Whether a company is commissioning its first or its next machining center from the CHIRON Group, the CHIRON Group Academy provides the knowledge required for proficient operation, carrying out maintenance and servicing work, creating production programmes, and using the SmartLine digital systems safely.
The training programme comprises structured training formats for different areas of responsibility and levels of knowledge – ranging from the basics of service, maintenance and operation to specific topics such as programming training for swivel cycles or measuring probes. Despite the clearly defined content and objectives, no two training courses are exactly the same. »Depending on the machine solution, application and prior knowledge, we set different priorities. Sometimes we take it a notch down a gear; sometimes we have to delve really deeply into the subject matter to ensure participants take away something new,« explains Samuel Baur, Head of the CHIRON Group Academy.
CHIRON Group Academy – Meet the Team
A modern learning environment for long-term learning success
The Academy in Tuttlingen offers ideal conditions for all training courses: ten training machines from the current product range, five robots, two programming rooms with simulation workstations, and two training areas for the theoretical part are available. Training on machining centers from the major series takes place in a dedicated area of the application center. In addition, the team can provide training on machining solutions in the forum as required. A current example is the combination of the FZ 19 S five-axis machining center with the new, scalable Variocell SYSTEM gantry automation featuring the Gantry Bot.
The benefit for participants is that they train in an industrial setting which is nevertheless designed to facilitate focused learning, experimentation and in-depth study – without the time pressures and production demands of ongoing manufacturing. At the same time, the machining centers remain available for use in the customer’s own production facilities.
In 2025, the training team delivered more than 190 training courses from the training programme, with a total of 684 participants. In addition, the Academy also develops bespoke workshops, which can take place either in Tuttlingen or at the client’s premises. Alongside Academy Director Samuel Baur, Petra Kaufmann is the main point of contact – from the initial enquiry through all organisational matters to the coordination of international training courses, including simultaneous interpretation into the local language where required.
Practical knowledge – for practical application
The trainers at the CHIRON Group Academy have extensive practical experience. Programming trainers come from the applications side, whilst technical trainers often come from assembly, commissioning or the CHIRON Group Service department. Many of them have been familiar with the machining centers and manufacturing solutions through daily use for years – and pass on this knowledge directly.
Just how closely development, assembly and training are interlinked was demonstrated, for example, in the run-up to the market launch of the Micro5 XL. A trainer oversaw the construction of the current training facility right on the assembly line – from the very first screw to the finished micro-machine. This meant that training materials, practical knowledge and training expertise were already in place before series production began.
The Academy is also a key component of the internal training programme at CHIRON Group Service. New service technicians undergo a structured induction and training programme lasting several months, comprising training modules, practical phases in the assembly department and assignments alongside experienced colleagues. Among other things, Samuel Baur and his team teach skills relating to geometry, machine settings, hydraulics, pneumatics, maintenance, repairs and fault analysis – tailored to the specific areas of responsibility they will encounter in their future service roles.
Feedback from the field for the Academy
What do participants particularly appreciate about the CHIRON Group Academy’s training courses? Here is a small selection – representative of the many comments we receive from our day-to-day international training activities.
Expertise in productive manufacturing – worldwide
The training center in Tuttlingen covers the majority of global training requirements. For the US and Chinese markets, the local sites of the CHIRON Group offer their own training programmes – in Charlotte, North Carolina, and in Taicang.
As well as providing standard training, the Academy also offers support for complex automation solutions or customised, extended production systems – working alongside specialists from the development, automation or applications departments where required.
An overview of all training courses and workshops
