It costs more to produce items in today’s market, but people want to pay less. This creates a productivity gap.

One production activity that is frequently outsourced to other countries is milling. Now, Calhoun Community College and Sandvik milling systems and inserts are teaming to train workers so milling work can remain in the United States.

Wednesday, the college presented a demonstration in the Aerospace Training Center, “The Modern Art of Milling,” which was co-hosted with the college by Sandvik and Jeffrey’s Manufacturing Solutions of Colfax, N.C., the largest distributor of Haas computerized milling machines, which has placed 810 units in Alabama with 98 colleges using 210 of their machines.

According to Calhoun Machine Tool Technology Program instructors Tad Montgomery and Mike Bridges, Wednesday’s demonstration day was held to expose the new technology to both local industries and Calhoun students currently enrolled or planning to enroll in the MTT Program.

“It allows the students to see firsthand what the future holds for them in this field,” said Montgomery. “It also helps local industry to become partners with Calhoun in ensuring these students the best possible future in machine milling.”

Milling can make multiple sized holes and cuts while typical drills can make just one size. One of the milling tools replaces nine traditional tools, with a normal cost savings of $35,000, according to a Sandvik representative.

“There isn’t a single item in a person’s life from the time he or she gets up in the morning until they go to bed at night that a machine hasn’t been involved in producing,” said Bridges. “Most people are not aware of this and just don’t appreciate what is involved in making or producing the simplest of things.”