In a global market, modern manufacturing relies on sophisticated machinery to remain competitive.
Machines are often mechanically complex incorporating precision components, but in the event of a problem these are usually open to visual examination. The same isn’t true of their control systems.
With the advent of microprocessors, it is inevitable that these should find their way into machines and their components. To simplify machines electrically, components such as drives, PLCs and HMIs are linked by networks. And in an era when so much more information is required, machines are connected to PCs and factory automation systems by networks. To diagnose even simple problems which can stop production, such as a faulty sensor or loose connection, it is often necessary to look into the mind of the machine, which probably means connecting a PC to it.
Usually, machines are taken for granted whilst they are running. And if your company is like many others in our experience, the first time your Maintenance Engineer – the person expected to make it work – looks into it in any depth is when it stops. And that’s usually when all Hell breaks loose! Because, unless that person is very talented and experienced, diagnosing a fault in a complex networked control system is like trying to understand the Charles O Perry sculpture ‘Eclipse’ shown left: it takes even the most astute observer time and some people never figure it out!
One way of protecting your investment in production machinery is to invest in the staff who support, programme and maintain it, by providing them with effective training expertly delivered. This is where Gefran comes in, because we can provide technical training, either on your site or away from it, specific to your machines and the technologies built into them, or to give staff a better understanding of the latest technologies such as networks at a conceptual as well as a practical level.
| Some of the courses available from Gefran: | Duration | Code |
|---|
| • | Specifying and sizing AC + DC motors, including brake, tacho, encoder + reduction gearbox, for a wide range of applications | 1 day | MOT |
| • | Specifying, sizing, installing and programming VSDs (Variable Speed Drives) for AC + DC motors; fault finding and diagnosis | 1 day | VSD |
Training courses are usually delivered to groups of up to four people. Gefran provides any equipment necessary but candidates must provide their own laptop computer (one laptop shared between two candidates).
The price charged for one of our Consultant Engineers for training on your site is £500+VAT per day plus travelling, accommodation and subsistence expenses at cost.
The price charged for training away from your site is £500+VAT per day plus hire of facilities, meals, snacks, refreshments, etc. Candidates are also responsible for their own travelling, accommodation and subsistence expenses.
Gefran can also put together bespoke training courses for your staff. Please contact us to discuss your requirements from which we will provide you with a quotation.
◘ Click to download a .pdf file about Gefran’s technical training service