A Shout-Out to the North Hunterdon Education Foundation (NHEF) for the AI-enhanced CNC milling machine:
Integrating an AI-enhanced CNC milling machine into the North Hunterdon H.S. Technology Education program provides students with essential, forward-looking skills crucial for success in Technology careers, a reality made possible thanks to the generous grant from the North Hunterdon Education Foundation (NHEF) for the purchase of this key equipment. This investment not only facilitates the mastery of core Advanced Technology practices, like operating industrial machinery and using industry-standard CAD/CAM software, but also introduces students to the principles of Artificial Intelligence in automation and optimization. The high-precision capability allows students to move beyond theory to design, prototype, and fabricate complex, custom components for projects in engineering and robotics, offering immediate, tangible feedback that reinforces applied mathematics, physics, and critical thinking. This practical experience significantly enhances career readiness by giving students the technical confidence and interdisciplinary problem-solving skills necessary for in-demand roles as future engineers, designers, and CNC specialists. Students had to assemble the machine. The pictures below show Mr. McKinnon and his students during the assembling process with the CNC Milling Machine. The last picture is a Motor Cam shaft being made for an engine.
