AUBURN — The Precision Machining Technology program at Central Maine Community College hosted open house events this spring in partnership with Haas Technical Education Centers. HTEC is a global network and partnership between learning institutions and Haas Automation, Inc. Representatives from Sandvik Coromant, one the world’s leading supplier of tools, tooling solutions and expertise to the metalworking industry also participated in the events.

The mission of the HTEC Network is to promote and advance manufacturing and productivity through excellence in manufacturing education. This partnership with industry, schools and professional societies promotes best practices and the use of modern manufacturing equipment for educational purposes. Haas Automation in the largest computer numeric control machine tool builder in the western world.

Open houses were held for industry, educators and the general public. Those in attendance were able to see in operation several new CNC machines that the college has acquired with federal grant funds, including the Haas ST-10 Lathe and the ST-20Y Lathe. The Haas representatives in attendance noted that CMCC is the only educational institution in the country to be equipped with the ST-20Y lathe machine.

The program offers a two-year associate in applied science degree and a one-year certificate. Students are trained in conventional and CNC machining.