Top 10 machining training for machine operators
Working in manufacturing entails complex and dangerous processes. Machining tasks alone have their fair share of risks and skills demands that can only be addressed through comprehensive training. We’ve compiled the top 10 machining training online to help you build a competent team of machinists.
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining
Technology has become an integral part of optimizing work efficiency, and the manufacturing industry is no exception. This course by SC Training teaches your team everything they need to know about computer numerical control (CNC) machining for free.
The lessons on this course will help your team understand what CNC machining is and the tasks it involves. It has a dedicated lesson on CNC drilling that covers various use cases. Additionally, it gives your team helpful safety tips that could make all the difference to your team’s workplace safety.
The course also lists the different types of CNC machines, categorizing them according to function, motion type, control loop, and number of axes. This makes it easier to compare each type so they can decide which machines are best used for a given task.
To create an effective training experience, SC Training has divided this course into bite-sized lessons. This increases engagement and promotes retention, making sure that your team’s learnings are remembered and applied.
Created by: SC Training (formerly EdApp)
Length: 5-10 minutes per lesson (self-paced)
Certificate: Available (for completion)
Cost: Free (up to 10 users)
CNC Machining
A computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software relays coded instructions to the CNC machine to actualize a design. America’s Cutting Edge’s machining course focuses on CAM software operations so your team understands how to program a CNC machine.
This 6-hour course includes an additional lesson with the CAM+ app to simulate machining force and vibration. This adds more challenge to your team’s training as it introduces realistic conditions that could lead to inaccurate precision machining.
CNC Machinist with VR Training
Monterey Peninsula College goes through an intensive list of CNC lessons from computer-aided design (CAD) planning to quality-checking outputs. It guides your team through the advanced controls of machining tools from brands like Haas, Fanuc, and Mazak.
This course includes a VR machining simulation lesson to give your team an immersive training experience. The VR headset is included in the package upon purchase.
Machining and Machining Processes
This machinist training from Alison features a dedicated chapter on cutting fluids for multipoint machining. It covers basic information about what cutting fluids are and their role in machining safety. It also tackles the concept of minimum quantity cutting fluid machining (MQCF) as a solution to its ecological effects.
The next chapter of the course focuses on fundamental concepts for abrasive machining processes. It discusses the proper selection of the right nozzle for optimal costs, precision, efficiency, and more. Plus, it talks about single-point, multipoint, and abrasive tools operations to get your team started on abrasive machining.
Working Safely with Machinery
This machine operator training from SC Training presents a list of machine hazards to look out for. In identifying these hazards, your team will learn how to be more careful around high-risk areas and create countermeasures to prevent workplace accidents.
One of the countermeasures explained in more detail is machine guarding. The lesson goes through each type of machine guard and gives common examples to help with your team’s learning.
However, there will be unavoidable hazards on the job that your team will have to prepare for. To help your team respond to this situation, the course discusses how to use the Hierarchy of Risk Controls for damage control.
To further verify your team’s understanding of the topic, SC Training lets you conduct practical assessments and cross-check them with their digital training scores. This allows you to look for performance gaps and adjust training accordingly.
Created by: SC Training
Length: 5 to 10 minutes per lesson (self-paced)
Certificate: Available (for completion)
Cost: Free (up to 10 users)
Machine Guarding
For teams who are interested in learning more about machine guarding, this manufacturing training course is an excellent choice. Its course contents are primarily focused on machine guarding methods, like barriers and safeguarding devices.
In this course, your team will learn which high-risk areas will require safeguarding. The course can also give them a better understanding of the different types of safeguarding devices and methods. On top of this, it helps them determine which safe work practices should be carried out based on a given scenario.
SC Training also makes sure your team knows how to double-check if a machine guard follows safety standards. It notes the different OSHA requirements that can help determine the reliability of a machine guard to prevent injuries and reduce accidents.
SC Training’s blended learning capabilities make it possible to track your team’s performance in-person and online. This gives them the flexibility to learn on their own terms, offering encouragement to complete their training.
Created by: SC Training
Length: 5 to 10 minutes per lesson (self-paced)
Certificate: Available (for completion)
Cost: Free (up to 10 users)
Online CNC Operator Training
Prepare your team for a CNC operator role with this training from Penn Foster. It will dive deep into CNC technology’s impact on manufacturing. Additionally, it gives your employees CNC programming lessons so they can operate CNC machines.
The course is designed to highlight the advanced skills required from an operator, but it doesn’t forget to cover basic machining skills as well. It also talks about industrial safety procedures like machine guarding and PPE usage to prevent accidents and minimize damage.
Created by: Penn Foster
Length: Self-paced (accessible for one year)
Certificate: Available (for completion)
Cost: 1,399 USD
Introduction to CNC Machines 201
This advanced CNC machine training is best delivered to teams who already have a significant understanding of CNC machines. It discusses a lot of technical concepts and terminologies that might be confusing for some beginners. However, it’s a great opportunity to take someone’s CNC expertise to the next level.
Introduction to CNC Machines 201 gives your team technical training to control CNC machine movement. From open and closed loop systems to input methods, it tackles all things programming to help create accurate instructions for CNC machines to follow.
Created by: Tooling University
Length: 1 hour per class
Certificate: Available
Cost: Contact for pricing
E-learning: Machining online course
Sandvik Coromant offers a course that breaks down the different machining tools and teaches them how to use them in several machining operations. Each lesson is a detailed usage guide for relevant processes. Some examples include drilling, milling, threading, and boring.
This free online manufacturing course gives your team the option to select which chapters to study. However, it only rewards your team with a certificate of completion if they finish the full course.
Safe Use of Machinery
SC Training’s Safe Use of Machinery course classifies mechanical machine hazards into two categories: by motion and action. It shows your team which parts of a machine can harm them, along with the different ways it can cause damage. This helps them anticipate danger where it’s most evident.
The course also has a lesson that centers on different control measures like hazard isolation, hazard minimization, and machine guarding. It covers the key characteristics and best use cases for each type of machine guard.
Poorly placed machine guards, frequent tampering, and improper storage can damage machine guards and make them ineffective. This is why SC Training also outlines several safety guidelines to maintain the integrity and efficacy of the machine guard.
Created by: SC Training
Length: 5-10 minutes per lesson (self-paced)
Certificate: Available (for completion)
Cost: Free (up to 10 users)
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 Report shows that the leading cause of fatalities in the manufacturing industry was due to contact incidents with equipment. So while workers heavily rely on their machines and tools, these things are also one of the greatest threats they face on the job.
Machining training often discusses best practices and safety protocols that aim to reduce contact incidents. It brings awareness to teams on the front line so they can take more precautions as they shape metal, wood, and more.
What is machining training?
Machining is a manufacturing process that involves shaping or cutting a piece of material in order to create something new. Machining training helps develop job-specific skills that are essential in machining. It tackles a wide range of tasks like milling, drilling, and grinding. It also promotes safety by listing best practices and proper usage tips.
Machining training is primarily recommended for current and aspiring machinists who are mainly involved in precision machining operations. It equips them with the hard skills that are needed for the role and teaches them how to navigate through high-risk industries such as manufacturing.
Despite this, machining training is a great avenue for upskilling. As such, it can also be offered to a variety of roles that are not directly involved in precision machining. Some examples are:
- Vocational and technical trainees - usually given in partnership with an industry to address skill gaps and fast-track the employment process.
- Engineers, designers, and entrepreneurs - for product design, production planning, and business management. Machining training can help them determine the feasibility of their initiatives right from the planning phase.
- Students and career seekers - an opportunity to prepare students with advanced skills that could help them cast a wider net when job hunting. This also lets them explore their interests and decide if machining is a field they want to pursue.
Commonly covered topics in machining training
Machining training covers a comprehensive list of lessons that assist in building a qualified machining team. Below are the topics you’d often find included in these courses:
- Safety practices - fundamental knowledge to reduce workplace accidents. This includes proper handling of tools and equipment, hazard identification, review of work safety protocols, and wearing of personal protective equipment
- Basic machine concepts and terminologies - foundational knowledge that gives teams a better understanding of machining and its relevance to manufacturing. This also covers the types of machining operations like milling, drilling, grinding, and turning.
- Machine setup and operation - knowledge of controls that enables workers to perform basic operations with the machine. Mastering machine operation helps them fully leverage the equipment for maximum impact.
- Blueprint reading and drawing interpretation - this makes it easier to communicate with engineers and establish project expectations. Workers well-versed in blueprint reading are more likely to satisfy project demands.
- CNC Machining - teaches teams to program machine instructions, which is a valuable skill in today’s fast-paced and automation-focused market. Plus, it’s a great upskilling opportunity to help your team adapt to shifting trends.
Upskill your machine operators and teach safe machining practices
Machining training is essential in teaching your team safety procedures and helping them develop the skills they need to become an excellent machinist. SC Training’s courses come with extra features to make sure that your team doesn’t miss out on their training.
- Reporting and analytics: Track your team’s training performance and form valuable insights to improve their comprehension. Establishing your team’s understanding makes them more likely to apply what they’ve learned in their daily responsibilities.
- Automated scheduling and enrollment: Instantly assign machining training to the right team. This gives you the assurance that everyone has access to key information and guides to help them in the machining process.
- Briefcase: Show your team that their training complies with industry standards by adding official references from reputable organizations like OSHA. Briefcase also allows attachment of videos and images that could better enhance the learning experience.
Stay ahead of the curve by developing your team’s machining skills and safety. Join SC Training today.