The FMA Metal Fabrication Lab at Harper College in Palatine (Chicago), Ill. is set to host a brand new, week-long, intensive training course this July. Most courses offered by FMA focus on only one topic or process. The Fundamentals of Metal Fabrication Hands-on Workshop offers attendees an opportunity to improve their knowledge and functional skills across the entire scope of metal fabrication. It’s a great opportunity not only to develop the expertise of operators or welders, but also for cross-training of engineers, managers, and emerging leaders.

Kurt Billsten, Harper’s program coordinator for advanced manufacturing, and Darrin Bax, Harper adjunct faculty, will lead participants through a variety of metal fabrication basic processes including: cutting, forming, and welding/joining. Attendees will get the opportunity to use state-of-the art equipment inside the new lab during hands-on exercises.

Some of the equipment in the lab includes a Mitsubishi CO₂ laser, Amada 89-ton press brake, Panasonic robotic welding cell, plate roller, and ironworker. Many of these pieces of equipment were donated by FMA members to help teach the future of manufacturing and better the regional employment base.

Additionally, local industry professionals will guest teach, bringing real-life issues and solutions to targeted subjects such as: laser cutting, punch press, metrology, and robotic welding. Participants will also have the opportunity to take FMA’s Fundamentals of Metal Fabrication Certificate Exam, a great achievement to compliment your resume.

Check out the schedule-at-a-glance and additional details at fmanet.org/handsonworkshop. The workshop will run July 18-22 with full training sessions and optional overtime in the evening for more hands-on practice.