50-442-526Automation, CNC and Lean Manufacturing
Course Information
Description
This is the sixth course in the related instruction portion of the Welder-Fabricator Apprenticeship program. This course introduces the apprentice to CNC, automation, exotic materials, lean manufacturing, and welding standards, certifications, and qualifications.
Total Credits
2

Course Competencies
  1. Operate CNC plasma arc cutting equipment (8 hours)
    Assessment Strategies
    by submitting completed learning activity worksheets to your instructor for review and feedback
    by participating in classroom discussions
    by demonstrating skills related to this competency during shop, lab, and classroom performance
    by producing finished parts and submitting them to your instructor for review and feedback
    Criteria
    apprentice interprets job specifications
    apprentice performs routine equipment inspections before starting jobs
    apprentice works safely around computer controlled and CNC equipment and machines
    apprentice selects tooling
    apprentice programs equipment
    apprentice set-ups equipment
    apprentice visually inspects workmanship
    apprentice verifies quality of CNC produced products and parts
    apprentice takes corrective action when necessary
    apprentice performs routine maintenance according to manufacturer's recommendations

  2. Operate CNC oxy-fuel cutting equipment (8 hours)
    Assessment Strategies
    by submitting completed learning activity worksheets to your instructor for review and feedback
    by participating in classroom discussions
    by demonstrating skills related to this competency during shop, lab, and classroom performance
    by producing finished parts and submitting them to your instructor for review and feedback
    Criteria
    apprentice interprets job specifications
    apprentice performs routine equipment inspections before starting jobs
    apprentice works safely around computer controlled and CNC equipment and machines
    apprentice selects tooling
    apprentice programs equipment
    apprentice set-ups equipment
    apprentice visually inspects workmanship
    apprentice verifies quality of CNC produced products and parts
    apprentice takes corrective action when necessary
    apprentice performs routine maintenance according to manufacturer's recommendations

  3. Operate automated welding equipment (8 hours)
    Assessment Strategies
    by submitting completed learning activity worksheets to your instructor for review and feedback
    by participating in classroom discussions
    by demonstrating skills related to this competency during shop, lab, and classroom performance
    by producing finished parts and submitting them to your instructor for review and feedback
    Criteria
    apprentice interprets job specifications
    apprentice performs routine equipment inspections before starting jobs
    apprentice works safely around computer controlled equipment and machines
    apprentice selects tooling
    apprentice programs equipment
    apprentice set-ups equipment
    apprentice visually inspects workmanship
    apprentice verifies quality of produced products and parts
    apprentice takes corrective action when necessary
    apprentice performs routine maintenance according to manufacturer's recommendations

  4. Operate automated equipment used in metal fabrication (16 hours)
    Assessment Strategies
    by submitting completed learning activity worksheets to your instructor for review and feedback
    by participating in classroom discussions
    by demonstrating skills related to this competency during shop, lab, and classroom performance
    Criteria
    apprentice interprets job specifications
    apprentice performs routine equipment inspections before starting jobs
    apprentice works safely around automated equipment and machines
    apprentice selects tooling
    apprentice programs equipment
    apprentice set-ups equipment
    apprentice visually inspects workmanship
    apprentice verifies quality of products and parts produced with automated machines
    apprentice takes corrective action when necessary
    apprentice performs routine maintenance according to manufacturer's recommendations

  5. Compare thermal plastic welding to traditional welding techniques (4 hours)
    Assessment Strategies
    by submitting completed learning activity worksheets to your instructor for review and feedback
    by participating in classroom discussions
    by demonstrating skills related to this competency during shop, lab, and classroom performance
    Criteria
    apprentice interprets prints, plans, and technical information pertaining to thermal plastic welding work processes
    apprentice prepares plastic parts for thermal welding properly
    apprentice fabricates plastic parts according to prints and job specifications
    apprentice welds plastic components according to job specifications
    apprentice welds plastic components according to industry standards
    apprentice demonstrates safe work practices while welding plastics
    apprentice verifies work and self-inspects finished products

  6. Compare welding fabrication techniques for exotic metals to traditional techniques (4 hours)
    Assessment Strategies
    by submitting completed learning activity worksheets to your instructor for review and feedback
    by participating in classroom discussions
    by demonstrating skills related to this competency during shop, lab, and classroom performance
    Criteria
    apprentice interprets prints, plans, and technical information pertaining to exotic materials
    apprentice prepares parts and materials made out of exotic metals properly
    apprentice fabricates parts made out of exotic metals according to prints and job specifications
    apprentice welds exotic metals such as according to job specifications
    apprentice welds exotic metals according to industry standards
    apprentice demonstrates safe work practices while welding exotic metals
    apprentice verifies work and self-inspects finished products
    apprentice differentiates different techniques for exotic metals and traditional metals

  7. Demonstrate advanced print reading for automation and CNC (8 hours)
    Assessment Strategies
    by submitting completed learning activity worksheets to your instructor for review and feedback
    by participating in classroom discussions
    by demonstrating skills related to this competency during shop, lab, and classroom performance
    Criteria
    apprentice interprets prints related to welding and fabrication automation accurately
    apprentice interprets prints related to computer-based or CNC operations
    apprentice uses CNC and automation terminology accurately
    apprentice locates CNC programming and computer-based information found on prints

  8. Compare various welding standards, qualifications, and certifications (8 hours)
    Assessment Strategies
    by submitting completed learning activity worksheets to your instructor for review and feedback
    by participating in classroom discussions
    by presenting an oral/verbal summary of welding standards, qualifications, and certifications
    Criteria
    apprentice summarizes welding standards accurately
    apprentice explains welding qualifications available to the trade
    apprentice relates welding certifications to employer requirements and customer needs
    apprentice locates related information via the Internet and other resources
    apprentice interprets technical information as it applies to work processes
    apprentice plans for continuing education and future training
    apprentice presents information in a style and tone consistent with the audience's level of interest and level of knowledge or understanding
    delivery holds audience attention; you are energetic and enthusiastic
    apprentice maintains eye contact with audience
    apprentice uses acceptable language
    introduction includes an overview of the main points
    main points are clear and concise
    sufficient supporting material is used to inform the audience
    conclusion includes a summary of the main points
    visual aid (including any words or pictures on the visual) is large enough to be seen by the audience

  9. Summarize how welding-fabrication supports lean manufacturing (8 hours)
    Assessment Strategies
    by submitting completed learning activity worksheets to your instructor for review and feedback
    by responding to a case study selected by your instructor
    by submitting a written summary of lean manufacturing related welding-fabrication practices from your worksite
    Criteria
    summary identifies the key points
    apprentice summarizes how welding-fabrication supports lean manufacturing plans and priorities
    summary includes only relevant and necessary details
    summary is concise without being sketchy
    summary evidences correct grammar, punctuation and spelling
    apprentice links welding work processes to lean manufacturing (or other related manufacturing projects such as ISO, green, quality)
    apprentice links fabrication work processes to lean manufacturing
    apprentice links cutting and assembly work processes to lean manufacturing
    apprentice writes clearly and succinctly and work is error free