Given the pace of technological evolution over the past few decades, who can say with confidence what the future will look like? Already now, automation is becoming increasingly present in factories across North America.

Automation is largely what saved factories in North America in the latter part of the last century when suddenly they had to compete against the forces unleashed by globalization. They not only staved off the death of North American manufacturing, but they also made factories here competitive.

Automation is sometimes connected with job loss, but there are many instances where automation actually requires human assistance to complete the job. Now, while nobody can predict the future, it’s smart to be prepared for where things seem to be heading.

There would surely be fewer manufacturing jobs available today if it weren’t for automation, and production lines in the days ahead will almost certainly have automated quality control, where machines perform functions faster than human employees ever could.

One of the star pieces of equipment when it comes to automation is the coordinated measurement machine, or CMM machine. Read on to learn about how you can get in-person and E-learning training for these machines, so you’ll have the skills employers are looking for years from now.

In-Class Sessions

Often, the most experienced and highly-specialized metrology teachers are the people who work in accredited metrology businesses. Companies which focus on selling, servicing and repairing CMM machines usually also have teachers who have taught metrology for decades.

Opting for an in-class session allows students looking to start a career with a CMM programmer certification that lets them get their hands on actual metrology equipment they’ll use in the field, such as an Equator, Bridge CMM, and a ROMER Arm. Theoretical knowledge only takes you so far, and nothing replaces tactile experience.

Courses are offered at different levels of difficulty and specialization: PC-DMIS levels 1/2/3, PC-DMIS CAD++, PC-DMIS Portable, PC-DMIS Pro, Datapage+, Polyworks and Quindos.

A Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing training course keep you up to date with the latest textbook fundamentals and multiple revision charts. There will be tests and quizzes to ensure you’ve absorbed the material, and the session should last between 1-5 days.

A Look into E-Learning

The biggest advantage of E-learning modules is convenience: these sessions can be taken from anywhere, whenever is most convenient. These online sessions teach students about PC-DMIS Portable, PC-DMIS levels 1/2, and MODUS for Renishaw Equator.

Naturally, online courses don’t give students the chance to use actual CMM equipment. For this reason, they’re perfect for people who already work in the field and just need a chance to brush up on their skills.

Students receive a certificate upon completion, proof that they’ve absorbed all the skills they were meant to learn. Look to accredited metrology companies that have taught in-class sessions for decades to also offer the best e-learning modules.

Nobody knows what tomorrow holds, but the best we can do is anticipate where things are heading and prepare accordingly. For those in manufacturing, your career will be better assured if you learn to work with metrological equipment that drives automation.