All in CNC Machining

We Can Solve the Skilled Manufacturing Worker Shortage

We Can Solve the Skilled Manufacturing Worker Shortage

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT
Apprenticeship, CNC Machining, CNC Programming, Machining, Manufacturing, Soft Skills, Worker Shortage

Over the last 5 years, I have been observing the manufacturing industry worker shortage. The drastic change that I have seen over my 24-year career is alarming. While most industries change over time, I believe the changes that are happening to manufacturing are more than that. We are in a worker shortage crisis.

Endmills

Endmills

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT
CNC Machining, Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing

An endmill is a cutting tool that is typically used in a milling machine, or a mill/turn machine. They come in various diameters and lengths, to suit the needs of the user and the application. With that, they typically come in variations with 2-flutes, 3-flutes and 4 flutes. A 2-flute and 3-flute endmill is typically used in cutting aluminum. The 4-flute version is used in milling steel. The versions with 5 to 12 flutes are used in finish cutting steel.

CNC Macro Programming Basics

CNC Macro Programming Basics

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT
CNC Machining, CNC Programming, Machining, Manufacturing Engineer, Manufacturing Engineers

We will cover the basics of Parameter programming. The concepts learned can be applied to many CNC projects and can be used in small shops and large shops alike. In G Code, macro programming variables are assigned values and when they are referenced and called they provide the last value that they were assigned. Some ways that variables can be used are for machining part families and for modifying work offsets and tooling offsets.

Red Raider Manufacturing

Red Raider Manufacturing

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT
CNC Machining, Collaboration, Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing, Technical Education

The Red Raider Manufacturing program in the Sheboygan Area School District had 1,090 students in the 2021-22 school year. Its mission is to give all SASD students access to the most up-to-date, relevant and exciting learning experience to succeed. The vision of the program is education and industry partnering to turn a manufacturing/technical career into an aspiration. The students in the program are high achieving, proud of what they do, and career ready.

Starting a Career in CNC Programming

Starting a Career in CNC Programming

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT
CNC Programming, CNC Machining, Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineer, Manufacturing Engineers

I recently had an opportunity to interview Phil Brown and Umair Riyas from NexGenCAM about how to begin a career in computer-aided manufacturing or CAM. They are applications engineers that specialize in CAM software. Phil and Umair have extensive backgrounds in CNC and CAM/CAD, they offer a few tips to others who may be interested in starting a career in the field.

Remodeling A Student-Run Manufacturing Facility

Remodeling A Student-Run Manufacturing Facility

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT
Apprenticeship, CNC Machining, CNC Programming, Machining, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineer, Manufacturing Engineers, Soft Skills, Technical Education

Cardinal Manufacturing is a student-run manufacturing program in the Eleva-Strum high school. They recently finished a 10-month remodeling project in the machine shop and classroom. It was a complete remodel which included the ceiling and walls being repainted. They chose a red and white color scheme for the rooms, halls, and manufacturing equipment.

Eight Considerations That Will Assist in Fixing the Skilled Manufacturing Worker Shortage

Eight Considerations That Will Assist in Fixing the Skilled Manufacturing Worker Shortage

Matthew Schowalter, CMfgT
CNC Machining, CNC Programming, Engineer, Machining, Machinist, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineer, Manufacturing Engineers, Worker Shortage

With my study into the shortage of skilled manufacturing workers that spanned five years, I discovered a few things along the way. The observations started in 2015 by investigating ways to spark interest in manufacturing careers. I published a 4-page article on my career, and it was promoted by three manufacturing magazines. I also assisted my local youth apprentice program by creating a testimonial video for them. I participated in a career fair and only 1% of the students were engaged in manufacturing. I then decided to observe the industry.

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