Seco Tools is in the midst of hosting free training courses at its North American Headquarters in Troy, Mich., as part of its Seco Technical Education Program (STEP). Designed to promote maximum machining productivity, these courses ensure Seco customers and distributors are up-to-speed on the latest tooling systems and metal cutting techniques.
STEP Schedule for Customers:
Date Course Prerequisite Registration Deadline
May 21 – 23 STEP 2 STEP 1 May 6
June 3 STEP Into None May 20
June 4 – 6 STEP 1 None May 20
July 23 – 25 STEP 2 STEP 1 July 8
Sept. 24 – 26 STEP 2 STEP 1 Sept. 9
Oct. 21 STEP Into None Oct. 7
Oct. 22 – 24 STEP 1 None Oct. 7
STEP Schedule for Authorized Seco Distributors:
Date Course Prerequisite Registration Deadline
June 10 STEP Into None May 24
June 11 - 13 STEP 1 None May 24
Aug. 13 – 15 STEP 2 STEP 1 July 29
Sept. 9 STEP Into None Aug. 26
Sept. 10 – 12 STEP 1 None Aug. 26
Nov. 12 – 14 STEP 2 STEP 1 Oct. 28
According to Don Graham, education and technical service manager at Seco, as technological advances continue to further manufacturing productivity, the rate at which people learn and apply these new capabilities falls behind the actual pace of development.
“We designed STEP to keep our customers in touch with a rapidly changing industry. After all, without an in-depth understanding of the new metal cutting technologies on the market, many customers find the decision making process more difficult as the range of tooling systems expands,” Graham says.
STEP Courses, which include STEP Into, STEP 1 and STEP 2, are non-commercial blends of hands-on training and classroom discussions, providing students with both practical experience and technical knowledge to maximize the learning process. Furthermore, Seco can adjust its STEP training to suit specific customer demands.
“Effective training programs that improve the manufacturing skills and techniques of individuals are those that do use classroom teaching, but in combination with hands-on instruction as a reinforcing tool. Through these methods, STEP attendees learn how to achieve substantial productivity increases, lower costs by eliminating tool waste, shorten machining times, and boost competitiveness,” Graham concludes.
About STEP Into
A four-hour course that is ideal for those with little or no metal cutting experience. During each session, Seco provides an introduction to the use of its Navigator product catalog as well as covers basic manufacturing and metal cutting vocabulary. While this course is not a prerequisite to STEP 1, it can assist participants in gaining the full benefit of STEP 1 training.
About STEP 1
A three-day program, STEP 1 provides an introduction to tooling and machining technology, including ISO/ANSI standards, turning, milling, holemaking, thread milling, workpiece materials, carbide metallurgy, analyzing tool life and understanding productivity. STEP 1 is a prerequisite for attending STEP 2 training.
About STEP 2
A three-day program, STEP 2 provides a more advanced look at machining techniques and tooling systems, including 3D milling, 3D milling tools, optimum turning, PCBN tooling, Capto quick change and solid carbide tooling. In-depth hands-on instruction, trouble-shooting, and problem solving play an important role in the program.
To learn more about STEP and register for upcoming classes, please visit www.secotools.com/North-America/Education-STEP or contact Koni Sarkisian at ksarkisian@secotools.com. Please note classes fill up quickly and registration deadlines are subject to seating availability.
While STEP training is free to attend, participants are responsible for their hotel and travel expenses. Upon registration, Seco will make a participant’s hotel arrangements. The company also provides daily transportation between the hotel and Seco headquarters as well as outgoing airport ground transportation.