Machining and Manufacturing in New Jersey

New Jersey Projects A Need For Almost 1,600 New CNC Machinists by 2030¹

The manufacturing industry in the United States has regained prominence on the international stage. This has been brought about by major advancements in the way we manufacture high-tech goods. Driven by innovative companies like Haas Automation, American manufacturing has become a cutting edge economic force, producing the world’s most in demand high-tech products. All of this has been made possible by computerized design and machining.

This part of the manufacturing industry is popularly known by the acronym CNC, which means “Computer Numerically Controlled”. Haas Automation is a US-based company that builds amazing CNC machines. Some are destined for small custom machine shops, while larger and more complex machinery is used to manufacture parts for high technology applications as diverse as airline construction and artificial human joints.

At the heart of this operation is the skilled CNC machinist. Any individual who knows how to program and operate a CNC machine has developed an excellent skill that is in demand across the manufacturing industry. CNC is the heart of the modern machining and manufacturing industry. This is where Lincoln Tech comes in.

Highlights of CNC Machining and Manufacturing Training

Our Mahwah, NJ campus mirrors today’s clean, safe factory environment. In this setting we teach CNC Programming through our Advanced Manufacturing with Robotics program. The core of this program begins with the fundamental knowledge of how to read blueprints and learning how to make ultra-precise measurements that are used to calculate tool paths. Then there are 7 in-depth courses that provide both classroom instruction and hands-on machine shop instruction. These courses focus on set-up and programming of CNC milling and turning procedures, followed by how to set-up and program CNC milling and lathing machines. The tool paths created in these courses will rely on the precise measurements the student learns in the fundamental courses.

Once these skills are mastered, training moves to the next set of courses which include one unit of modern milling, drilling and work-holding, and then a course on advanced multi-axis machining. Once the student has mastered all of these topics, they learn how to apply their newly-earned skills in a simulated workplace. This is accomplished using RoboDK simulation software for offline programming of industrial robots.

The final topic is Robotics. Haas Automation has developed a modular process that utilizes a robotic arm to help automate the production of identical work pieces made from the same programming file. The student will be introduced to robotics and how it fits into the modern manufacturing workplace. When the student graduates from Lincoln Tech, they will be ready to enter the manufacturing industry as an entry-level machinist with excellent skills.

¹ National Center for O*NET Development. New Jersey Employment Trends: 51-9161.00 - Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators. O*NET OnLine. Retrieved January 27, 2025, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/51-9161.00?st=NJ&g=Go