One of the hottest competitions at IMTS was the Innovation of the Americas contest sponsored by Mori Seiki USA and supported by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. The competition was designed to recognize the finest innovations and technical expertise in machining in the Americas. It was open to any company, school or research institution located in North, Central and South America involved in metal cutting and experienced with CNC machine tools.

"Our goal with the competition was to recognize the many talented machinists in the Americas," Dr. Masahiko Mori, president of Mori Seiki Co., Ltd., said. "Manufacturing is at the core of the growing global economy, and we wanted to demonstrate the high level of precision, creativity and skill involved in its many processes."

Four professionals from industry organizations and universities, led by Professor Kazuo Yamazaki of the University of California, Davis, judged more than 160 entries in four categories. The entries represented a wide range of materials, sizes and shapes.

The grand prize winners in each category received a check for $3,000 and a crystal recognition award. Runners up received a framed certificate. The winners (photos are of the winning submissions) and runners up for each category are: (see below)

Mori Seiki plans to continue the contest at future IMTS events. For more information on the Innovation of the Americas contest visit www.momriseikius.com

Automotive Parts Winner—Crossridge Precision of Oak Ridge, Tenn. Runner UP—Paramount Machine of West Jordan, Ut	Aerospace Parts Winner—Hartwell Corporation of Placentia, Calif. Runner UP—QPM Aerospace of Portland, Ore.
Die/Mold/Artistic Parts Winner—Ramco Inc. of Rowley, Mass. Runner UP—Hommer Tool & Manufacturing of Arlington Heights, Ill.	General/Tool/Toy Group Winner—Wordingham Technologies of Victor, NY Runner Up—Vector Tool & Engineering of Grandview, MO