FANUC-Controlled CNC Machine Helps Bridge Skills Gap
Van Buren Tech’s advanced manufacturing program gives students hands-on CNC training using FANUC controls, preparing them for real-world manufacturing careers.
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Challenges
Shortage of skilled CNC workforce
Manufacturers need job-ready employees
Students need hands-on CNC training
Results
CNC skills learned reducing onboarding time
CNC graduates gain a competitive edge
Provides a path to rewarding, well-paying careers
Story
Van Buren Tech is a career and technical education institution located in Lawrence, MI. Among its offerings is the Advanced Manufacturing class, which allows high school students to develop industrial skills. The students learn everything about CNCs from performing basic cutting operations to programming state-of-the-art CNC machines.
To accomplish this, students are offered hands-on CNC training via the Levil Technology LMV-400 CNC machine equipped with FANUC’s 0i-MF Plus controls. On this compact CNC milling machine, students learn setup, programming, operation, troubleshooting, and precision machining, preparing them for immediate entry into the workforce. As a result, this education solution helps both employers and graduates as well as bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world industrial experience.
Students are able to get hands-on skills. Immediately, two to three days of starting at a new company, they can hit the ground running, and they know how to set up the machines. They know how to set the offsets, the tool offsets, and they know what the cutter should sound like.
Gabriel Kooyers Advanced Manufacturing Teacher – Van Buren TechFANUC Products Used
0i-MF Plus
FANUC 0i-MF Plus CNC delivers efficient, high-quality milling with reduced cycle times, smooth surface finishes, customizable functions, and flexible HMI.
Levil Technology Corp
Levil Technology is a family-oriented, Central Florida-based company established in 2000. We are dedicated to the design and production of tabletop CNC machines that have a broad array of users across many industries. Unlike many tabletops out there, our machines are able to reach incredible precision and high speeds thanks to our servo-controlled technology.
Integrated Systems Technologies (IST)
Manufacturers all over the globe are looking for more workers who are trained and ready on day one to enter the workforce. For over 35 years, IST has partnered with industry leaders and educators to bring state-of-the-art equipment, curriculum, and credentials into the classroom, so that the machines students learn operate just like the manufacturing floor of their future.
Van Buren Tech (VBT)
Van Buren Tech (VBT) is a Career and Technical Educational institution affiliated with the Van Buren Intermediate School District (VBISD). We work closely with business and industry professionals to best prepare each student for a variety of postsecondary options. VBT is not an alternative to college, it’s a pathway to college or career goals. VBT not only offers a hands-on learning experience through 25 CTE programs, but students will also gain the knowledge and skills that employers need now.