Upskilling at Precision Micro

As a part of its ongoing commitment to improving customer service, Precision Micro has instigated an internal training programme for personnel involved in the design and manufacturing process. Twenty participants from apprentices to team leaders and CAD personnel undertook the three-day training, hosted by Emeritus Professor David Allen at Cranfield University and Fellow of The International Academy for Production Engineering.

The initial training covered a broad spectrum of topics from process history and market overview to theoretical and practical aspects of the chemical etching process. During the programme, three teams were tasked with producing sheets of components for a “trial” customer. Vital information was omitted from the brief, encouraging participants to ask relevant questions and work together towards a satisfactory conclusion.

“We are seen by many of our customers and peers as the Centre of Excellence for Photochemical Machining in Europe, so it is essential that we set and maintain the highest possible technical standards,” said Marcus Heather, Precision Micro’s business director. “The training course is a cornerstone of our upskilling initiative and demonstrates our commitment to live up to that reputation.”

Professor Allen also conducted a quality workshop, highlighting potentially problematic process areas that require special attention, as well as new ways of reducing the environmental impact of the process. As a follow-up, participants will sit an examination, set by Professor Allen, in order to gain an independent accreditation, recognising their skills and process knowledge.