In a prime example of education partnering with industry, Alfred State College students and faculty will join Dresser-Rand employees, high school technology teachers, and BOCES instructors, for a Dresser-Rand-sponsored trip to the Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show (CMTS). Two busloads, carrying 100 people, will travel to Toronto to attend the show on Wednesday, Oct.17.

CMTS (now produced/sponsored by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers) will transform Toronto's Direct Energy Centre into a definitive showcase for the latest machine tools, automation technologies, production methods, management strategies, and more. More than 600 leading manufacturers and distributors will be gathered under one roof, giving students an insider's view into their chosen profession.

However, this show goes beyond product demonstrations with an expert-led technical conference exploring best industry practices and the most innovative concepts in lean manufacturing methods. Participants will gain valuable insight and advice, then see the tools and technologies used in the execution of those processes on the show floor-another glimpse into real-world situations for the ASC students.

Networking opportunities with 10,000 of the industry's professionals will be offered to students who may avail themselves of their colleagues' experience, knowledge, and solutions.

Some of the topics to be addressed include:

• factory automation--from robotics to linear motion and servo drive systems, programmable controllers and sensors, and software to assist design applications in the automation area of manufacturing;
• machine tools--the latest designs in multi-axis turning, milling, grinding, and electrical discharge machining;
• metal forming--today's new generation of lasers and water jet cutting machines designed to generate shapes in steel and composites; band saws and tube bending, press brakes and shears, punching machines, de-burring machines and fully automated equipment for the metal working and fabricating industry;
• tooling and supplies--from drills to end mills, taps, inserts, tool holders, chucks, vises, and more;

measurement technology and quality assurance--in-line measurement probes, coordinate measuring machines, DRO Systems, linear encoders, gages, integrated solutions, and data management; as well as new product demonstrations; hands-on, up-close evaluations; side-by-side comparisons of competing products; on-the-spot answers to technical questions; information on what's available now, and what's just over the horizon; and expertise of industry authorities and suppliers.

Alfred State College Dean Austin Cheney, School of Management and Engineering Technology, is excited about this opportunity for his students and faculty. "Students have the opportunity to discuss manufacturing issues with Dresser-Rand employees during the bus ride, along with hours of networking and seeing the latest technology at the CMTS. Faculty members get to interact with their students in a different environment, and build stronger relationships with industry professionals and their counterparts in area high schools and BOCES centers. I can't think of a more exciting and productive way for students and faculty to spend their first day back from fall break!"