INDIANAPOLIS—Almost 20 years ago, the Ferris State University (FSU) Manufacturing Tooling Technology program made its first Hurco purchase—three Hurco KM3 CNC mills. These machines have been used by nearly 1,000 manufacturing related students to support their real-world course projects. Over the past few years, FSU has upgraded its machining equipment multiple times thanks to a renewed relationship between FSU professors and Hurco Companies, Inc., in Indianapolis.

“When we reconnected with Hurco in 2002, we needed some new machines to keep our students competitive,” said Dean Krager, Associate Professor of the Manufacturing Tooling Technology program at FSU.
 
“Here’s how great Hurco is to work with—we approached Hurco stating that we had $72,000 cash and needed three machines. Not only did Hurco let us buy two machines at a deep discount, they gave us a third machine to use on consignment for two years and told us we could buy it for the depreciated value at the end of the consignment period,” continued Krager.

“When all was said and done, we were able to purchase approximately $180,000 worth of equipment for $90,000,” said Krager.

Hurco Companies, Inc., manufactures sophisticated, yet shop-floor friendly, machine tools designed for small to medium size job shops. Krager says Hurco’s machines are known for their flexible control and are excellent learning tools for students because the controls are easy to use and students can apply various types of programming - including G-code, both online and offline conversational, and CAM. Also, with Hurco’s DXF translation software 2-D CAD files can easily be imported and ready to run in minutes.

Krager and his colleague, David Borck, Associate Professor for FSU, were at Hurco’s headquarters for lathe training recently due to the latest addition to the school’s machining equipment: a Hurco TM6 lathe. Krager said Hurco demonstrated their commitment to the program again but this time in a more surprising manner. “Just like before, we approached Hurco with limited resources. Hurco responded with an opportunity to purchase one of their demo machines at a seriously discounted price,” said Krager.

“That’s what we were expecting—a demo model, but when it arrived it was a brand new fully-optioned TM6 lathe including a tool probing system—a brand new machine for the price of a ‘scratch and dent’
model. That’s just the kind of company Hurco is. They always go the extra mile,” continued Krager.

Beyond Equipment
Borck echoed the value of Hurco’s partnership in keeping the students’ applied education experience relevant; adding that the exposure Hurco offers FSU students puts Hurco’s corporate support at a different level. Because of Hurco’s support, FSU Tooling Technology students have become increasingly involved in industry events, such as the Hurco Technology Seminar and the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS).

With more than 20 vendor exhibits, product demonstrations and seminars, the Hurco Technology Seminar enables FSU Tooling Technology students to network with influential people in the industry and learn more about the business side of manufacturing.

Additionally, Hurco utilizes Ferris’ Tooling Technology students to support the company at the industry’s largest trade show, IMTS. This year, Hurco plans to increase the number of students it utilizes to support the September show held in Chicago.

“This kind of experience really gives students a head start. It catapults their career and complements the applied learning method we use in the Manufacturing Tooling Technology program,” said Krager. According to Borck, most of last year’s graduates had numerous job offers before graduation and this year looks even better.  “Currently we have a bulletin board full of tooling related job postings,” added Krager.

Hurco also continues to increase its scholarship offerings for FSU students. The Innovative UltiMax Scholarship started in 2002. This $500 scholarship is awarded annually to the Manufacturing Tooling Technology student who demonstrates the most innovative use of Hurco’s equipment and/or software.

Last year Hurco added the Introduction to Applications Engineering Scholarship. This more significant scholarship is awarded annually to two Manufacturing Tooling Technology students. The students who receive this scholarship earn a paid, summer internship at Hurco’s North American Headquarters in Indianapolis including room and board and paid college credit for the Introduction to Applications Engineering course.

Everybody Wins
Hurco sees Ferris State University’s Manufacturing Tooling Technology program as an investment in the future. “Hurco is proud to support such an excellent applications-based program that has been so successful in preparing generations of skilled manufacturing professionals,” said Jim Kawaguchi, General Manager of Hurco USA.

In addition to supporting a worthy institution, Hurco knows their investment in education pays off for the company in the long run. According to historical data, FSU Tooling Technology graduates end up being the decision makers for machine purchases once they’re out in industry. Because of their positive experiences with Hurco machines, they recommend Hurco to their employers.

Most importantly, the students of the Manufacturing Tooling Technology program win—earning an education that prepares them for the demands of a high-tech global economy using machines and advanced software designed for the future.

For more information about the Ferris State University Manufacturing Tooling Technology program, go to www.ferris.edu/htmls/colleges/technolo/mfgt/index.html, call 1-231-591-2511 or contact Gary Ovans at ovansg@ferris.edu

Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Hurco manufactures sophisticated, yet shop-floor friendly machine tools designed for virtually any application or budget. The popular VM Series and the new TM Series of lathes combine small footprints with huge work cubes and best-in-class features. The VMX Series is a production-oriented line designed for speed. The VTX/HTX Series features application machines with 5-axis and horizontal offerings. Every machining center and turning center from Hurco utilizes one of the industry's most flexible controls. Parts can be programmed on the shop floor using Hurco's easy-to-use control via conversational language or using off-line CAM generated programs. The optional UltiMax 4 control or Max Classic control provides expanded memory and network software to facilitate large CAM generated programs. Converting CAD drawings is handled with the DXF transfer software option.