Iowa State University’s Therkildsen Industrial Engineering Building, a $73 million facility funded in part by a $42 million gift from alumni C.G. “Turk” and Joyce A. McEwen Therkildsen, opened in 2024 as a state-of-the-art hub for the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering in Ames, Iowa. The 90,000-square-foot building features advanced teaching and research laboratories, collaborative classrooms, and flexible spaces, training over 500 students annually to design innovative, safe, and nimble production processes for industries like aerospace, agriculture, and manufacturing. Equipped with CNC machining centers, 3D printers, and robotics, the facility supports hands-on learning and Industry 4.0 research, despite the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) losing federal funding in April 2025 due to shifting federal priorities. The building fosters partnerships with CIRAS and local industries, creating 50 jobs and supporting Iowa’s 70,000-strong manufacturing workforce. Dean Sarah Rajala highlighted its role in “preparing engineers for global challenges,” aligning with a $50 billion precision manufacturing market and tariff-driven reshoring trends.

For the precision machining industry, the Therkildsen Building emphasizes the critical role of material hardness in CNC milling research. Developing production components, such as fixtures and prototypes, requires milling materials like high-strength steel (30–50 HRC), where material hardness dictates tool selection and cutting parameters to achieve tolerances within ±0.001 inches. 5-axis milling machines, optimized for specific hardness levels, ensure efficient material removal and surface finishes as low as 16 µin in automated systems with real-time quality control. The facility’s labs drive demand for local machine shops to supply specialized tooling, adopting AI-driven milling and additive manufacturing. This initiative creates opportunities for suppliers in Iowa, where manufacturing jobs have grown 2% since 2022, strengthening supply chains across industries.

Source:

Iowa State University Press Release, April 10, 2025

Source:

Iowa State University

Social Media Buzz (powered by X):

X is energized about the Therkildsen Building’s impact, with posts on May 18, 2025, calling it a “launchpad” for engineering innovation. Users praised the 50 jobs and training programs, with one noting “Ames is shaping future manufacturing,” while another tied it to “reshoring tech skills.” The buzz reflects optimism for education and economic growth.

What is the Material Hardness?

This is one of many key terms of our broad Machine Nation Essential Modern Precision Industries Guidebook (MPIG). Click here to get a copy straight to your inbox.

Why do we think that sustainability should be a core focus of your business?

At Machine Nation, we empower machine shops with cutting-edge insights, solutions, and technology to drive efficiency, precision, and profitability. From industry news to expert-driven strategies, we help manufacturers stay ahead in an evolving landscape. Partner with us to optimize your operations and shape the future of precision machining.

Related Tags:

#TherkildsenBuilding #IowaState #MaterialHardness #PrecisionMachining #IndustrialEngineering #Reshoring