EMUGE-FRANKEN USA Donates American-Made End Mills to Utah Tech Modern Machining Program!
By Ashutosh Arora
EMUGE-FRANKEN USA, a leading manufacturer of precision cutting tools including end mills, taps, thread mills, drills, gages, tool holders, and standard workholding solutions, has announced a significant contribution to education by donating American-made EMUGE TOP-Cut VAR End Mills to Utah Tech University. The donation is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the future of U.S. manufacturing by supporting the development of a skilled workforce.
The TOP-Cut VAR End Mills represent one of the most versatile variable helix carbide tool solutions in the industry, known for their high performance across a wide range of machining applications. By incorporating these advanced tools into Utah Tech’s Modern Machining course, students gain first-hand experience with cutting-edge technology that is widely used in professional settings but rarely available in undergraduate programs. This exposure not only enhances their technical capabilities but also equips them with best-practice machining techniques and critical thinking skills essential for careers in advanced manufacturing.
The Modern Machining course at Utah Tech delves deeply into the science and technology of machining, covering areas such as thermodynamics, kinematics, and materials science. Its objective is to modernize the way machining is taught by blending theoretical concepts with real-world applications. According to Andrew Schiller, Instructor in the Practice of Engineering at Utah Tech, the donation from EMUGE helps bridge the gap between academia and industry. “Some of these students will go on to work in the machining industry and push the boundaries of what machining can accomplish, but their journey begins with key partners such as EMUGE, that gives students the opportunity to use world-class tools that few undergraduate students ever interact with,” Schiller said.
As part of a major class project, students used the EMUGE TOP-Cut VAR end mills to machine custom titanium impellers—components that are notoriously difficult to produce due to titanium’s challenging machining properties and the complex blade geometries involved. The project required careful consideration of tooling, workholding, and process planning. With guidance from EMUGE’s technical support team and reference materials, students were able to establish cutting parameters and machining strategies that led to successful results.
The titanium impellers were later put to practical use in another course, where students integrated them into electronically driven pedal boats. These boats were raced in front of a local audience of approximately 900 people, showcasing not only the technical achievement but also the creative, interdisciplinary spirit fostered by Utah Tech’s engineering program.
Looking forward, EMUGE will continue collaborating with Utah Tech students by providing access to a new line of end mills specifically engineered for titanium and stainless steel. This ongoing partnership reflects EMUGE’s belief that hands-on experience with advanced tooling is essential to preparing the next generation of engineers and machinists for the challenges of tomorrow’s manufacturing landscape.
Through this initiative, EMUGE-FRANKEN USA has reinforced its role not only as a manufacturer of world-class cutting tools but also as a committed partner in education, innovation, and workforce development. For Utah Tech students, the experience of working with high-performance American-made tooling is a valuable step toward shaping the future of modern machining.
