One touch - and the search begins? That's a thing of the past. In the new training center for technology in Pforzheim AZTe, all tools are available at all times. This is because the independent and private training and further education workshop has relied from the outset on modern equipment management using a tool dispensing system, as is also used in modern production environments. "Searching for the right tool in all the drawers or the frustration when the required drill has not been reordered is very time-consuming and annoying in the classroom. We want to show our trainees from the outset that there is another way," explains Manuel Pérez Castillo, founder and owner of the facility.

Practical training for metalworking professions

The new training workshop in Pforzheim is the second location of the AZTe training center for technology. It was founded back in 2010 in Sternenfels in Baden-Württemberg for first and second-year apprentices as well as for the further training of career changers in metal professions. Since then, around 160 different companies from industry and the skilled trades have sent around 60 prospective employees to the center for practical training every year. The focus is on industrial, tool and machining mechanics as well as the areas of process technology, mechatronics and pneumatics.

AZTe's second location was recently opened in the newly opened Center for Precision Technology ZPT on the Pforzheim university campus. "The atmosphere here is great. People are learning, researching and tinkering, and the building offers ideal new premises for us and our trainees," reports Manuel Pérez Castillo. The basic equipment and the company facilities should therefore be just as professional. With the tool service provider and system supplier Hahn+Kolb, he had an experienced specialist at his side. The two companies are also already working closely together at the Sternenfels site.

"When it comes to factory equipment, we support our customers from the planning and selection of all products through to the commissioning of the systems," explains Kevin Schwab, the responsible Area Sales Manager at Hahn+Kolb. "Of course, our proximity is also an advantage when it comes to on-site measurements or detailed questions, as well as for the subsequent ongoing support." And Manuel Pérez Castillo adds: "We were particularly impressed by the service, including planning and support from a single source."

Central tool issue, administration and procurement

The factory equipment in the new training center in Pforzheim provides space for 18 workstations and includes modern workbenches with vices as well as base cabinets and drawers in AZTe's individual corporate colors. Hahn+Kolb also supplied milling machines and assisted in their selection. One highlight is the HK-Mat DR-Light central tool dispensing system. With a total of 10 drawers, each with a load capacity of 100 kg, it is suitable for storing tools and machining equipment such as drills, indexable inserts, milling cutters, countersinks, deburrers and similar items, as well as for managing measuring equipment such as calipers, gauge blocks, plug gauges and ring gauges.

The dispensing system monitors stock levels, documents consumption and automatically reorders items as required. In this way, the items required for teaching are always available and the smooth running of the seminars is ensured. Items are removed from a display after prior registration via code or RFID chip. The relevant drawer is indicated by an LED light and unlocked. The remaining drawers remain locked.

"Our course participants learn about a modern 24/7 tool dispensing system and how to use the tools responsibly at the same time," says Pérez Castillo. On the one hand, the system ensures the availability of resources and, at the same time, prevents resources from being tied up due to unnecessary duplication of tools. The software shows which tools are in circulation, which consumables are running low and which measuring and testing equipment has reached its test date. As the HK-Mat recognizes the frequency of use of a measuring device, the calibration period can also be adjusted according to its use if required.

All clear for the start

From the planning of the new training workshop to its completion, those involved had just under six months. But everything was ready for the start of the 2021/22 training year. Hahn+Kolb provided support in the selection of suitable machining equipment and also in the commissioning of the dispensing system and will take over its ongoing support in future. After the first few weeks, the training operation has now also settled in. Manuel Pérez Castillo is satisfied: "We have created an optimal learning and working environment here and this is also reflected by our trainees and partner companies.

Hahn+Kolb, http://www.hahn-kolb.de