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In support of the local Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA), Mazak’s Midwest Technology Center hosted the 26th annual 2017 Precision Machining Competition, which honors excellence in precision machining skills among Illinois high school students. At the awards ceremony May 11, TMA presented students with first-, second- and third-place awards in three machining categories.

Many of the event’s activities took place in the machining demonstration area of Mazak’s Midwest Technology Center. Students, their parents and instructors explored the latest in advanced machining technology. Attendees also visited with various representatives of the local manufacturing industry who answered questions for students and informed them about opportunities in manufacturing careers.

Over 250 students from 19 local high schools submitted more than 300 parts for this year’s contest. Students chose from 25 eligible projects of varying degrees of difficulty across three divisions. Students also had the opportunity to compete in the National Institute for Â鶹´«Ã½ Skills (NIMS) Intermediate, Advanced, CNC Intermediate and CNC Advanced divisions, submitting their projects to NIMS to receive certification for their skills. Each student had to machine a part according to exact specifications; the parts were measured by judges for part accuracy.