Sandvik Coromant conducts a variety of training courses for manufacturers, employees and distributors at its worldwide Productivity Centres. In the UK, these usually take place in the Productivity Centre located at Sandvik Coromant headquarters in Halesowen. Recently Sandvik Coromant has conducted courses on customer sites for several UK manufacturers in support of the training scheme promoted by the British Turned Parts Manufacturers Association (BTMA).

Precision Products, in Rustington, West Sussex, purchased two training sessions. Sixteen production operatives of various skill levels attended one of two sessions conducted by John Shaw, Productivity Centre manager and supported by Mick Fletcher, UK Sales & Technical training manager at the Precision Products’ premises.

“The feedback was very positive,” says Sam Cooke, works director for Precision Products. “Everyone, even the most experienced guys learned something. I am in discussion with Sandvik Coromant about further tailored courses at a more advanced level structured to Precision Products needs”.

Sam Cooke wanted to train his production staff on the BTMA’s CNC Setter Training course, but the BTMA requires trainees to have completed a basic tooling module first. Mr Cooke therefore asked Sandvik Coromant to run a course on-site to avoid the loss of production time if all 16 travelled to Halesowen. Those who received training were programmers, with limited knowledge of cutting tool technology; and some were skilled/semiskilled operators. The course content is based on basic engineering principles and cutting tool applications.

“Even the more experienced guys learned something and felt it had been worthwhile,” says Sam Cooke.

“I would certainly recommend this course. Before this training, we would have needed to contact the cutting tool manufacturer to help resolve problems, but this only resolves the present difficulty and does not skill our own people to select the best tool/insert next time. I think I shall give all the same people the follow-on course because I am sure it will improve their application knowledge and they will be better able to resolve future issues.”

Sandvik Coromant’s trainers devised the half-day training sessions in cooperation with the BTMA guidelines and Sandvik Coromant has agreed to continue supporting BTMA’s UK-wide training scheme.

Background to BTMA and Precision Products
The BTMA is the UK trade association for precision turned parts and machined component manufacturers; an important part of its activities is raising the importance of investing in people through a structured training model. The BTMA approached various leading manufacturers to offer a range of low cost, basic to advanced training courses on tooling and CNC Setter Training as part of an initiative to update and upgrade the skills base of their members.

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