One obstacle to training the next generation of machine operators and engineers is exposing them to the variety of machine types and controls they are likely to encounter when they are hired. A community college in Illinois has the answer—training machines from Emco Maier with exchangeable control panels.

One of the newest models installed at the school, a ConceptMill 250, offers as many as nine different exchangeable CNC operator panels, including FANUC and Siemens versions. “Once our students are out of school, they could be in a shop that runs either CNC system,” Jack Adwell says. He is the dean of the Business Technology Division at the school. “This feature allows our students to become proficient with both controllers, and they will be prepared to operate effectively in either environment.”

Richland’s CNC lab also includes on-machine training with 10 offline computer stations using Emco control keyboards.