It may be counterintuitive, but actually many processes involved in manufacturing automation don’t happen by machines alone — they require human assistance at various points.
Automation helped to rescue North American manufacturing right when help was badly needed when globalization was subjecting it to competition from factories around the world that benefited from cheaper labor and fewer regulations. Automation helped to make it cheaper for factories to perform certain tasks, by having machines do it instead of workers.
For this reason, automation is associated with replacing employees, but most production lines aren’t fully automated. Even as more factories increasingly turn to automation, there are careers to be had in metrology working alongside coordinate measuring machines (CMMs).
You can read up for more info about why it’s a good idea to make sure your employees are trained in metrology, and what they can expect lessons to look like.
In-Class Sessions
Metrology is a highly-specialized field, and you should only seek out instruction from experts who have considerable experience working in the field. The best teachers are affiliated with accredited metrology companies which may specialize in selling, repairing and servicing CMM machines.
One of the biggest advantages from in-class sessions is you get to work hands-on with the equipment itself and get learn through first-hand experience. The teaching facility should have a selection of real CMM machines you’re likely to encounter while working, such as a Romer arm, Equator, and a Bridge CMM.
You can take a course suitable for the level and specialty that suits you best, and there are many options from which to choose: PC-DMIS levels 1/2/3, PC-DMIS CAD++, PC-DMIS Portable, PC-DMIS Pro, Datapage+, Polyworks, and Quindos.
Your employees can also take a specialized Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing training course that’ll get them caught up on the fundamentals, and also multiple revision charts. Expect some tests and quizzes to ensure you’ve fully absorbed the information, and that you’ve attained an operational understanding by the time the course is complete, which should take between 1-5 days.
Online Lessons
There are also E-Learning modules that teach students all about PC-DMIS Portable, PC-DMIS levels 1/2, and MODUS for Renishaw Equator. These classes can be taken from your home or wherever is convenient, but the trade-off is that students won’t get to handle the CMM machines with their own hands.
Students receive a certificate upon completion, a testament to the skills they’ve learned in the module. The best teachers have been in business for over 30 years. Metrology is a niche industry, and the best experts in North America also supply a wide range of services in addition to teaching CMM programs.
Automation isn’t going away any time soon: it’s wise for workers to be trained in metrology to future-proof their career. It’s also smart for managers to make sure their employees have up to date training from real experts on the equipment that will remain an integral part of manufacturing for years to come.
