1913–2006

Elected in 1975

“For contributions in machine tool research and development.”

PROVIDED BY TECHSOLVE SUBMITTED BY THE NAE HOME SECRETARY

M. EUGENE MERCHANT was honored and respected all over the world. Tireless travelers, Dr. Merchant and Helen, his wife of 69 years, were welcomed and given VIP treatment by universities, organizations, and friends worldwide.

Gene Merchant attended high school in Essex Junction, Vermont, and then the University of Vermont. He received a graduate fellowship from the Cincinnati Milling Machine Company (CMMC) to study at the University of Cincinnati, where he received his Sc.D. degree. In 1936, Gene began a long and illustrious career in engineering research at CMMC (later Milacron). His early research was focused on analyzing the nature of friction between the cutting tool and the chip. As a young engineer, he developed an innovative mathematical model of the metal-cutting process that continues to be taught and used. This was just the beginning of years of creative research, for which his name was recognized and respected all over the world.

As director of physical research at CMMC, Dr. Merchant created a world-class department to study manufacturing processes. He and his staff facilitated the growth of industry by building up the knowledge base of manufacturing engineers. Later, as Milacron’s principal scientist for manufacturing research, he took a creative leap into the future. When computers were still in their infancy and software was extremely difficult to produce, he recognized the possibilities for computers in manufacturing.