MTEC and MTEC-SIM Machine Tending Educational Cell by APT Manufacturing
In modern manufacturing, CNC machines are rarely operated by a person standing at the door loading and unloading parts by hand. That work is done by robots. Machine tending is one of the most common and in-demand applications of industrial robotics today, and programs that want to train students for the actual jobs that exist in manufacturing facilities need equipment that reflects that reality.
The MTEC Machine Tending Educational Cell from APT Manufacturing Solutions is designed exactly for that purpose. It is a FANUC-certified training system that teaches students real-world advanced automation integration by having them program a FANUC LR Mate robot to load and unload a CNC machining center, using the same on-board I/O, M-code communication, and integration techniques they will encounter on the job.
Klein Educational supplies the MTEC to CTE programs, community colleges, and university engineering programs across California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and Alaska. As the authorized distributor for APT Manufacturing solutions in these seven states, we help programs get the right configuration specified, installed, and running.
What is the MTEC?
The MTEC is a FANUC-certified advanced manufacturing training cell that integrates a FANUC LR Mate robot with a CNC machining center to teach the full workflow of robotic machine tending. Students who are already familiar with CNC or robots get the opportunity to take their training to the next level by learning how those two technologies communicate and work together in a real production environment.
The system uses the on-board I/O built into the FANUC LR Mate to synchronize operations with the CNC machine using M codes in the CNC program. All communication input and output is pre-configured and ready for integration, so students can focus on learning the programming and integration logic rather than getting bogged down in setup. The MTEC is designed to integrate with small to medium-sized CNC machinery and comes pre-loaded with load and unload program templates so learners can begin building integration skills without needing to write complex programs from scratch.
The MTEC-SIM variant is available for programs that do not yet have a physical CNC machine. It uses a FANUC CNC Educational Simulator that provides real CNC programming with simulated cutting, covering both 3-axis milling and 2-axis turning in one compact, self-contained cell. The MTEC-SIM allows students to receive FANUC robot certifications and CNC certifications in a single system, making it an exceptionally cost-effective entry point for programs building toward a full MTEC or CSM configuration.
What students and trainees learn
The MTEC covers the advanced automation integration skills that employers in CNC machining, robotics, and manufacturing maintenance consistently need:
FANUC LR Mate robot programming and operation
Robot to CNC machine communication using on-board I/O and M codes
CNC load and unload program development and execution
Template-based part location and pick and place programming
Air blowoff path programming for chip removal
Fenceless safety cell operation using area scanners
Optional iRVision 2D for error proofing and vision-guided picking
Front-load and side-load CNC machine configurations
Robot tool handling and end-of-arm tooling operation
Maintenance and troubleshooting of integrated robot and CNC systems
The MTEC-SIM additionally covers FANUC CNC operation and programming for both milling and turning, robot to CNC simulator communication, and FANUC Certified Education CNC training for milling and turning, all within a single compact cell.
Although the MTEC is considered a Level 3 advanced manufacturing system, it can also be used to reinforce Level 1 and Level 2 concepts, making it a versatile investment for programs at different stages of their robotics and CNC curriculum development.
FANUC CERT certifications supported
The MTEC and MTEC-SIM are fully supported by FANUC's Certified Education Robot Training (CERT) program, one of the most widely recognized credential pathways in industrial robotics education. The MTEC supports certifications in Robot Material Handling and iRVision 2D at Levels I and II. The MTEC-SIM extends that to include FANUC CNC certifications at Levels I and II as well as NIMS credentials, giving students a pathway to multiple industry-recognized credentials from a single system.
Instructor training and tool kits are available, including online seats for CERT Cart Safety Features, Robot Operations, and HandlingTool or ArcTool Operation and Programming courses.
System design and practical features
The MTEC is built around APT Manufacturing's modular robot cart design, using welded steel construction that is durable enough for daily classroom use. The cart fits through a standard 36-inch doorway for easy transport between classrooms or facilities, includes four-side pickup and transport points, and runs on a standard 120 VAC power connection. An optional on-board air compressor is available for self-contained operation without needing a facility air supply.
The drawer-based blank part loading system is designed for safe, repeatable operation and can be reconfigured for different part types as program needs evolve. An optional built-in Kennedy toolbox provides convenient storage for tooling and accessories. The fenceless safety configuration uses an area scanner to monitor the robot work envelope, allowing learners to observe and interact with the system safely without the visual obstruction of a full perimeter fence.
Why machine tending training matters now
Robotic machine tending is one of the fastest-growing applications of industrial robotics across the manufacturing sector. As labor costs rise and CNC machine utilization becomes a more critical factor in facility productivity, manufacturers are rapidly adding robots to tend machines that previously required dedicated operators. The technicians who understand how to program, integrate, and maintain those robot and CNC systems are in high demand and command strong wages across aerospace, automotive, medical device, and precision manufacturing industries.
Programs that teach machine tending integration are giving students skills that go directly to some of the most in-demand job openings in advanced manufacturing today. The MTEC provides the clearest possible pathway from classroom to career in that specific skill area.
How Klein Educational supports your program
Klein Educational is more than an equipment supplier. We work with CTE directors, college department heads, and workforce administrators from the first conversation through installation and beyond. That includes needs assessment, equipment specification, lab layout planning, and staff training.
As the authorized distributor for APT Manufacturing solutions in the western US, we have direct access to the full MTEC system, curriculum, and support infrastructure, which means faster service and deeper product knowledge than you will find anywhere else in the region.
Frequently asked questions
What is the MTEC? The MTEC is a FANUC-certified Machine Tending Educational Cell from APT Manufacturing Solutions that teaches students how to integrate a FANUC LR Mate robot with a CNC machining center. Students program the robot to load and unload the CNC machine using on-board I/O and M-code communication, learning the real-world automation integration skills used in advanced manufacturing facilities.
What is the difference between the MTEC and the MTEC-SIM? The MTEC integrates with a physical CNC machining center such as the FANUC ROBODRILL. The MTEC-SIM uses a FANUC CNC Educational Simulator instead, providing real CNC programming with simulated cutting for both milling and turning in a single compact, self-contained cell that does not require a physical CNC machine.
What FANUC certifications can students earn with the MTEC?The MTEC supports FANUC CERT certifications in Robot Material Handling and iRVision 2D at Levels I and II. The MTEC-SIM additionally supports FANUC CNC certifications at Levels I and II and NIMS credentials, allowing students to earn multiple industry-recognized credentials from a single system.
Does the MTEC require a dedicated air supply?The MTEC operates on a standard 120 VAC power connection. An optional on-board air compressor is available for programs that need fully self-contained operation without a facility air supply.
Who is the MTEC designed for?The MTEC is designed for students and trainees who already have foundational CNC or robot programming experience and are ready to advance to real-world automation integration. It is suitable for high school CTE programs with advanced manufacturing pathways, community colleges, and workforce development programs.
Does Klein Educational help with lab setup and installation? Yes. Klein works with programs from needs assessment through equipment specification, lab layout, installation, and staff training. We guide the entire process so your program is set up correctly from day one.
What states does Klein Educational serve? We serve California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and Alaska as the authorized distributor for APT Manufacturing solutions in these seven states.
Ready to Bring Machine Tending Training to Your Program?
Whether you are adding robot and CNC integration to an existing program or building a pathway toward a full CSM configuration, our team will help you find the right MTEC solution for your space, budget, and goals.