Skip to content

Siemens Technical Application Center Provides Hands-on Learning

By Siemens Press Release
sinutrain-1.jpg
Online or in the classroom, sessions using SINUTRAIN software provide the knowledge operators need to propel their careers and turn shop floors into earning powerhouses.

CNC professionals around the world are taking advantage of Siemens’ free training, available hands-on and online. Why? Because operators can gain the skills they need to maximize the output of their machines, increase their value to the business and further their careers. Owners, meanwhile, can upskill staff to generate more shop floor revenue.

"At the Siemens Technical Application Center, our goal is the education of CNC operators, programmers and maintenance professionals," said Randy Pearson, manager of the center. "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 gain first-hand experience working on the types of machines encountered in their own shops. A comprehensive schedule guides trainees on the journey from introductory classes through advanced five-axis programming.

hands-on-training_768x432.jpg
Hands-on learning sessions at a Siemens training center — such as this one in Elk Grove Village, Ill. — provide instructor-led experience students can apply to power their machine tool careers.
"Every month we provide level one courses on milling and turning," Pearson explained. "Level two courses explore advanced G-Code programming, while level three focuses on multi-axis programming." Classes are taught by Siemens machining experts, who bring a wealth of real-world experience to bear using several 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 On Demand

Getting to a Siemens training center may not always be possible, but those interested have plenty of options. Live, online courses are presented monthly, which include question-and-answer sessions. Courses are archived and available on-demand, so you can access them anywhere and anytime. Siemens’ CNC online learning resources are updated often with new courses. 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," Pollack added. "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 students with hands-on experience using actual Siemens CNCs, but it focuses on many trends 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 a shop into a competitive powerhouse.

Addressing CNC 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 three-axis all the way to full five-axis machining.

CNC-projects.jpg
Hands-on training helps students learn, understand and apply the skills they’ve mastered.

Machine shops are addressing fierce competitive time and cost pressures. Training staff on mixed-technology machines that do the work of two or more machines simplifies scheduling, reduces setups and accelerates production. SINUMERIK CNC simplifies the integration of automated processes, such as robotics, that let users do much more in much less time.

Siemens training options include:

  • Hands-on training courses at Siemens training centers; Milling operations and programming, Levels 1 and 2; Turning operations and programming, Levels 1 and 2; five-axis machining operations and programming, Levels 1 and 2; and Service, preventive maintenance and diagnostics
  • Live online sessions every month
  • On-demand learning sessions online

To explore options for enhanced CNC learning, go to usa.siemens.com/cnc4you.

  • View All Articles
  • Connect With Us
    TwitterFacebookLinkedInYouTube

Always Stay Informed

Receive the latest manufacturing news and technical information by subscribing to our monthly and quarterly magazines, weekly and monthly eNewsletters, and podcast channel.