• Case study cover showing CM Labs simulators in use at Alfred State College heavy equipment training program

Solving the Seat-Time Challenge with Simulation Training

Alfred State College faced a critical challenge in its Heavy Equipment Operation program: limited access to real machinery meant students weren’t getting enough hands-on experience to build essential skills. At the same time, training inexperienced students on live equipment introduced safety risks for both learners and instructors.

To overcome these challenges, Alfred State integrated CM Labs simulators into its training program. By adding multiple simulation units, the college expanded instructional capacity, increased student access to practice time, and created a safer, more controlled learning environment.

How Simulation Transformed Training

  • Increased Capacity: Expanded program enrollment and provided consistent access to training resources.
  • Enhanced Safety: Allowed students to build confidence before operating real equipment.
  • Faster Skill Development: Training time improved by an estimated 20–30%.
  • Real-World Scenarios: Simulators replicate weather, lighting, and jobsite conditions.
  • Objective Assessment: Performance metrics such as task time, fuel usage, and precision support measurable outcomes.
Students were able to gain critical seat time faster, improving skill development and reducing training bottlenecks.

Real Impact for Workforce Readiness

With the addition of simulation, Alfred State grew its program from approximately 40 students to over 100, all while improving training quality. Students now gain exposure to multiple machine types and develop both operational and performance-optimization skills—helping reduce fuel consumption, minimize wear, and extend equipment life.

By combining simulation with traditional training, Alfred State has created a scalable, safe, and highly effective pathway to workforce readiness—preparing students with the confidence and competence needed to succeed in the field.

FANUC CNC training solutions are designed to help students, educators, and workforce trainees develop the real-world skills required for modern CNC machining environments. Built around industry-standard FANUC CNC controls, these solutions support hands-on learning in CNC programming, setup, operation, and troubleshooting. By using the same control platforms found on production shop floors, learners gain practical experience that directly translates to in-demand manufacturing careers.

Ideal for high school CTE programs, community colleges, technical schools, and industrial training centers, FANUC CNC training solutions can be integrated into curricula for machining, mechatronics, and advanced manufacturing. Whether used alongside CNC simulators, machine tools, or automation systems, these solutions bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real-world application, preparing learners to confidently operate, program, and maintain CNC equipment in today’s automated manufacturing environments.cnc

Amatrol Mechanical Drive Trainers

When your goal is job-ready mechanical maintenance skills, learners need more than a cutaway view of components. Amatrol Mechanical Drive Trainers are designed for true hands-on skill-building—students assemble, align, operate, measure performance, and troubleshoot real power transmission systems using industry-standard components.

X-Cal provides these Amatrol training systems as part of a complete training solution, helping schools and workforce programs select the right configuration, map outcomes to program goals, and plan a smooth implementation.

Amatrol’s mechanical drives learning systems support training in power transmission fundamentals and real-world maintenance tasks—ideal for CTE pathways, maintenance technology, mechatronics support skills, and industrial upskilling.

  1. Assemble shaft, belt, chain, and gear drive applications using real components
  2. Align motors and driven components using practical alignment methods
  3. Adjust belt tension and chain sag to specification
  4. Measure speed and performance variables to connect theory to outcomes
  5. Troubleshoot common mechanical drive issues tied to installation, alignment, and wear
  • Amatrol Mechanical Drive Trainers: learners build and run working systems (shaft, belt, chain, gear, couplings), practice alignment and tensioning, take measurements (speed/torque/power), and complete troubleshooting tasks with safety procedures integrated.
  • DAC Cutaways: excellent for visual understanding and component identification, but typically focused on “see how it’s built” rather than “install, adjust, measure, and diagnose under operating conditions.”
  • Best practice: use cutaways for quick concept reinforcement and use functional trainers for competency, performance verification, and repeatable hands-on assessments.
  • Mechanical drive systems and power transmission fundamentals
  • Key fasteners and coupling installation
  • Shaft alignment methods and best practices
  • V-belt drives and belt tensioning
  • Chain drives, master links, lubrication concepts, and adjustment
  • Spur gear drives and backlash concepts
  • Multi-shaft drive applications and system setup

These systems pair theory with immediate application—learners study a concept, then perform the task on the trainer to reinforce retention and build confidence for real maintenance environments. This approach supports consistent outcomes across multiple cohorts and instructors.

  • CTE and STEM programs: introduce power transmission and maintenance fundamentals with safe, repeatable labs
  • Community & technical colleges: support industrial maintenance and mechanical systems coursework
  • Industry training: accelerate onboarding and upskilling for maintenance technicians and multi-craft teams
  • Workforce development: build measurable, hands-on competencies that align to employer expectations

Get a Recommended Trainer Package

Tell us what you’re teaching (and to whom), and we’ll help you select the best training solutions and implementation plan—from foundational skills to expanded training options.

X-Cal offers DAC Worldwide mechanical training tools designed to support visual learning, component inspection, and reliability-focused education. These tools help learners understand how mechanical components are constructed, how they operate internally, and where common wear and failure points occur.

DAC Worldwide training tools are ideal for reinforcing mechanical concepts, supporting predictive maintenance instruction, and complementing hands-on functional training systems.

Mechanical Cutaway from DAC Worldwide

Mechanical Cutaways & Dissectibles

Sectioned cutaways and dissectible models allow learners to see inside real industrial components such as pumps, valves, motors, and gearboxes. By exposing internal parts, flow paths, and wear surfaces, these tools help students visualize operation and failure modes that are otherwise hidden during normal use.

  • Sectioned pumps, valves, motors, and gearboxes
  • Clear visibility of internal components and assemblies
  • Identification of common wear points and failure areas
  • Ideal for demonstrations, inspections, and classroom discussion
Sample Board from DAC Worldwide

Mechanical Sample Boards

DAC Worldwide sample boards present mechanical components in a side-by-side format that supports comparison, identification, and inspection skills. Learners can examine construction differences, materials, and design features across commonly used mechanical elements.

  • Bearings, seals, couplings, and fasteners
  • Side-by-side comparison for inspection and identification
  • Supports foundational mechanical knowledge and vocabulary
  • Excellent visual aids for labs and classrooms
Extended Vibration Analysis Training System from DAC Worldwide

Alignment & Vibration Training Tools

Alignment and vibration trainers use authentic industrial hardware to introduce predictive maintenance and reliability concepts. These tools help learners understand how misalignment and vibration affect equipment performance, lifespan, and maintenance planning.

  • Hands-on exposure to alignment concepts
  • Introduction to vibration and condition monitoring principles
  • Supports predictive maintenance and reliability training
  • Reinforces inspection-based maintenance practices

How These Tools Are Commonly Used

DAC Worldwide mechanical training tools are most effective when used to support instruction, demonstrations, and inspection-based learning. They are frequently paired with functional trainers to provide both visual understanding and real-world context.

  • CTE and STEM programs introducing mechanical systems
  • Industrial maintenance and reliability coursework
  • Predictive maintenance and vibration awareness training
  • Instructor-led demonstrations and lab supplements

Complementary Training Approach

While DAC Worldwide tools excel at visualizing internal operation and component construction, many programs pair them with functional training systems for performance-based skill development. This blended approach helps learners move from understanding how components work to applying that knowledge in real maintenance environments.

Building the Future of Chemical Engineering

Friday, April 18, 2025

University of St. Thomas Expands Chemical Engineering with Pignat Training Systems

At the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas, students are preparing for real-world careers in chemical engineering through hands-on practice with industry-grade equipment. The university recently added a Batch Continuous Distillation trainer (DVI/3000) and a Gas-Liquid Absorption trainer (ABS/2000) to its new Unit of Operations Lab. These systems, manufactured by Pignat SAS and sourced through DAC Worldwide, give students direct experience with two essential separation processes: distillation and gas absorption.

Preparing the First Class of Chemical Engineers

According to Lab Manager Thomas Ciavatti, the new additions mark an important milestone for the program. Four years ago, the Physics and Engineering Department expanded to include multiple disciplines, with chemical engineering joining most recently. Thanks to these units, the University of St. Thomas will graduate its first class of chemical engineers this year.

“These process units will really give students experience with very important processes. The units that have been delivered are top quality and we’re really looking forward to our students getting the full experience with them.” — Thomas Ciavatti

Real-World Processes in the Lab

  • DVI/3000 Distillation Column – separates alcohol from water, reinforcing concepts in liquid-liquid separation.
  • ABS/2000 Absorption Unit – demonstrates gas separation, such as removing CO₂ from a gas mixture.

With these Pignat trainers, students gain an experiential grasp of core engineering concepts that can be applied across industries. For Ciavatti, this hands-on training ensures graduates leave school with knowledge layered by experience, ready to solve challenges in their future careers.

Partnering for Workforce Success

Through partnerships with Pignat and DAC Worldwide, the University of St. Thomas is equipping students to become highly skilled engineers. The program not only emphasizes technical expertise but also the university’s mission of shaping ethical, well-rounded professionals ready to make an impact in industry and society.

  • Download brochure for the Amatrol T5600 Process Instrumentation Learning System

Download the brochure for Amatrol’s Process Instrumentation Learning System (T5600) and explore a hands-on training solution designed to build real-world skills in modern process control and instrumentation.

This learning system features a wide variety of Endress+Hauser instrumentation components, including flow meters, radar level transmitters, pressure transmitters, point level switches, and an RTD temperature sensor with HART transmitter. Learners can develop practical experience with core process measurement applications involving flow, level, pressure, and temperature.

The included multimedia curriculum begins with the fundamentals of process control, safety, and documentation before progressing into 32 hands-on skills. Students also learn transmitter communications, device commissioning, configuration through local display and software tools, and diagnostic interpretation using HART and Ethernet communications.

What You’ll Find in the Brochure

  • Overview of the T5600 Process Instrumentation Learning System
  • Featured Endress+Hauser instrumentation components
  • Learning topics covering safety, documentation, and measurement applications
  • Details on HART and Ethernet communications training
  • Information about the included multimedia curriculum and hands-on skill development

Key Training Areas

  1. Process control operation safety
  2. Process documentation
  3. Level measurement and detection
  4. Pressure measurement
  5. Temperature measurement
  6. Flow measurement
  7. Transmitter communications
  8. Ethernet communications

Endress+Hauser Trainer from Amatrol

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Watch the Amatrol T5600 Process Instrumentation Learning System video to see how this advanced training system helps learners build practical skills in process control, instrumentation, and transmitter communications. Developed through a partnership between Amatrol and Endress+Hauser, this system is designed for hands-on training in calibration, commissioning, and diagnostics using industry-relevant instrumentation components.

The T5600 includes a wide variety of Endress+Hauser components, including a Promass Coriolis Flow Meter, Picomag Magnetic Flow Meter, Micropilot Free Space Radar Level Transmitter, Levelflex Guided Wave Radar Level Transmitter, Liquiphant Point Level Vibronic Switches, Cerabar Single-Ended Pressure Transmitter, Deltabar Differential Pressure Transmitter, and an iTEMP® TH13 RTD Temperature Sensor with HART Transmitter, along with two tanks and a pump.

In the video, viewers get an overview of the trainer’s measurement and detection capabilities across flow, level, pressure, and temperature, as well as its role in teaching calibration, commissioning, and diagnostic procedures. The system is also built for durability, with heavy-duty features such as stainless steel mounting panels and tubing, Swagelok compression fittings, NPT-threaded connections, anti-vibration mounting, and plastic sight tubes.

What You’ll See in This Video

  • An overview of the T5600 Process Instrumentation Learning System
  • Featured Endress+Hauser transmitters and measurement devices
  • How learners practice calibration, commissioning, and diagnostics
  • Training applications for flow, level, pressure, and temperature measurement
  • Examples of transmitter communication using HART, Bluetooth, and Ethernet
  • How the system supports engineering, electrical, process control, and industrial training programs

Hands-On Skills Covered

  1. Process control safety and documentation
  2. Flow measurement and detection
  3. Level measurement and point level detection
  4. Pressure measurement
  5. Temperature measurement
  6. Calibration and commissioning procedures
  7. Device diagnostics and troubleshooting
  8. Transmitter communication via HART, Bluetooth, and Ethernet

Learners can configure settings directly on the device, through Endress+Hauser’s SmartBlue application, or on a PC with DeviceCare software. This makes the T5600 a strong fit for programs preparing students and technicians for work in process control, instrumentation, and industrial maintenance environments.

Industrial facilities depend on reliable maintenance teams to keep equipment running safely, efficiently, and with minimal downtime. Today’s maintenance technicians need more than theory—they need hands-on experience with the mechanical systems, lubrication practices, and troubleshooting methods used in real industrial environments.

Tech-Labs provides industrial maintenance training solutions built around Amatrol hands-on learning systems that help learners practice installation, adjustment, inspection, and diagnostics. These solutions support career pathways in industrial maintenance, mechatronics support, manufacturing maintenance, and multi-craft technician roles.

Build Job-Ready Maintenance Skills

A strong industrial maintenance program develops foundational mechanical knowledge, safe work habits, and practical troubleshooting ability. Learners benefit from repeatable training exercises that reinforce real maintenance tasks—before they ever step onto a plant floor.

  • Mechanical power transmission fundamentals
  • Shaft alignment concepts and best practices
  • Belts, chains, couplings, and gear drives
  • Lubrication fundamentals and lubricant management
  • Central lubrication system operation and troubleshooting
  • Diagnostics and fault isolation using safe testing methods

Featured Training Systems

Premier High School CTE Programs | Quick Access

Amatrol offers a comprehensive lineup of Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs designed specifically for high school environments. Whether your district is implementing a 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-year CTE pathway, Amatrol provides scalable solutions that align with industry needs and classroom realities.

Built around hands-on skill development, interactive eLearning, and competency-based instruction, these programs help students gain real-world technical skills while supporting career readiness, postsecondary success, and workforce alignment. Amatrol’s CTE programs are ideal for schools seeking engaging, outcomes-driven training that supports Perkins V, local workforce initiatives, and industry-recognized credentials.

Explore programs that help students connect classroom learning to real careers.

Available High School CTE Program Areas

Manufacturing & Industrial Technology
Build foundational skills in mechanical systems, electrical systems, fluid power, and industrial maintenance to support modern manufacturing careers.
Automation, Robotics & Mechatronics
Introduce students to automated systems, PLC fundamentals, robotics, and smart manufacturing concepts used across Industry 4.0 environments.
Electrical, Electronics & Power Systems
Develop essential skills in AC/DC electricity, wiring, controls, and electrical troubleshooting for industrial and technical career pathways.
Welding, Fabrication & Skilled Trades
Prepare students for careers in welding, fabrication, and mechanical assembly with hands-on equipment and safety-focused training.
HVAC, Energy & Building Systems
Support pathways in HVAC/R, renewable energy, and building technologies with applied training aligned to real-world systems.
Process Technology & Advanced Manufacturing
Teach core concepts in fluid systems, process control, and system troubleshooting for chemical, energy, and advanced manufacturing careers.

Programs can be implemented as standalone courses or combined into multi-year pathways that support career exploration, skill progression, and postsecondary readiness.

Need help mapping a multi-year pathway? Contact us for a recommended program plan.

Today’s automotive technicians must understand increasingly complex electrical and electronic vehicle systems. From lighting and charging circuits to sensors, actuators, and body control systems, modern vehicles rely on integrated technology that requires both theoretical knowledge and hands-on diagnostic skills.

LJ Create Automotive Panel Trainers provide a safe, structured, and highly visual learning platform for teaching automotive electrical and electronic systems. Designed specifically for education and workforce training environments, these panel trainers allow students to explore real-world circuits, perform measurements, diagnose faults, and build confidence before working on live vehicles.

  • Real automotive components mounted on durable training panels
  • Clearly labeled circuits for structured learning
  • Safe, low-risk training environment
  • Supports hands-on diagnostics and troubleshooting
  • Aligned with automotive career pathways

LJ Create panel trainers allow learners to build practical skills in automotive wiring, circuit testing, and system diagnostics. Students use multimeters, test equipment, and structured lab activities to measure voltage, current, and resistance, and to analyze signal patterns.

By working on clearly organized training panels before transitioning to full vehicles, learners gain a foundational understanding while reducing the risk of component damage and improving diagnostic confidence.

  • Basic automotive electrical principles
  • Wiring diagrams and circuit interpretation
  • Lighting and accessory circuits
  • Charging and starting systems
  • Sensors and actuators
  • Body electrical systems
  • Fault finding and diagnostic procedures
  • Safe use of automotive test equipment

LJ Create Automotive Panel Trainers are ideal for high school CTE automotive programs, technical colleges, community colleges, and apprenticeship pathways. Their modular design allows institutions to select panels that align with specific curriculum goals—from foundational electrical systems to advanced electronic diagnostics.

These systems integrate easily into automotive labs and complement live-vehicle training, helping programs build structured, progressive skill-development models.

  • Automotive Technology CTE programs
  • Community and technical college automotive labs
  • Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs
  • Workforce development initiatives
  • Instructor-led or blended learning environments
Strengthen your automotive training program with hands-on panel trainers that build diagnostic confidence and real-world system understanding. Contact us today to explore available panels, curriculum alignment, and funding opportunities for your program.

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  • Learning is interactive and challenging
    Amatrol’s High School Learning Systems create the need for students to want to learn math and science – they can’t interact with the exciting technology without it. Learning is interactive and challenging, keeping them engaged and wanting to do more. The math and science so desperately needed for 80% of jobs today is a natural outcome.
  • Basic Hydraulics Learning System BH-85
    Item Number:
    BH-85
    Each Basic Hydraulics training system features standard industrial grade components. This attention to quality gives students experience they would normally only get on-the-job by helping them recognize industrial components and how to troubleshoot them more effectively. Components included with Basic Hydraulics are pre-mounted on circuit panels with silk-screened labels next to each, which facilitates ease of use and identification.
  • Amatrol Basic Pneumatics (85-BP)
    Item Number:
    85-BP
    Amatrol’s Basic Pneumatics training system (85-BP) introduces pneumatic principles through a combination of Amatrol’s top-flight multimedia curriculum with hands-on industrial pneumatic skill-building. Topics covered in this learning system include single-acting cylinder circuits, pressure vs. cylinder force, and flow control valves, while the panels can be used to practice skills such as connecting and operating a needle valve to control actuator speed.
  • Electro-Hydraulics Learning System (85-EH)
    Item Number:
    85-EH
    The Electro-Hydraulics training system includes an electrical control panel with relay control components and an electrical valve module with solenoid-operated hydraulic directional control valves and electrical/electronic sensors. These components will be used to study a variety of topics including electrical control systems, basic control devices, power devices, control relays, sequencing control, timer control, pressure control applications, and circuit applications.
  • Collaborative Robots
    Item Number:
    CR-35iA
    FANUC’s new CR-35iA is the world’s first collaborative robot with a payload capacity of up to 35 kg. Fenceless, it opens a whole new world of possibilities. Working safely side by side with human operators, it is space as well as cost saving. And because inside it’s like any other FANUC robot, it operates like all FANUC robots. Certified to meet the requirements of ISO 10218-1:2011 and RIA/ANSI R15.06-2012, FANUC’s CR-35iA collaborative robot can work in a variety of applications alongside human workers including: machine tending, handling heavy payloads that require lift assist devices or custom equipment, higher payload mechanical assembly, palletizing or packing, and tote or carton handling.
  • FANUC CR-4iA Collaborative Robot
    Item Number:
    CR-4iA
    CR-4iA is a small collaborative robot with 4 kg payload
  • FANUC Collaborative Robots
    Item Number:
    CR-7iA
    The FANUC CR-7iA is FANUC's newest collaborative robot resembles the LR Mate family. Painted green to show it's ability to work beside humans, you can expect the same reliability as FANUC's yellow robots. The CR-7iA is ideal for small part sorting and assembly, inspection, machine tending, and part delivery. It has a 7 kg payload, 717 mm reach, and is equipped with iRVision and Force Sensing. There are a variety of mounting options such as floor, wall, and ceiling.
  • Robotics Training Equipment
    FANUC’s new SCARA robots are ideal for high-speed, precision applications such as assembly, pick and place, testing/inspection and packaging processes.
  • BOFA Americas Laser Fume Extraction

    In the rare event that a burning ember or spark is drawn into the fume extraction unit, there is the possibility that debris in the filters could ignite. Although any resultant fire would typically be retained within the fume extraction unit, this would cause significant damage and in extreme circumstances, the risk may extend beyond the extraction unit. For processes where such risks have been identified, additional protection in the form of an in-line firebox is an additional precaution.

  • BOFA Advantage Range of Laser Fume Extractors

    The BOFA inline pre-filter 1000 has been designed specifically for applications that generate high amounts of dust or particulate.

    This inline filter unit is positioned alongside the main BOFA fume filtration system to increase the overall filter capacity and extend the life of the main filters. The DeepPleat DUO pre-filter incorporates a massive drop-out chamber within the filter, having a volume area of 15ltrs. Above the drop-out chamber but still within the housing there is a sealed 200mm deep pleat layer of F8 media giving a surface area in excess of 30 sq meters.

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