Precision Manufacturing Mini-Camp

Explore the Future of Advanced Manufacturing

Experience advanced manufacturing firsthand during Penn College's Precision Manufacturing Mini-Camp, held in conjunction with our campus-wide Open House events. This immersive two-day experience introduces high school students to the technologies, processes, and career opportunities driving today's manufacturing industry.

November 7 – 8, 2026
February 20 – 21, 2027
April 25 – 26, 2027

Registration

Hands-on Learning

Hosted in the Gene Haas Center for Innovative Manufacturing, participants will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge machining technologies, learn industry-standard software, and discover how modern manufacturers produce highly complex parts with exceptional precision.

Students will also participate in a special virtual tour of Lycoming Engines, one of the world's leading aircraft engine manufacturers, located right here in Williamsport. During the tour, participants will see classroom concepts come to life on an active production floor and hear directly from manufacturing engineers about the decisions they make every day to balance speed, cost, quality, and accuracy.

Why Attend?

3 axis machines

Modern manufacturing combines advanced technology, engineering, programming, automation, and problem-solving. This mini-camp offers students a unique opportunity to:

  • Operate and observe advanced CNC machining technologies
  • Explore both 3-axis and 5-axis machining processes
  • Learn the fundamentals of CAM programming using Mastercam
  • Understand how tool selection impacts productivity and cost
  • Experience manufacturing decision-making from industry professionals
  • See real-world aerospace manufacturing applications through Lycoming Engines

Whether you're considering a future in manufacturing, engineering, automation, or technology, this camp provides a valuable introduction to one of the fastest-evolving industries in the world.

Tentative Camp Agenda

Safety First
  • Laboratory and machine safety procedures
  • Best practices for manufacturing environments 
Introduction to Advanced Machining
  • Multi-axis machining overview
  • Tooling dynamics and machine capabilities
  • Camp objectives and learning goals
Mastercam Fundamentals
  • Introduction to industry-standard CAM software
  • Basic programming concepts
  • Toolpath creation and simulation
3-Axis Manufacturing Project

Students will manufacture a custom bottle opener while learning:

  • Machine setup procedures
  • Stock material loading
  • Program entry and execution
  • CNC machine operation
  • Production workflows using two machines simultaneously
5-Axis Manufacturing Project

Students will advance to more sophisticated machining concepts:

  • 5-axis machine setup procedures
  • Material loading and program execution
  • Toolholder selection and tooling considerations
  • Understanding additional machine axes and motion capabilities

Automation in Modern Industry
  • Fundamentals of manufacturing automation
  • Evaluating cost efficiency in production
  • Understanding when 5-axis machining provides value over 3-axis methods
Live 5-Axis Machining Demonstration
  • Observe the production of a complex component
  • Explore machine movements and machining strategies
Material and Tooling Selection

Students will examine machining challenges associated with:

  • Stainless steel manufacturing
  • Titanium manufacturing
  • Tool geometry and flute counts
  • Speeds and feeds
  • Tool wear and performance considerations
Machining Advanced Parts
  • Production of stainless steel and titanium components
  • Exploring real-world machining challenges
Simultaneous 5-Axis Manufacturing

Learn how manufacturers identify parts that require advanced machining:

  • Recognizing features unsuitable for 3-axis machining
  • Understanding sweeping curves and complex geometries
  • Selecting appropriate cutting tools
  • Machine simulation in Mastercam
  • Preventing collisions and protecting expensive equipment
Lycoming Engines Virtual Tour & Debrief
  • Tour a world-class aerospace manufacturing operation
  • Observe manufacturing concepts in practice
  • Discuss engineering decision-making with industry professionals
  • Explore how manufacturers balance:
    • Timeliness
    • Cost
    • Quality
    • Precision
U.S. National Science Foundation Logo

The National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under DUE ATE# 2335016. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSF.

Registration

November 7 – 8, 2026

Please register below; space is limited for each camp.
Registration closes October 23, 2026

Student information
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