Laser Alignment in Fort Worth Will Help Your Machinists Work Smarter, Not Harder

by | Aug 7, 2015 | Lasers

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Owners of machine shops have a big problem, and it doesn’t seem to show signs of improving. It’s very hard to find an experienced machinist or tool-and-die maker. Much of the equipment in both small and large shops is computer-controlled, so one would think that these jobs would appeal to some young workers. However, there’s little indication that most younger people even consider becoming a machinist.

More Jobs than Workers

At one time, high schools had shop class, teaching kids with no college plans the blue-collar skills that would be useful to local employers. Many of those who learned those skills went on to well-paying jobs that supported their families. Some founded small businesses.

There appears to be more interest in learning machine design than there is in the hands-on work of actually making parts. An older machinist/designer told a story that illustrates the lack of basic skills. An older, experienced machinist was sent to the customer’s location to install a new machine and do the final testing. He called his boss after looking over the new machine and said, “There’s a problem. The first person who turns this machine on is going to be electrocuted.” The older man had the basic skills needed to find and correct the problem. Those skills are lacking in today’s workforce.

Machinists today must have a varied skill set, including both basic machine skills and programming ability. Today’s machine shops are very clean, using equipment that must be precisely aligned. Parts will be rejected unless they perfectly meet the specifications.

DIY Machinist Training

There are thousands of projected new jobs for machinists, welders, and machine programmers, but where will these people be found? The average machinist is over 50, thinking about retiring. Some larger companies are attempting to solve the shortage of skilled workers by setting up their own training programs. Even many small machine shop owners will offer to train anyone who is interested in learning.

Laser Precision provides an invaluable service, Laser Alignment in Fort Worth, to over-worked machine shops. The Hamar Triple Scan Laser is accurate to within .001 N in 100 feet and can restore valuable equipment to its former precision. Laser Alignment in Fort Worth saves money in rejects, maintenance, and breakdowns. Laser Precision can’t supply experienced machinists, but they can align and calibrate machine tools, making the machinist’s job easier and faster. Contact them to learn how they could make your shop more productive.