It may sound like an oxymoron, but actually automated production lines require human employees in multiple stages of the process. While automation has sparked public concern that it will ultimately cause job loss, human employees are an indispensable part of automated production lines.
The story of how automation helped rescue North American manufacturing from global competition that faced less labour costs and regulation is well known and largely true, but it overstates the reliance on machines. People still have a large role to play in North American manufacturing, even in factories which use automation.
If you want your employees to be ready for the manufacturing of the future, train them in how to work alongside the machines which enable production line automation. It’s a big and complex topic, and there are blogs about machine manufacturing you can read to learn more about this constantly evolving industry. But there are careers to be had in the metrology industry — becoming a metrology expert will give you the tools you need to be a strong asset to modern manufacturers.
Here is a basic look at the process of metrology instruction, both inside the classroom and online.
Inside the Classroom
Learning about metrology in the classroom gives you the opportunity to receive first-hand knowledge from top-tier experts who work in the field. Training sessions should last between 1-5 days.
You should seek out teachers who are associated with an accredited metrology business: companies which sell, repair and service CMM machines often have the best teachers. The longer the company has been in business, the more reputable they are and the more likely their teachers are true experts.
Attending in-class lessons also has the important benefit of letting you handle the CMM machines in person. The facility you attend should have a range of high-grade CMM equipment, such as a Romer arm, Equator, and a bridge CMM. These machines are commonly found on production lines, and becoming familiar with them through experience is indispensable.
There are courses available for different levels and specialties: PC-DMIS levels 1/2/3, PC-DMIS CAD++, PC-DMIS Portable, PC-DMIS Pro, Datapage+, Polyworks and Quindos.
You can get the latest textbook fundamentals with specialized training courses in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing. Expect a few tests and quizzes to ensure you’ve reached an operational level of understanding.
Learning Metrology Online
If you can’t make it into the classroom, there are online E-Learning modules that teach PC-DMIS Portable, PC-DMIS levels 1/2, and MODUS for Renishaw Equator. The drawback of not being able to handle the machines in person is in part offset by the convenience of being able to take the course in your own home.
Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate testifying that you’ve absorbed the skills in the module. The best online teaching modules are provided by metrology companies with deep roots in the industry.
Remaining valuable to the job market requires evolution. Employees and employers who want to be ready for the future of automation are wise to take metrology training seriously.
