Part national tournament, part manufacturing training program, part reality show. Project MFG is an organization that brings together government, industry, schools, and students to create the next generation of skilled trade professionals. Every year, it hosts a competition to test the advanced manufacturing skills – design, programming, multiaxis machining, welding, metrology, etc. – of students from all over the country. A Hollywood film crew films the tournament and creates an award-winning YouTube reality show, Clash of Trades.
Mastercam has been a proud partner of Project MFG since its inauguration in 2019. Mastercam and Project MFG both share the same enthusiasm in creating solid pathways with which students can cross into rewarding manufacturing careers.
Calhoun Community College is no stranger to Project MFG. This year is its fourth consecutive year to send a team to compete among the final four in the national championship. And this year, Calhoun won. Team members Ben Blanton (welder), Austin Kidd (CNC machinist/programmer), and Ty Whitson (CNC machinist/programmer) were coached by Calhoun Machine Tool Technology Instructor Tad Montgomery, who recently shared his thoughts on this year’s success.
What motivated your team to participate in Project MFG?
TM: Calhoun Community College has been actively involved in Project MFG since the establishment of the event; we participated in the prototype event in Auburn, AL in 2018.
One of the primary motivations to participate was the collaborative nature of Project MFG as a team-based competition. It fosters a sense of camaraderie among participants but also provides a realistic simulation of industry scenarios. Project MFG’s emphasis on hands-on experience and application of theoretical knowledge resonated strongly with the educational philosophy at Calhoun. By participating, students not only test their skills but also gain invaluable insights into the complexities and dynamics of modern manufacturing processes.
How have Mastercam and Project MFG supported students in their transition from education to industry?
TM: In the competition, students were exposed to real-world manufacturing challenges by using Mastercam in a high-pressure, team-oriented environment. Students gained hands-on experience and confidence in using these sophisticated multiaxis capabilities of Mastercam, directly preparing them for the complexities they would face in industrial settings. Namely, the team utilized Unified Morph and Guide as well as Unified Flowline U/V. The experience also provided students with invaluable networking opportunities and exposure to industry professionals.
What factors influenced your decision to choose Mastercam over alternative software solutions?
TM: The adoption of Mastercam as the primary CAD/CAM system at Calhoun was a strategic choice. Within the manufacturing industry surrounding Calhoun, Mastercam is widely adopted as the primary CAD/CAM software. Students trained on Mastercam are well-prepared to meet the software expectations of regional employers with relevant skills and minimal learning curve.
The decision was reinforced by our experience that demonstrated Mastercam’s superior accuracy compared to other CAM packages. This was particularly evident during Project MFG competitions, where the precision and reliability of Mastercam consistently outperformed its competitors.
What significance does winning Project MFG hold for your team?
TM: Calhoun Community College has consistently distinguished itself in Project MFG, securing a place in the top three nationally every year since its inception. This sustained success has not only set a high standard for future student competitors but has also fostered a culture of excellence and expectation within the program. Each team understands the legacy they inherit from past participants and the weight of expectation to perform at a championship level. This pressure motivates them to push their limits, refining their skills and strategies to avoid any missteps that could jeopardize their chances of reaching the podium.
How has winning Project MFG impacted the growth and evolution of your program?
TM:First and foremost, winning Project MFG has enhanced the program’s reputation both locally and nationally. It has solidified Calhoun’s position as a leader in manufacturing education, showcasing our ability to produce skilled graduates capable of excelling in competitive, real-world environments.
Winning Project MFG has not only brought immediate recognition and pride to Calhoun Community College but has also set a precedent for continued growth and success. It has bolstered the program’s credibility, attracted new students, and strengthened ties with industry partners, thereby ensuring that Calhoun remains at the forefront of manufacturing education and innovation for years to come.
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Watch the Clash of Trades YouTube video announcing Calhoun Community College’s win here.
Explore more of Mastercam’s Multiaxis solutions here: Mastercam Multiaxis.
