Originally Published MPMN January/February 2008

NEED TO KNOW

Machine Tool Producer Creates Online Training Courses

Online courses offer manufacturers a convenient method of training both new and long-time members of a workforce and equipping them with the necessary skill sets to adeptly and comfortably operate increasingly complex machinery. Machine tool maker Mori Seiki (Aichi, Japan; www.moriseiki.com) has expanded the course offerings of its Mori Seiki University (Rolling Hills, IL; www.msuondemand.com), established earlier this year, to include interactive virtual training courses that students complete at their own pace via the Internet.

Education On Demand courses cover general manufacturing topics and operational training of specific Mori Seiki machines. Operational training courses can be matched to a student’s personal level of experience. Students must score 100% on comprehensive tests that follow each section of a course in order to proceed to the next section. This format is designed to allow students to move through the material at a speed they are comfortable with and ensures maximum retention of the material being taught. Three-dimensional digital machine models enable students to interact with elements of the machines just as they would on the manufacturing line.

In addition to programming and operational courses for the company’s two- and three-axis lathes and CNC and three-axis machining centers, classes on general manufacturing topics are also taught. Topics include lean manufacturing, statistical process control, and blueprint reading. Classes on troubleshooting machines with Fanuc controls and performing mechanical maintenance on horizontal machining centers are also on the current course offerings list.

Mori Seiki customers started asking for online courses as soon as the company opened its university, according to the company. Because the courses were already computer-intensive, it was not difficult to adapt them for a Web-based educational program. Most courses are designed to be completed in two to four days.

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