How Bates Technical College and ACU-RITE SOLUTIONS Carry Forward a Legacy of Accuracy

When you step into the machine shop at Bates Technical College in Tacoma, Washington, the hum of machinery is matched only by the energy of students learning to bring precision to life. For Program Director Tim Bacon, machining education goes far beyond teaching students how to cut metal. He believes it’s equally important to prepare them to thrive in a field where accuracy, adaptability, and innovation define success.

A Program Built on Purpose

Bates Technical College’s machining program operates with a clear vision: to be a leading technical education program that shapes the future of machining. It does this by fostering expertise, embracing advanced technologies, and cultivating a culture of excellence and adaptability in the global manufacturing landscape.

That vision is reflected every day in the lab. Students come from all walks of life — from hobbyists and career changers to aspiring entrepreneurs — united by a shared interest in learning the art and science of machining. “Our goal is to establish a solid foundation of high-demand skills that form the basis of future learning,” says Bacon. “We’ve designed our projects and activities to mirror current industry practices and standards, so our graduates are ready to step directly into professional environments.”

Most of those graduates go on to find careers in aerospace, a dominant industry in the Pacific Northwest, while others find their paths in medical and construction manufacturing. Regardless of where they land, they leave Bates equipped with confidence, accuracy, and a deep understanding of how precision drives production.

Empowering Learning with ACU-RITE SOLUTIONS

Accuracy is at the heart of every machining operation — and at Bates, that principle is reinforced daily through the use of ACU-RITE SOLUTIONS technology. ACU-RITE SOLUTIONS, a valued member of the HEIDENHAIN family of brands, plays a key role in supporting that mission. The college’s lab is equipped with a total of 24 ACU-RITE SOLUTIONS digital readouts, including DRO102, 200, 203, and 300 models, which have transformed the way students learn and work.

“Typical manual machines in industry are equipped with a Digital Readout (DRO) to track tool position,” explains Bacon. “ACU-RITE SOLUTIONS has made it possible for our lab to recreate that real-world environment by equipping our machines with DROs.”

For students, these tools make an immediate impact. The readouts help them understand complex spatial movements, like when the table shifts left but the tool moves right — a concept that can be confusing to beginners. “When the numbers on the DRO increase in the positive direction, it reinforces the proper axis direction,” Bacon says. “You can see that moment of realization — what I like to call the ‘O’ of enlightenment.”

The DROs also improve accuracy and engagement. By displaying precise position data in either incremental or absolute modes, students can focus more on the craft itself rather than the mechanics of setup. “Being able to readily track movement has reduced setup time and allows students to focus on their work,” Bacon adds. “The reliability of the DROs has improved student confidence, which shows in the accuracy of their projects.”

Honoring a Legacy of Support

The partnership between Bates Technical College and ACU-RITE SOLUTIONS has deep roots — reaching back to the late Larry Morris of Northwest Metrology, who represented HEIDENHAIN and ACU-RITE SOLUTIONS in the Northwest region for more than 30 years. To many, Larry wasn’t just a representative. He was a mentor, collaborator, and friend.

“Larry was a great guy,” Bacon recalls. “He’d bring in booklets full of shop notes that the students loved. He was always quick to help when something needed repair or installation. We couldn’t purchase everything at once, so we worked out a plan to upgrade a few pieces at a time. He was always full of encouragement.”

When Larry unexpectedly passed away in early 2024, many of his customers were left wondering what would happen next. Bates was one of them. “It was a big relief when we learned ACU-RITE SOLUTIONS and HEIDENHAIN would continue supporting us,” Bacon says. “We weren’t sure who would step up, but they did.”

A-Tech Authority, a valued Channel Partner of ACU-RITE SOLUTIONS based in Chino, California, also played a significant role in supporting Bates during this transition. As General Manager Craig D’Ambrosio shared, “As a close friend and colleague of Larry’s, I wanted to help ensure his legacy remained intact.”

After Larry’s passing and the closure of Northwest Metrology, Craig worked closely with Larry’s family to help preserve that legacy. He brought Larry’s apprentice into the A-Tech Authority organization and made sure customers throughout the Northwest region continued receiving the support they relied on. And while A-Tech Authority stepped in at a pivotal moment, schools and shops across the Pacific Northwest continue to be served by strong local Channel Partners. New Vision is one of those partners and provides direct, regional support tailored to manufacturers in that area.

The A-Tech Authority team has remained committed to providing the same level of attentive service Larry was known for, ensuring continuity for programs like Bates Technical College and honoring the impact he made on the machining community.

“The partnership has helped our program stay current with industry technology,” Bacon says. “Students are learning on the same equipment they’ll use once they’re employed. Maintaining that connection is a small reminder of Larry’s accomplishments — and how much he contributed to our program’s growth.”

Looking Forward

As manufacturing technology continues to evolve, Bates Technical College plans to grow right alongside it. Bacon envisions a future where problem-solving, metrology, and inspection techniques take center stage, ensuring students remain ready for the next wave of industry innovation. While the department recently completed a major manual machine upgrade, they continue to explore new technologies inspired by Larry’s forward-thinking mindset. “Larry showed us some interactive tools that we may consider adding later on,” Bacon notes — referring to innovations like ACU-RITE SOLUTIONS’ droPWR software, which transforms an iPad into a fully functional digital readout and offers new ways for students to visualize precision. “For now, we’re focused on strengthening what we have — and continuing to emulate the standards of modern industry as closely as possible.”

For Bacon and his students, that means continuing to rely on ACU-RITE SOLUTIONS as a trusted partner — one that not only provides reliable technology but also embodies the precision and commitment that define modern machining.

A Legacy That Lives On

At Bates Technical College, every cut, every project, and every “O” of enlightenment is part of something larger — a legacy of learning built on accuracy, integrity, and human connection. Through its partnership with ACU-RITE SOLUTIONS, Bates ensures that Larry Morris’s dedication to education and excellence continues to inspire the next generation of machinists.

“Larry’s contributions added to the legacy of our program,” says Bacon. “Maintaining our partnership is a reminder of what he helped us build — and a promise to carry that legacy forward.”