In the world of manufacturing, two sides of the industry often meet in unexpected ways: the educators who train the workforce, and the companies that provide the tools of the trade. At Ranken Technical College in St. Louis, MO, this collaboration comes to life through a partnership with KNUTH, a supplier of precision machines.
When much of its existing equipment was becoming outdated and no longer aligned with current industry technology, there was a need to modernize the training environment so students could develop skills on machines that reflect real-world manufacturing conditions and employer expectations. Ranken standardized its training equipment by investing in KNUTH machines across the workshop.
KNUTH machines now form the backbone of Ranken's manual machining workshops, giving students hands-on experience in precision turning, milling, drilling, and grinding. Standardizing its equipment provided several key advantages, including access to a comprehensive five-year warranty, reduced downtime, and faster, more efficient service and repairs. Equally important was the opportunity to build a long-term partnership with a supplier that understands the needs of technical education and is committed to supporting student training and skills development. For KNUTH, it is an opportunity to support the development of the very workforce that will operate its machines in the years to come.
Ranken Technical College focuses on conventional machining operations using KNUTH equipment. These manual processes help students develop core skills in machine set-up, workholding, process planning, and in-process problem solving. Quality control and measurement are integral to the training, with students learning to inspect and verify components to industry-standard tolerances. By working on multiple set-ups and increasingly complex parts machined from various grades of steel, aluminum, and plastics, students build the technical judgment, accuracy, and adaptability required in modern manufacturing environments. This focus on conventional machining ensures that students gain a solid foundation in traditional metalworking techniques, which are essential for understanding the principles behind more advanced manufacturing technologies.
Students learn to manufacture real-world components, such as shafts with multiple diameters and shoulders, threaded components (internal and external threads), bushings and bearing housings, keyways and splined features, tapered parts, and tight-tolerance blocks and fixtures.
Beyond teaching technical skills, Ranken also integrates industry standards into every aspect of its programs. Through extensive collaboration with industry partners, it provides students with hands-on experience on equipment using techniques that mirror real-world manufacturing environments. Graduates then step into critical roles as shop owners, skilled technicians, foremen, and leaders driving industry success.
For more information contact:
Travis Hellmann
Operations Director
Ranken Technical College
4431 Finney Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63113
314-371-0236
tjhellmann@ranken.edu
www.ranken.edu
KNUTH Machine Tools USA
590 Bond St.
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
847-415-3333
info@knuth-usa.com
www.knuth-usa.com