CNC Software Inc., Tolland, Conn.-based producer of Mastercam CAD/CAM software, announced the 2014 Mastercam Innovator of the Future (IOF) national competition, designed to challenge students and young adults in the manufacturing world. Students are tasked with modifying and machining an optic mirror design, making changes to the supplied part file to either reduce the weight but maintain the structural integrity or using an area of the mirror to creatively express themselves.
The 2014 IOF competition will be judged by a team of experts at Optimax, Ontario, N.Y., a provider of optics for aerospace, defense and consumer electronics. All participants receive an exclusive Mastercam IOF shirt and the student who creates the winning entry will be awarded $1,000 as well as a seat of Mastercam Mill Level 1 software. In addition, the winner and a guest will receive a trip to Florida to visit the Kennedy Space Center with CNC Software and Optimax.
For more information on the 2014 Mastercam Innovator of the Future competition, including entry form and part specifications, please visit www.mastercamiof.com.
Related Glossary Terms
- computer numerical control ( CNC)
computer numerical control ( CNC)
Microprocessor-based controller dedicated to a machine tool that permits the creation or modification of parts. Programmed numerical control activates the machine’s servos and spindle drives and controls the various machining operations. See DNC, direct numerical control; NC, numerical control.
- milling machine ( mill)
milling machine ( mill)
Runs endmills and arbor-mounted milling cutters. Features include a head with a spindle that drives the cutters; a column, knee and table that provide motion in the three Cartesian axes; and a base that supports the components and houses the cutting-fluid pump and reservoir. The work is mounted on the table and fed into the rotating cutter or endmill to accomplish the milling steps; vertical milling machines also feed endmills into the work by means of a spindle-mounted quill. Models range from small manual machines to big bed-type and duplex mills. All take one of three basic forms: vertical, horizontal or convertible horizontal/vertical. Vertical machines may be knee-type (the table is mounted on a knee that can be elevated) or bed-type (the table is securely supported and only moves horizontally). In general, horizontal machines are bigger and more powerful, while vertical machines are lighter but more versatile and easier to set up and operate.
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