil engineer. In 1991, he moved his family, to the United States to work on a two-year contract. Once completed, Rich started WARDJet in his Ohio garage and has expanded it to a 220,000-square-foot facility.
Hypertherm
Also formed in a garage and now located in a large facility, Hypertherm designs and manufactures advanced cutting products. The New Hampshire-based company's reputation for cutting innovation dates back nearly 50 years, with Hypertherm's invention of water injection plasma cutting.
IMTS — International Manufacturing Technology Show
The largest and longest running manufacturing technology trade show in the United States is held every other year at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. IMTS 2018 will run Sept. 10-15. IMTS is ranked among the largest trade shows in the world. Recognized as one of the world's preeminent stages for introducing and selling manufacturing equipment and technology, IMTS attracts more than 115,000 visitors from every level of industry and more than 120 countries. IMTS is owned and managed by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. www.IMTS.com
AMT — The Association For Manufacturing Technology
Representing U.S.-based builders and distributors of manufacturing technology, AMT is the voice of an industry that is critical to providing what U.S. manufacturing needs to be productive and innovative. Located near the nation's capital, AMT is the industry's voice for policies and initiatives that increase global competitiveness, speed the pace of innovation, and support the development of an advanced manufacturing Smartforce. AMT is a leading expert in industry data and intelligence as well as international business development, and is the owner and producer of IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show, the premier manufacturing technology event in North America. www.AMTonline.org
MEDIA CONTACTS:
AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology
Penelope Brown
Director – AMT Marketing and Communications
703.827.5275 | [email protected]
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SOURCE AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology
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