YAMAZAKI Mazak has expanded its CNC training program to include remote sessions at customer sites, enabling both new and existing customers to unlock the benefits of MAZATROL Smooth CNC while social distancing remains in place.

The remote training program involves Mazak delivering two full-size CNC control panel simulators and accompanying training material to a customer’s site, and then running a series of live interactive tutorials over the following days via Microsoft Teams.

The simulators are then collected, cleaned and delivered to the next booking.

The new format will complement the company’s long-standing ‘in person’ training sessions at its recently reopened Training Academy in Worcester.

Mazak has a number of simulators for each of its MAZATROL Smooth CNC variants.

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These include its newest CNC, SmoothAi, which ensures the perfect harmonisation of CNC and machine to deliver faster programming, high-speed material removal and increased accuracy for machine users; as well as SmoothX, SmoothG and SmoothC.

Graham Rash, UK project engineering and applications manager at Yamazaki Mazak, comments: "CNC training is a fundamental part of our aftersales and support offering for both new and long-standing customers alike.

Our courses have always been popular, especially with those who have purchased their first Mazak machine and are using MAZATROL Smooth CNC for the first time.

However, the current social distancing guidelines have led to a re-think as to how to deliver them in a safe and effective way.

"The use of simulators which are identical to the actual control panel used on our machine tools are critical to the training experience offered, so physically delivering them to our customers was a logical – and quite straightforward – process.

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"What’s more, as the training groups are now much smaller, it has enabled us to really tailor the sessions to each individual customer’s requirements, to offer a truly bespoke learning experience."

Eric Saunder, subcontract operations manager at Mollart Engineering recently booked a remote training session for a number of the company’s engineers and said: "The team really enjoyed the experience and gained a lot from the session.

"Sending the simulators to our site was a fantastic solution during these uncertain times, and it also really helped with our structured apprentice programme."