News & Events for Center for Manufacturing Technology

May 3, 2013

SAVE THE DATE

Massachusetts ADVANCED MANUFACTURING SUMMIT 2013 Tuesday, June 25, 2013 7:45 AM to 4:00 PM Gillette Stadium One Patriot Place Foxborough, Massachusetts Reception to follow at The Hall at Patriot Place The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is pleased to host the first statewide Advanced Manufacturing Summit. This full-day event will bring together hundreds of leading executives and managers from the manufacturing industry to share best practices, network, and discuss future opportunities and challenges. For conference details and registration information please visit, http://www.ampitupma.com/summit2013

 

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November 12, 2012

New Machine Purchase

   The Center for Manufacturing Technology would like to announce the purchase of a new Birmingham YCL-1236GK lathe which will be used by our students during their hands-on labs.

Below is a list of the machines features:

Floor Stand
2 HP, 220V, 1 Phase Main Motor
D1-4 Spindle With 1 1/2 inch Thru Bore
9 Spindle Speeds From 70-1400 RPM
40 Kinds of Inch Threads From 112-4 TPI
Automatic Longitudinal and Cross Feeding
Jog Button For Easy Gear Engagement and Inching Spindle
Emergency Stop Button Located on The Front Of Headstock

 

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October 9, 2012

Northeastern Massachusetts Manufacturers, please save the date for the

1st Regional Manufacturing Access to Capital Workshop

November 13, 2012 9:00AM-12:00PM

Hosted by the Massachusetts Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative at
The Enterprise Center at Salem State University
121 Loring Avenue Salem, MA 01970 (map)
Sponsored by Citizens Bank

 A "one-stop" opportunity for local manufacturers to match their capital needs to targeted programs and available sources of capital, receive guidance from peers, and participate
in 1-on-1 sessions with lenders and/or financial counselors.

SPACE IS LIMITED. REGISTRATION IS REQURIED,
FREE, & OPEN TO MANUFACTURING COMPANIES

To register, please use this link: http://masstech.org/register/register387.cfm

Event Schedule
8:00AM-9:00AM        Reception
9:00AM-10:00AM      Event Speakers
10:00AM-12:00PM    Capital Matchmaking Sessions

Additional details to be sent to registrants and posted on the AMC website’s
Access to Capital page

With Event Partners:

MassDevelopment

The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center
& local lenders from across the Northeastern Massachusetts Region

The Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative is an industry-led initiative of the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Developement with support from the Mass Tech Collaborative

 

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September 28, 2012

Summer Robot Camp Report

The report summarize the outcome of our 2012 Summer Robot Camp at Center for Manufacturing Technology, Woburn MA. The Summer Robot Camp is a course taught to middle school students from ages 10-14. Four sessions were taught to a total of 35 students. To read the complete report please click the following link: Summer Robot Camp Report

 

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August 10, 2012

New Class Announcement
C008 - Intro General Machine Shop Practices

Custom Group Center for Manufacturing Technology is currently enrolling for their next session of C008-Intro General Machine Shop Practices starting on September 10, 2012 and running Monday through Thursday from 8am to 1pm.
This 16 week, 320 hour course will introduce the Students to the complex and rewarding field of precision machining. With much of the same content as our C009 General Machine Shop Practices program, this “fast track” version offers Students the ability to improve their skills quickly.
The course consists of interactive lessons and practical hands on labs where the students will gain valuable experience creating hand tools or locating devices. The program’s fields of study include:

Math Fundamentals	Grinding Processes
Basics of Manual Mill	Mechanics of CNC
Basics of Engine Lathe	Basics of CNC Machining
Blueprint Reading	Basics of CNC Turning
Basics of Tolerance	Much, much more
Structure of Metals

Outcome:
Custom Group Center for Manufacturing Technology has established measureable goals and offers industry recognized credentials for consistent attendance, acceptable test and lab scores, and additional scholastic accomplishments.

Prerequisites:
Students in both courses must be at least eighteen years of age, must possess a High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent, and must have some understanding of math and basic algebra. The student should hold a strong mechanical aptitude, have good problem-solving abilities, and be able to work independently. Experience working with machinery is also helpful.

To reserve your place in the upcoming class or any of the classes we offer please contact us at 781-933-0049 or visit www.customtrainingcenter.com

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August 10, 2012

New Graduating Class

Custom Group Center for Manufacturing Technology is proud to announce the graduation of our latest class in Intro General Machine Shop Practices on July 24, 2012.

To reserve your place in the upcoming class or any of the classes we offer please contact us at 781-933-0049 or visit www.customtrainingcenter.com

 

 

 

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July 1, 2012

Joanna Dowling appointed to the Massachusetts Workforce Investment Board

On July 1, 2012 Joanna Dowling was appointed to the Massachusetts Workforce Investment Board by Governor
Deval L. Patrick.
The Massachusetts Workforce Investment Board advises Governor Deval Patrick on continuously improving the Massachusetts Workforce Development system.

The Board is comprised of private sector employers, agency heads, legislators, and representatives from state
and local workforce development entities.

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April 18, 2012Robotics CampOn March 31st,  the Winchester High School Robotics Team traveled to Marlborough,
Massachusetts for the regional combat robotics competition in the 15lb division named “Rally in the Valley”.  Winchester competed against other high school teams from New England, with 20 different robots in attendance. The double-elimination tournament had 26 bouts of fighting which resulted in WinRobotics' new robot “Matador” taking first place with an undefeated record of 5-0.  Matador also received an award for “Best Engineered Robot” in recognition of its effective design and the skilled machining of its components. The team's second 15lb robot “Good Enough” was presented the Sportsmanship award for their great comeback.
   The Winchester Robotics Team is very thankful for the advisers, supporters, parents, organizations, and business owners who have taught the team members what they know and donated what they can.
   The Custom Group was particularly influential in the creation of WinRobotics' combat robots.  Carl Pasciuto has helped the Winchester Robotics Team with material selection and machining ever since its creation in 2005.  The designs of this year's robots required many custom components, and WinRobotics presented their Engineering Excellence Award to Custom Group for their extensive help with the building process.  Students created each robot virtually in a 3-D Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) program before machining was started to ensure that finished parts would come together seamlessly.  All technical drawings and specification sheets were also student made, but not before receiving instruction from Carl Pasciuto and Custom Group employee Charlie Feng (a previous Winchester Robotics Team member and founder).  Designer of “Matador” and team president Rob Grassi ('12) commented, “Everything I know about engineering design and technical drafting I learned at Custom.  It feels great to apply that information to build something like a robot and gain a new skill at the same time.”  The designers of “Good Enough”, Saavan Patel ('13) and Donald Feng ('13), look forward to working with Custom Group in the future to further high school students' understanding of science, technology, and engineering.  Through their support of organizations like the Winchester Robotics Team, Custom Group is actively creating the next generation of technological specialists, and engineers.Below are videos of Matador's battles:

 

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April 17, 2012

(AMC) Workforce & Education Working Group

  Please join the members of the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative’s Workforce & Education Working Group on Tuesday, April 24th, from 10:00am to 1:00pm for a special session featuring speakers from across the state sharing best practices from workforce and training efforts in the Massachusetts manufacturing sector.
  As a featured speaker, Joanna Dowling will be giving an overview of Center for Manufacturing Technology's curriculum, training methods, workforce development, the importance of Math and Science education and how that relates to the manufacturing industry.
   The event to be held in the Weiss Conference Center at the Mass Tech Collaborative 75 North Drive, Westborough, MA. 
A meeting agenda and additional information is available. Please RSVP to Christopher Scranton at scranton@masstech.orgto receive additional materials.

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November 28, 2011 

Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Regional Meeting at MIT

   Joanna Dowling spoke at the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Regional Meeting at MIT on November 28, 2011. Joanna was part of Regional Panel 1: Advanced Manufacturing Success Stories; were she spoke about the Center for Manufacturing Technology and the need for skilled workers. Click the following link to view the meeting http://www.mit.edu/manufacturing/amp/event/video/

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June 29, 2011 

Joanna Dowling elected as REB Board Chair

   Center for Manufacturing Technology would like to announce that Joanna Dowling has been elected as Board Chair of REB. She is actively involved with the State of Massachusetts to promote the importance of ensuring the growth and sustainability of manufacturing in the state.  As a Board member since 2009, Mrs. Dowling has brought to the REB a wealth of expertise in strategic planning, human resources and marketing. “As Chair I am looking forward to working with REB Executive Director Nancy Brown and Vice Chair Antonio de la Serna.  I believe the REB can play a pivotal role in helping employers build a stronger workforce and grow new and existing businesses in Massachusetts,” said Dowling.
 
   REB Executive Director Nancy Brown stated; “We’re thrilled that Mrs. Dowling has accepted a leadership role on the Metro North Regional Employment Board.  Her skills and expertise will help us to effectively help residents gain the skills to maximize their economic self-sufficiency,”

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May 31, 2011 

New Class Announcement
C008 - Intro General Machine Shop Practices

   Custom Group Center for Manufacturing Technology is currently enrolling for their next session of C008-Intro General Machine Shop Practices starting on August 8, 2011 and running Monday through Thursday from 12pm to 5pm.
This 16 week, 320 hour course will introduce the Students to the complex and rewarding field of precision machining. With much of the same content as our C009 General Machine Shop Practices program, this “fast track” version offers Students the ability to improve their skills quickly.
The course consists of interactive lessons and practical hands on labs where the students will gain valuable experience creating hand tools or locating devices. The program’s fields of study include: 

Math Fundamentals	Grinding Processes
Basics of Manual Mill	Mechanics of CNC
Basics of Engine Lathe	Basics of CNC Machining
Blueprint Reading	Basics of CNC Turning
Basics of Tolerance	Much, much more
Structure of Metals

Outcome:
Custom Group Center for Manufacturing Technology has established measureable goals and offers industry recognized credentials for consistent attendance, acceptable test and lab scores, and additional scholastic accomplishments.

Prerequisites:
   Students in both courses must be at least eighteen years of age, must possess a High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent, and must have some understanding of math and basic algebra. The student should hold a strong mechanical aptitude, have good problem-solving abilities, and be able to work independently. Experience working with machinery is also helpful.

To reserve your place in the upcoming class or any of the classes we offer please contact us at 781-933-0049 or visit www.customtrainingcenter.com

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April 1, 2011

Woburn Advocate Artical

         On March 28, 2011 the Woburn Advocate's Linda Kush visited Custom Group Incorporated to do an article on Center for Manufacturing Technology. The article centered on Custom Group's plan to educate their work force and train new machinists. Click on the following link to read the entire story http://www.wickedlocal.com/woburn/features/x796075769/Woburn-companys-survival-plan-is-education#axzz1Ia7mKOFD

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April 1, 2011

Class C008 20101213 Graduates

CONGRADULATIONS!!!! To class C008 20101213, which graduated yesterday after completing Center for Manufacturing Technology's course C008 Intro General Machine Shop Practices.

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March 9, 2011

WCVB TV Interview

         On March 9, 2011, WCVB TV Boston visited Custom Group Incorporated to do a story on the dwindling work force in the manufacturing industry. The reality is that there are fewer new machinists each year. To counteract this trend Custom Group Incorporated has established Center for Manufacturing Technology, a training facility designed to train new machinists. The intent is to supply the local work force with skilled machinists thus bringing manufacturing jobs back to Massachusetts.
         Center for Manufacturing Technology recently graduated a class of 11 students on November 10, 2010. Ten of those students have been placed into manufacturing jobs in Massachusetts companies. Our next class of 11 students is scheduled to graduate on April 1, 2011.
In addition, WCVB TV Boston toured Custom Aerospace Components and Custom Machine, which are state of the art machine shops. Custom Aerospace Component’s core competency is in the Aerospace, Military Aircraft and Commercial Aircraft markets. Custom Aerospace Components is currently ISO 9001 : 2008 and AS9100 Revision B certified. Custom Machine’s core competency is in the Medical, Commercial and Alternative Energy markets. Custom Machine is currently ISO 9001 : 2008, ISO 13485 : 2003, NADCAP Aerospace Quality System and NADCAP Non-conventional Machining certified. Click the following link to see the entire story http://www.thebostonchannel.com/money/27139257/detail.html

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March 8, 2011

New Class Announcement
C009-General Machine Shop Practices

Custom Group Center for Manufacturing Technology is currently enrolling for their next session of C009-General Machine Shop Practices starting on April 4, 2011 and running M-Th 9am-2pm.
In this 40 week, 800 hour course students will be introduced to the complex and rewarding field of precision machining. The course consists of interactive lessons and practical hands on labs where the students will gain valuable experience creating hand tools or locating devices. The program’s fields of study include: 

Math Fundamentals	Shop Algebra
Basics of Manual Mill	Fixture Design
Basics of Engine Lathe	Mechanics of CNC
Blueprint Reading	CNC Milling Overview
Basics of Tolerance	CNC Turning Overview
Structure of Metals	Creating a Milling Program Much, much more

Outcome:
Custom Group Center for Manufacturing Technology has established measureable goals and offers industry recognized credentials for consistent attendance, acceptable test and lab scores, and additional scholastic accomplishments.

Prerequisites:
Students in both courses must be at least eighteen years of age, must possess a High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent, and must have some understanding of math and basic algebra. The student should hold a strong mechanical aptitude, have good problem-solving abilities, and be able to work independently. Experience working with machinery is also helpful.

To reserve your place in the upcoming class or any of the classes we offer please contact us at 781-933-0049 or visit www.customtrainingcenter.com

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March 4, 2011 

New Class Announcement
C008 - Intro General Machine Shop Practices

Custom Group Center for Manufacturing Technology is currently enrolling for their next session of C008-Intro General Machine Shop Practices starting on June 6, 2011 and running Monday through Thursday from 12pm to 5pm.
This 16 week, 320 hour course will introduce the Students to the complex and rewarding field of precision machining. With much of the same content as our C009 General Machine Shop Practices program, this “fast track” version offers Students the ability to improve their skills quickly.
The course consists of interactive lessons and practical hands on labs where the students will gain valuable experience creating hand tools or locating devices. The program’s fields of study include: 

Math Fundamentals	Grinding Processes
Basics of Manual Mill	Mechanics of CNC
Basics of Engine Lathe	Basics of CNC Machining
Blueprint Reading	Basics of CNC Turning
Basics of Tolerance	Much, much more
Structure of Metals

Outcome:
Custom Group Center for Manufacturing Technology has established measureable goals and offers industry recognized credentials for consistent attendance, acceptable test and lab scores, and additional scholastic accomplishments.

Prerequisites:
Students in both courses must be at least eighteen years of age, must possess a High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent, and must have some understanding of math and basic algebra. The student should hold a strong mechanical aptitude, have good problem-solving abilities, and be able to work independently. Experience working with machinery is also helpful.

To reserve your place in the upcoming class or any of the classes we offer please contact us at 781-933-0049 or visit www.customtrainingcenter.com

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February 18, 2011

       Custom Group Center for Manufacturing Technology was notified by Managing Automation Media that we have been selected as a winner of the 2011 Progressive Manufacturing 100 Award in the Training & Education category.

 The following is an excerpt from the Executive Editor of Manufacturing Automation Media:
“Your company’s selection as a PM100 Award winner confirms that The Custom Group is among the most innovative manufacturing-related companies in the world. Your winning project was selected by a panel of distinguished judges from among hundreds of nominations. This recognition is something of which your project team and everyone at your company should be very proud.”

 The Progressive Manufacturing 100 award is a prestigious program which honors companies who have transformed themselves through the use of information technology. Each year 100 manufacturing companies from around the world are recognized by Managing Automation Media for their groundbreaking projects that deliver a demonstrable competitive advantage.