Metal Fabrication & Joining

Freshman Program

The Freshman Metal Fabrication program provides a strong foundation in the fundamentals of metalworking. Key areas of focus include:

• Safety: Prioritizing safety in the shop environment, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and understanding safety regulations.
• Tool Usage: Learning to use hand tools and power tools safely and effectively.
• Metalworking Basics: Acquiring skills in cutting, forming, and joining metals.
• Blueprint Reading: Interpreting prints and technical drawings to understand fabrication operations and design specifications.
• Shop Math: Applying basic math concepts to metalworking calculations.
• Career Exploration: Investigating various career paths within the metalworking industry.

Through hands-on projects, students will develop practical skills and a strong work ethic. They will also learn the importance of precision, accuracy, and attention to detail in metalworking.

Sophomore Program

The Sophomore Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies course builds upon the foundational skills acquired in the freshman year. Key areas of focus include:

• Metalworking Techniques: Advancing skills in metalworking techniques, such as welding, cutting, bending, and forming.
• Print Reading and Interpretation: Reading and interpreting sketches, basic prints and technical drawings.
• Welding Processes: Gaining proficiency in various welding processes, including shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW).
• Power equipment and tools: Utilizing equipment such as shears, saws, presses, brakes, drill presses to cut and shape metal components.
• Quality Control: Understanding quality control measures and inspection techniques.
• Safety Practices: Prioritizing safety in the shop environment, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety regulations such as OSHA and the Hot Works Program.

By the end of the sophomore year, students will have a strong foundation in metal fabrication and joining, as well as 3 welding processes, enabling them to tackle more complex projects in their junior and senior years.

Sophomore Related Class 2

Metal Fabrication and Joining Tools and Technology Uses

The Sophomore Metal Fabrication theory course provides students with advanced skills and knowledge in metal fabrication and joining. Key areas of focus include:

• Advanced Welding Techniques: Mastering advanced welding techniques, including TIG, MIG, and oxy-fuel welding.
• Metal Forming: Exploring various metal forming techniques, such as bending, rolling, and forging.
• CAD/CAM Integration: Using CAD/CAM software to design and manufacture complex metal parts.
• Quality Control and Inspection: Implementing quality control measures to ensure product quality and adherence to industry standards.
• Project Management: Managing fabrication projects, including scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.

Through hands-on projects and real-world applications, students will develop the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the metalworking industry.

Junior Program

The Junior Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies course provides a comprehensive understanding of metal fabrication techniques and the application of industry-standard equipment. Key areas of focus include:

• Print Reading and Interpretation: Effectively interpreting design prints and technical drawings to understand design specifications.
• Layout and Fabrication Techniques: Applying layout techniques, such as parallel line, radial line, and triangulation, to accurately mark and cut metal components.
• Welding Processes: Mastering various welding processes, including SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, and GTAW, to join steel aluminum metal components securely.
• Cutting Techniques: Utilizing Air-Arc, oxy-fuel cutting and plasma arc cutting to cut metal materials to precise dimensions.
• CNC Machining: Operating CNC press brakes and CNC plasma cutting machines to automate fabrication processes.
• Quality Control: Ensuring the quality and accuracy of fabricated components through inspection and testing.

By the end of the junior year, students will be well-prepared to tackle complex fabrication projects and demonstrate proficiency in a variety of metalworking techniques. They will be ready to apply their skills in real-world settings, such as sheet metal manufacturing, heavy construction, marine construction and maintenance, wind energy, aerospace, and medical fabrication.

Junior Related 2

Technical Math / Technical Layout

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the mathematical principles and layout techniques essential for metal fabrication. Key topics include:

• Basic Mathematics: Review of fundamental mathematical operations, including arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
• Measurement Systems: Understanding different units of measurement (e.g., inches, millimeters) and converting between them.
• Geometric Principles: Applying geometric concepts, such as angles, triangles, and circles, to solve metalworking problems.
• Trigonometry: Using trigonometric functions to calculate angles, distances, and dimensions.
• Print Reading and Interpretation: Reading and interpreting technical drawings, including orthographic and isometric views.
• Layout Techniques: Developing layout skills, such as parallel line, radial line, and triangulation layouts.
• Tolerance and Precision: Understanding the importance of precision and tolerance in metal fabrication.
• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Applying mathematical and technical skills to solve real-world metalworking problems.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Apply mathematical principles to metal fabrication calculations.
• Read and interpret sketches, Prints and code terminology accurately.
• Develop precise layouts for metal components.
• Solve complex metalworking problems.
• Use measuring tools effectively.
• Understand the importance of precision and accuracy in metal fabrication.

Senior Program

The Senior Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies course provides students with advanced skills and knowledge to prepare them for careers in the metal fabrication industry. Key areas of focus include:

• Advanced Welding Techniques: Mastering advanced welding techniques, including welding carbon steels, stainless, aluminum and alloys.
• Welding Inspection and Testing: Understanding welding inspection techniques, such as visual inspection, dye penetrant, radiographic testing, and magnetic particle testing.
• Fabrication Project Management: Planning, scheduling, and managing their time throughout live fabrication projects.
• Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM): Utilizing CAD/CAM software to design and program CNC cutting and forming machines for precise fabrication.
• Quality Control: Implementing quality control measures to ensure the accuracy and precision of fabricated components to the applicable standards.
• Industry Standards and Codes: Adhering to industry standards and codes.

Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience, students will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the metal fabrication industry. By the end of the senior year, students will be well-prepared to enter the workforce or pursue further education in engineering or manufacturing. They will have the skills and certifications to work in a variety of metal fabrication settings, including manufacturing plants, construction sites, sheet metal manufacturing, heavy construction, marine construction and maintenance, wind energy, aerospace, and medical component fabrication.

Senior Related 2

Job Estimation and Entrepreneurship – Elective

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the business aspects of metal fabrication. Key topics include:

• Job Estimating:
  • Analyzing blueprints and specifications to determine project scope.
  • Estimating labor, material, and overhead costs.
  • Developing accurate project quotes.
• Business Planning:
  • Creating a business plan, including executive summary, market analysis, financial projections, and operational plans.
  • Identifying target markets and developing marketing strategies.
• Financial Management:
  • Understanding financial statements, budgeting, and cost control.
  • Managing cash flow and inventory.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to safety regulations, labor laws, and environmental regulations.
• Customer Relations: Building strong relationships with clients and understanding customer needs.
• Professional Development: Developing strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Develop accurate job estimates.
• Create comprehensive business plans.
• Manage finances effectively.
• Build strong customer relationships.
• Navigate the legal and regulatory landscape of the metal fabrication industry.
• Successfully manage a metal fabrication business.

Certifications

Post-Secondary Education

Upon completion of Metal Fabrication and Joining Technologies Program, students will be better prepared for post-secondary education in the follow courses of study:

• Formal metalworking apprenticeship programs such as; iron worker, pipefitter, sheet metal, marine and wind energy trades.
• Engineering degree programs; structural, mechanical, and metallurgical engineering.
• Armed forces construction metal working specialties schools.
• Art Colleges with concentrations in architectural metal designs, metal art construction and sculpture.