Hands-on learning sessions at a Siemens training center, such as this one in Elk Grove Village, IL, provide instructor-led experiences attendees can apply to their machine tool career.
"Online or in the classroom, sessions using SINUTRAIN software provide attendees with knowledge to advance their career," said a Siemens spokesperson.
Hands-on training helps students learn, understand and apply the skills mastered to their careers.
"Hands-on and online learning bring growth opportunities. Programmers, operators and maintenance professionals can maximize results with a Siemens CNC to become indispensable on the shop floor and in their careers. Owners can maximize ROI in all areas of investment: machines, people and operations," said a Siemens spokesperson.
Hands-on Learning
"At the Siemens Technical Application Center, our goal is the education of CNC operators, programmers and maintenance professionals," said Randy Pearson, Technical Application Center Manager for Siemens. "We aim to enhance and expand the knowledge and capacity of our students on SINUMERIK controls. If you want to become a power user, we have the courses for you. We also provide essential training to machine tool builders, importers and dealers."
Through a team of knowledgeable Siemens instructors, students can gain first-hand experience working on the types of machines they will encounter in a shop. A comprehensive schedule guides the journey from introductory classes through advanced 5-axis programming.
"Every month we provide level one courses on milling and turning," said Pearson. "Level two courses explore advanced G-code programming, while level three focuses on multi-axis programming."
Classes are taught by Siemens machining experts using several different teaching methods:
- SINUTRAIN PC-based classroom sessions
- Simulator-based classroom training
- Hands-on machining using industry leading brands.
In addition, service and maintenance classes are available to teach personnel how to perform PLC and drive diagnostics, check the topology of the system, commission and troubleshoot the system.
Online Learning
Getting to a Siemens training center may not always be possible. Live, online courses are presented monthly, and include question and answer sessions. Courses are archived and available on-demand, so they can be accessed from anywhere, at any time. Siemens' CNC online learning resources are updated with new courses often. Plus, for larger groups, custom online training sessions are available.
"Our online campus, featuring dozens of technical webinars, is located at usa.siemens.com/cnc4you," said Chris Pollack, Virtual Technical Application Center Manager for Siemens. "All of the topics that are covered in our hands-on classroom courses-such as variable-based programming, logic-based programming and multi-axis milling and turning-are covered online as well."
"We have a strategy for how we want people and manufacturing to excel," said Pollack. "You may begin with a five-minute how-to video as an introduction. You will then be motivated to immerse yourself in a webinar or two and really start digging into a topic. You can follow that up by enrolling in a self-paced learning module or an instructor-led class to start engaging hands-on with the technology at a high level."
The curriculum not only provides with hands-on experience using actual Siemens CNCs, but it focuses on many of the trends that are shaping today's machining industry.
"Courses are separated into four main categories: milling, turning, general operations and maintenance/service. These categories provide everything programmers, operators and maintenance staff need to advance their careers, and everything a shop owner needs to turn their shop into a competitive powerhouse," said the spokesperson.
Addressing CNC Technology Trends
"Machine shops are finding that today's digital-savvy workforce more readily interacts with controls that speak their digital language. The SINUMERIK CNC platform is based on a modern, app-like interface that is easily engaged shop-wide, from 3-axis all the way to full 5-axis machining," said the spokesperson.
Machine shops are addressing competitive time and cost pressures. Training staff on mixed-technology machines that do the work of two or more machines simplifies scheduling, reduces set-ups and accelerates production. SINUMERIK CNC simplifies the integration of automated processes, such as robotics, that allow one to do more in less time.
For more information contact:
John Meyer
Siemens Industry, Inc.
390 Kent Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
847-640-1595
john.meyer@siemens.com
www.usa.siemens.com/cnc4you