BERKOA DELIVERS 13 IKASMAK 5.1 MACHINES AWARDED BY BASQUE GOVERNMENT TO VOCATIONAL EDUCATION CENTRES

Throughout the month of March, the cooperative Berkoa Machine Tools has delivered and commissioned the multi-process machines designed and manufactured for the teaching sector. The tender issued by the Department of Education through the Vocational Education Centre for the manufacture of 13 IkasMak 5.1 machines was aimed at properly equipping the Basque Country’s Integrated Training Centres.

What makes IkasMak 5.1 unique is that it is a machine that brings together the features of several machines we can find in the realm of advanced manufacturing education in one single machine. IkasMak 5.1 operates in conventional format like a manual lathe or milling machine and in automatic format like a CNC lathe or milling machine. These characteristics also render it capable of operating as a multi-process milling-lathing machine. With the right training modules, the equipment can be used to accelerate the training of students and teach skills ranging from basic machining processes to more complex CNC-controlled processes.

This machine is a real example of smart industry, Industry 4.0, since it is digitalised, which means that thanks to a series of sensors embedded in the machine itself, we can obtain relevant information in real time, which can be gathered and stored in the cloud and later accessed to provide information relating to maintenance, possible issues, etc.

Furthermore, the machine has another unique feature, i.e. virtual reality, in the form of “learning by doing” gamification. This uses 3D headsets to enable students to carry out simulations of learning in real-world settings. This enhances the efficiency of student learning since the user can learn to tackle complex technical procedures and risk situations which they would otherwise end up doing by trial and error.

After delivery, the teachers in the vocational educational centres receiving the equipment underwent two training courses. These sessions were held on the premises of Berkoa Machine Tools and mark the end of the overall project.  The teaching staff were from the following centres: Miguel Altuna Lanbide Heziketa, CIFP Aretxabaleta, Izarraitz Lanbide Heziketa, CIFP Bidasoa, Easo Politeknikoa, Iurreta Lanbide Heziketa, Bidebieta Formación Profesional, Elorrieta Erreka Mari and Laudioaldea Lanbide Eskola. The training was carried out in three parts. First of all, the Berkoa team explained the design, manufacture and operation. Then, the staff of Fagor Automation presented the digitalisation options available and, to conclude, Innovae led the teachers through a simulation with virtual reality headsets.

This month, Berkoa Machine Tools delivered and commissioned a BFW-40/2000 welding machine manufactured by Izar Cutting Tools. In addition, after participating in the Unire trade fair with its technology partner, Lortek, in March, the Gipuzkoa-based cooperative is involved in several negotiation processes. Berkoa also intends to participate the Subcontracting fair to be held at the BEC in order to continue promoting SoldAvanza, its advanced welding machine available for subcontracting, prototypes and testing.