CNC Machining Equipment Selection and Acquisition Training

Learning Outcomes

• Evaluate CNC machining equipment specifications against production requirements
• Analyze cost-benefit and lifecycle costs of different CNC technologies
• Demonstrate the ability to compare and select appropriate CNC equipment vendors
• Assess the technical and operational implications of CNC machine acquisition
• Apply criteria for selecting CNC machining technology to optimize productivity
• Justify equipment acquisition decisions based on technical and financial analysis

Target Audience

This course is designed for manufacturing engineers, production managers, and technical procurement specialists involved in the selection and acquisition of CNC machining equipment. It is also suitable for maintenance planners and operations supervisors seeking to enhance their equipment evaluation skills.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment

Course Outline

Practicals

Overview

Hands-on practicals allow learners to apply selection criteria by evaluating actual CNC machines, comparing specifications, and performing machine inspection exercises. Supervised sessions build competence in reading datasheets, measuring machine accuracy, and preparing procurement documentation.

Practical Activities

• Machine Datasheet Analysis — Learners review datasheets from three different CNC machines, identify key specifications, and compare their suitability for given manufacturing scenarios. (4h)
• Machine Inspection and Measurement Exercise — Using a workshop CNC machine, learners perform basic inspection tasks: checking axis movement, spindle runout, and tool changer operation using dial indicators and laser alignment tools. (6h)
• Tooling and Workholding Selection Workshop — Given a part drawing and machine specifications, learners select appropriate cutting tools, tool holders, and workholding devices, justifying their choices. (4h)
• Supplier Evaluation Role-Play — Learners act as procurement teams evaluating supplier proposals, scoring criteria such as price, warranty, support, and delivery, then presenting their recommendation. (3h)
• Machine Selection Case Study — Learners work in groups to select a CNC machine for a given production scenario, considering technical specs, cost, and supplier factors, and prepare a final selection report. (3h)

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course via daily exercises, scored practical assignments, and a final summative test at the end.

Practical Assignments — 30%

Practical assignments are observed and scored against a rubric during the practical sessions. Each delegate's practical mark is averaged into a single 100% score and contributes 30% to the final total.

Daily Exercises — 20%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 20% to the final total.

Final Test — 50%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 50% to the overall mark.

Final Total

Component	Out of	Weight
Practical Assignments (rubric-scored)	100%	30%
Daily Average (multiple choice)	100%	20%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice)	100%	50%
Final Total	—	100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

How it works

• Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
• Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
• You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
• If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.

Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates	Discount
5	3% off
10	6% off
15	9% off
20	12% off
25	15% off
30	18% off
50	30% off
75	35% off
100	40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.