CORE OBJECTIVES

1. Develop a Strong Understanding of Welding Technologies

• – Welding Processes: Teach students about various welding techniques, such as arc welding, gas welding, laser welding, and friction welding, with a focus on their applications, advantages, and limitations.
• – Welding Metallurgy: Equip students with knowledge of the materials science behind welding, including the impact of heat on material properties, weldability, and the selection of welding materials for specific applications.
• – Weld Joint Design: Educate students on the design and analysis of welded joints, including the selection of welding procedures based on joint geometry, material properties, and the required strength and durability.

2. Advanced Fabrication Techniques and Processes

• – Metal Forming: Provide students with a deep understanding of metal forming processes such as rolling, forging, stamping, and bending, and their applications in the manufacturing of mechanical components and structures.
• – Cutting and Machining: Teach students advanced techniques in cutting, machining, and shaping materials, including laser cutting, plasma cutting, and waterjet cutting, focusing on precision and efficiency in fabrication.
• – Additive Manufacturing: Introduce students to additive manufacturing (3D printing) and its applications in mechanical fabrication, particularly in producing complex geometries and prototypes.

3. Material Selection and Performance

• – Material Science: Equip students with an understanding of materials science, including the properties of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, and how these materials are used in welding and fabrication processes.
• – Heat Treatment and Stress Analysis: Teach students how to apply heat treatment techniques to improve the properties of materials, such as hardness, tensile strength, and toughness, and analyze stress distribution in fabricated components.
• – Corrosion and Surface Treatment: Provide students with knowledge of corrosion mechanisms, and introduce surface treatments such as coatings, plating, and anodizing, to protect welded and fabricated components in harsh environments.

4. Quality Control and Inspection

• – Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Introduce students to various NDT methods such as ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing, and magnetic particle inspection, to assess the quality and integrity of welded joints and fabricated components without damaging them.
• – Weld Inspection and Certification: Teach students how to perform visual inspection, dimensional checks, and destructive testing to ensure that welded joints meet industry standards and codes. Prepare students for relevant welding certification programs.
• – Quality Assurance in Fabrication: Equip students with skills to develop and implement quality control systems in mechanical fabrication processes, including documentation, process validation, and adherence to industry standards and regulations.

5. Design for Fabrication and Manufacturing

• – CAD/CAM in Fabrication: Teach students how to use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software to design and optimize welded and fabricated components for efficient production.
• – Design for Assembly and Fabrication (DFA): Introduce students to design principles that reduce the complexity and cost of fabrication and assembly processes, improving manufacturing efficiency.
• – Finite Element Analysis (FEA): Educate students on using FEA software for structural analysis and optimization, ensuring the integrity and performance of fabricated components under different loading conditions.

6. Welding and Fabrication Automation

• – Welding Robotics and Automation: Equip students with knowledge of automated welding systems, including robotic arms, CNC welding machines, and the integration of automation into the welding and fabrication process to improve precision and efficiency.
• – Industrial Automation Systems: Teach students how to design, implement, and maintain industrial automation systems for welding and mechanical fabrication operations, including conveyor systems, material handling, and automated quality control.
• – Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0: Introduce students to smart manufacturing concepts, including the use of sensors, IoT (Internet of Things), and data analytics to optimize fabrication processes and improve decision-making.

7. Sustainability in Welding and Fabrication

• – Energy Efficiency in Fabrication: Educate students on strategies to reduce energy consumption in welding and fabrication processes, including the selection of efficient machines and techniques, and the design of low-energy systems.
• – Sustainable Manufacturing Practices: Teach students how to incorporate sustainability into fabrication processes, such as reducing waste, recycling materials, and utilizing eco-friendly materials and techniques in welding and fabrication.
• – Environmental Impact of Welding: Provide students with an understanding of the environmental impact of welding and mechanical fabrication, including emissions, hazardous materials, and waste disposal, and introduce solutions to mitigate these impacts.

8. Project Management and Leadership in Fabrication

• – Manufacturing Project Management: Equip students with the skills to manage fabrication projects, including budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management in large-scale fabrication and welding projects.
• – Team Leadership and Collaboration: Develop leadership and teamwork skills to manage fabrication teams, collaborate across disciplines, and ensure the successful completion of fabrication projects on time and within budget.
• – Communication Skills for Fabrication Professionals: Teach students how to effectively communicate technical information to clients, suppliers, and team members, through reports, presentations, and meetings.

9. Health, Safety, and Regulatory Compliance

• – Welding Safety: Equip students with knowledge of safety protocols and practices in welding, including the proper use of protective equipment, ventilation systems, and fire prevention techniques in welding environments.
• – Fabrication Safety Standards: Teach students the safety standards and regulations governing mechanical fabrication operations, including OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines and industry-specific safety practices.
• – Regulatory Compliance in Welding and Fabrication: Provide students with an understanding of industry regulations, codes, and certifications related to welding and fabrication, such as ISO standards, ASME codes, and the American Welding Society (AWS) certifications.

10. Lifelong Learning and Professional Development

• – Commitment to Lifelong Learning: Instill a mindset of continuous professional development, encouraging students to stay current with new welding techniques, fabrication technologies, and industry best practices.
• – Research and Innovation in Welding and Fabrication: Encourage students to engage in research and development projects that lead to new welding technologies, materials, and fabrication methods, contributing to innovation in the field.