Ivy Tech Community College recently received a donation of equipment from Methods Machine Tools Inc.
Methods is donating the usage of a Feeler VMP-580 CNC Vertical Machining Center and a Feeler FTC-150 CNC Turning Center to be used by students at Ivy Tech’s Orthopedics and Advanced Manufacturing Training Center in Warsaw.
The donation is believed to be the first and only of its kind at Ivy Tech. Methods is providing the new machines to Ivy Tech for instructional use including in the Advanced Manufacturing program and the Orthopedic Quality Standards and Technical Skills certificate program during the 2012-13 academic year. Methods intends to replace the machines with the latest models in subsequent academic years.
According to Ivy Tech North Central Region Chancellor Thomas Coley, “This generous donation from Methods ensures that Ivy Tech students will always be training on the most up-to-date, state-of-the-art equipment available. Coursework and training at the OAMTC already meets rigorous standards and students will now have the added value of experience on always-current machines. Employers who hire our graduates will also see the benefit of new employees who have a wider range of machine-related experience.”
Dale Hedberg, product manager at Methods Machine Tools, explains “the Feeler machines are very well equipped for high production in automotive, medical and aerospace industries as well as die-mold and job shops. The Feeler machines feature new Fanuc 0iD controls, Coolant Thru Spindle, offline or conversational programming, plus many other highlights. Methods is the exclusive importer in North America for Feeler machines and we’re excited to donate this equipment so that Ivy Tech can produce qualified employment candidates.”
For more than 50 years, Methods has been North America's foremost supplier of leading-edge precision machine tools. Methods’ national staff of engineers creates specifications and design solutions for innovative metalworking products and works with their machine tool manufacturing partners worldwide to turn those ideas into reality.
Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system serving nearly 200,000 students annually. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
