TCNJ’s School of Engineering has recently acquired through generous gifts from alumni, corporations, faculty and friends a new HAAS TM-2P 5-Axis Computer Numerical Control (CNC) mill. The HAAS TM-2P CNC is a production machine and is equivalent to what most industries use. The major benefit of five-axis machining is the ability to machine complex shapes in a single set-up. This gives greater machining productivity compared to performing the job in a series of set ups, as well as significantly reducing the time and cost of preparing fixtures. Furthermore, with multiple set-ups, there is always a possibility of incorrect alignment each time the part is moved.
On April 27th, 2011 the School of Engineering held a special dedication for the new CNC mill. Dean Schreiner, alumni and staff came to the machine shop to see the school’s machinist, Joe Zanetti give a demonstration of the machine’s capabilities. Everyone present was impressed with the capabilities and eagerly anticipates the products this machine can create.
Although the CNC mill is very useful, Joe Zanetti would like to remind students that “No machine can do it all.” Every machine has advantages and limitations and part of his job is to teach students what these restrictions are. Prior to acquiring the HAAS mill the school had small scale CNC capabilities. Dean Schreiner is now committed updating and expanding the CNC resources in Armstrong Hall.
Click here to see an album of the event