I have only OJT for CMM programming (and everything else), no formal education/credentials. I plan on testing for a ASQ QA/QC Tech certificate in the fall/winter. Other than that, I have no idea what I can do to help myself get a "leg-up" in this field. I would like to advance in it, though, since I have found I enjoy it and I'm pretty decent at it so far. So, any career advice?
Spend as much time as you can writing CMM programs. And learn to duplicate CMM results with manual methods. Be able to back up what the robot produces.
Do it on your own time if possible.
I have always done this. I was once "awarded" with a written warning (union shop) for working on my off hours on company projects.
It will pay off in the long run. I now spend my time writing programs and sitting in planning meetings and "advising".
I also have benefited from this in other ways.
I purchased my own off-line seat of PC-DMIS and have an independent business writing PC-DMIS programs at home for various small machine shops. I know. This sounds crazy right? Its not. I was able to make back my investment in less than 1 year. You can spend your money on a fancy new car, or motorcycle, or whatever, or you can invest in your future. If this stuff is what you like to do, then do it.
I guess what I am trying to get across here is that you can control what you do. You shouldn't wait for some company to "give" you training. Go get it yourself. Its not magic. Its just knowledge.
And don't be afraid to experiment. Just be careful. Don't break anything.
Spend as much time as you can writing CMM programs. And learn to duplicate CMM results with manual methods. Be able to back up what the robot produces.
Do it on your own time if possible.
I have always done this. I was once "awarded" with a written warning (union shop) for working on my off hours on company projects.
It will pay off in the long run. I now spend my time writing programs and sitting in planning meetings and "advising".
I also have benefited from this in other ways.
I purchased my own off-line seat of PC-DMIS and have an independent business writing PC-DMIS programs at home for various small machine shops. I know. This sounds crazy right? Its not. I was able to make back my investment in less than 1 year. You can spend your money on a fancy new car, or motorcycle, or whatever, or you can invest in your future. If this stuff is what you like to do, then do it.
I guess what I am trying to get across here is that you can control what you do. You shouldn't wait for some company to "give" you training. Go get it yourself. Its not magic. Its just knowledge.
And don't be afraid to experiment. Just be careful. Don't break anything.
