Product category:
Milling, boring and routing machines - manual and CNC
News Release from: XYZ Machine Tools | Subject: CNC machine tools
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 08 October 2007
CNC machine tools for training
XYZ Machine Tools has supplied three new CNC machines tools to Sunderland Engineering Training Association for the apprentice training requirements of local engineering and manufacturing companies.
For the best part of 40 years Sunderland Engineering Training Association has exerted a significant influence on the training of engineering apprentices on behalf of companies based in the north east of England Between 35 to 40 school-leavers, mainly 16 year-olds, are welcomed every year into the well-equipped training centre for first-year training, with post first-year monitoring and support ensuring full completion of the apprenticeship
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 11 Jun 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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Now, having invested in three new CNC machines tools supplied by XYZ Machine Tools of Burlescombe, Devon, SETA is better equipped than ever to meet the apprentice training requirements of local engineering and manufacturing companies.
According to Bob Kiszow, SETA's Works Manager, the training centre on the Wear Industrial Estate in Washington, Tyne and Wear is run on a realistic industrial basis, instilling in the people it trains a work ethic and self-discipline.
"Training young people and seeing them develop is extremely worthwhile," he says.
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"Whatever their backgrounds, most will achieve NVQ Level 2 at a relatively early stage of the training programme." All three XYZ machines were installed in January 2007 with commissioning and training of SETA's instructors completed the following month.
The two 5.75 kW (7.5 hp)/2500 rev/min XYZ ProTURN SLX 1630 manual/CNC lathes are equipped with the latest generation ProtoTRAK SLX control.
This control - developed by Southwestern Industries, Inc, specifically for one-off and low volume production - can be mastered within a day by operators with no previous CNC experience, while its unique 'traking' feature provides vital reassurance to trainees.
The user can physically wind through the NC program's tool path, checking for possible collision points and, in the process, boosting operator confidence.
The third machine is a full-CNC 9 hp/8000 rev/min XYZ Mini Mill 450 compact vertical machining centre equipped with a CNC7 control.
This control is easily configured to match existing skills, which is particularly helpful for first-time CNC users and trainees who may otherwise be overwhelmed by CNC language, features and screen displays.
The full-colour graphics displayed on the high-resolution LCD screen allow verification of tool path and part program prior to commencing machining, with operator confidence guaranteed by the synchronised display between the graphics and machine movement - there is no discrepancy between what appears on the screen and what the machine actually does when the program runs.
And there are other safeguards, including a 'mid-program start' feature that allows a program to be verified graphically up to the point where machining should recommence.
At this point the operator can then switch over to 'run' mode Before deciding on the XYZ machines, Bob Kiszow says SETA member companies were asked for their recommendations and individuals responsible for CNC purchases within their those companies invited to check out the machines' specifications and performance.
"We did our homework", he says, "and decided that, pound for pound, we were getting machines that would do a good job for us while also looking the part - and that's important in terms of enthusing young people about the technology of the future." SETA adopted the Engineering and Marine Training Authority's Modern Apprenticeship when it was introduced formally in 1995, and as part of the formal off-the-job element provides a first-year, 30-week, transition from the basics of manual machining to full-blown CNC.
The full training programme leads to a minimum qualification of NVQ Level 3, with part-time college attendance affording apprentices the opportunity to achieve a Higher National Certificate.
Lawrence Whitney, SETA's Chief Executive, says member companies usually employ and pay apprentices from day one, so a high standard of performance and behaviour is required during the training programme. Request a free brochure from XYZ Machine Tools ...
A commitment by individuals, he adds, "is particularly important in view of the safety aspects of working in engineering - and safety combined with ease-of-use are crucial factors that must always be taken into account when assessing the performance and operation of any machine tool.".
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