Classes and training

Hour 1: Introduction to Welding

• • Overview of welding processes
• • Safety precautions and equipment
• • Types of welding: MIG, TIG, Stick

Hour 2: Hands-On Practice

• • Setting up the welding equipment
• • Welding practice on steel

Hour 3: Welding Techniques

• • Learning various welding techniques
• • Creating basic welds

Hour 4: Q&A and Review

• • Troubleshooting common welding issues
• • Review of class and next steps

Hour 1

• • Overview of milling machines and their applications
• • Cranking handles, first test cut
• • Explanation of the main components of a manual milling machine
• • Safety considerations when operating a manual milling machine
• • Introduction to basic milling terminology

Hour 2

• • Mill tools overview
• • Power feed & DRO settings
• • Checking squareness
• • Part setup

Hour 3-6

• • Intro mill/drill project (drill block)

Introduction to Manual Lathe Operations (30 minutes)

• • Overview of lathe machines and their applications
• • Explanation of key components of a manual lathe
• • Importance of lathe operations in machining

Lathe Safety and PPE (20 minutes)

• • Review of general lathe safety protocols
• • Proper use of PPE
• • Common hazards and accident prevention

Lathe Tools, Components, Setup (60 minutes)

• • Overview of common lathe cutting tools
• • Selection and application of cutting tools
• • Hands-on practice with tool changes and adjustments
• • Major lathe components
• • Workpiece setup and securing
• • Common workholding devices

Chuck Center Project Demo (60 minutes)

• • Hands-on Chuck Center project: creating a centered cylindrical piece

Basic Turning Operations (40 minutes)

• • Facing, turning, and chamfering
• • Practical demonstration
• • Tips for precision

Advanced Turning & Troubleshooting (30 minutes)

• • Intro to taper turning
• • Troubleshooting common issues
• • Q&A

Project Completion, Recap, Closing (180 minutes)

• • Complete and assess the Chuck Center project
• • Recap key concepts and takeaways
• • Distribution of additional resources

Hour 1: Introduction to CNC Machining

• • Overview of CNC machines and applications
• • Safety and machine setup

Hour 2: CNC Machine Operation

• • Hands-on experience with CNC mills
• • Programming basics

Hour 3: Advanced CNC Techniques

• • More complex programming
• • Precision milling

Hour 4: CNC Lathe Operation

• • Introduction to CNC lathes
• • Hands-on experience

Hour 5: CNC Project

• • Students program and execute a project

Hour 6: Q&A and Review

• • Troubleshooting and advanced techniques
• • Review of class and next steps

Hour 1: Electronics Basics

• • Introduction to components
• • Safety and equipment

Hour 2: Circuit Building

• • Hands-on circuit building
• • Understanding schematics

Hour 3: Soldering Workshop

• • Soldering techniques
• • Building a simple electronic project

Hour 1: Introduction to Blacksmithing

• • History and safety
• • Tools and equipment

Hour 2: Forging Techniques

• • Basic forging techniques
• • Creating simple projects

Hour 3: Advanced Forging

• • Complex projects and techniques
• • Shaping and bending metal

Hour 4: Heat Treatment

• • Heat treating and tempering

Hour 5: Q&A and Review

• • Troubleshooting and advanced techniques
• • Review of class and next steps

Hour 1: Intro to PLC and Industrial Robots

• • Overview of industrial automation
• • Introduction to PLCs and robot systems

Hour 2: Basics of PLC Programming

• • Understanding ladder logic
• • Hands-on practice with PLCs

Hour 3: Industrial Robot Basics

• • Introduction to robot programming

Hour 4: Robot Programming Practice

• • Hands-on programming exercises

Hour 5: Advanced PLC Programming

• • Complex ladder logic programming
• • Integration with robots

Hour 6: Advanced Robot Programming

• • Advanced robot control techniques

Hour 7: Real-World Applications

• • Applications in manufacturing
• • Troubleshooting and maintenance

Hour 8: Q&A and Review

• • Review of class and next steps

Session 1: Introduction to Hardware Hacking (3 hours)

• • Overview of hardware hacking (30 minutes)
• • Basic electronics review and soldering (1 hour)
• • Reverse engineering: disassembly and analysis (1 hour)
• • Embedded systems overview (30 minutes)

Session 2: Hands-on Projects (3 hours)

• • Identifying vulnerabilities (1 hour)
• • Hardware modification techniques (1 hour)
• • Hardware-based project with microcontrollers (1 hour)
• • Project showcase and ethical discussion (30 minutes)

Materials

• • Old devices (routers, laptops, smartphones)
• • Soldering tools, multimeter, wire tools
• • Breadboards, jumper wires, Arduino or similar
• • Basic electronic components

Session 1: Hands-on Experiments and Installation (4 hours)

• • Hands-on installation (1 hour)
• • Calibration demonstration (1 hour)
• • Practical applications overview (1 hour)
• • Hands-on calibration (1 hour)

Session 2: Theory and Troubleshooting (4 hours)

• • Intro to load cells and strain gauges (1 hour)
• • Strain measurement techniques (1 hour)
• • Troubleshooting and maintenance (1 hour)
• • Practical application discussion (1 hour)

Sessions 1-2 (4 hours)

• • Advanced ladder logic instructions
• • Sequencers and state machines

Sessions 3-4 (4 hours)

• • Structured text programming
• • Advanced data types and algorithms

Sessions 5-6 (4 hours)

• • Industrial communication protocols
• • Network configuration and troubleshooting

Sessions 7-8 (2 hours)

• • Motion control programming
• • Synchronization and camming

Sessions 9-10 (2 hours)

• • PID control principles
• • Tuning PID controllers

Sessions 11-12 (2 hours)

• • Advanced troubleshooting techniques

Sessions 13-16 (4 hours)

• • SCADA integration
• • Real-time monitoring and control

Sessions 17-18 (2 hours)

• • PLC security and best practices

Sessions 19-20 (2 hours)

• • Project and industrial case studies

Sessions 1-2 (4 hours)

• • Advanced robot languages
• • Intro to ROS

Sessions 3-4 (4 hours)

• • Trajectory planning
• • Motion control techniques

Sessions 5-6 (4 hours)

• • Vision system integration
• • Object recognition

Sessions 7-8 (4 hours)

• • Collaborative robot programming
• • Safety considerations

Sessions 9-10 (4 hours)

• • Sensor integration for adaptive robotics

Sessions 11-12 (2 hours)

• • Advanced tool path planning

Sessions 13-14 (4 hours)

• • Simulation and offline programming

Sessions 15-16 (2 hours)

• • Real-time control and monitoring

Sessions 17-18 (4 hours)

• • Industry-specific applications and case studies

Sessions 19-20 (4 hours)

• • Capstone project and review

Sessions 1-2 (4 hours)

• • SDR overview
• • Hardware/software platforms

Sessions 3-4 (4 hours)

• • SDR hardware exploration
• • Setup and calibration

Sessions 5-6 (4 hours)

• • Signal processing basics
• • Modulation/demodulation

Sessions 7-8 (4 hours)

• • FM radio receiver project

Sessions 9-10 (4 hours)

• • ADS-B receiver project

Sessions 11-12 (4 hours)

• • Weather satellite receiver project

Sessions 13-14 (4 hours)

• • Digital voice communications

Sessions 15-16 (4 hours)

• • Spectrum sensing and monitoring

Sessions 17-20 (8 hours)

• • FMCW radar and beamforming capstone

Session 21 (2 hours)

• • Passive radar with Kraken SDR

Session 1: Hands-on Demonstration and Fundamentals (6 hours)

• • Fiber optic sensor setup (2 hours)
• • Introduction to fiber optic strain measurement (1 hour)
• • Types of fiber optic sensors (1 hour)
• • Data acquisition and instrumentation (1 hour)
• • Interpretation of fiber optic strain data (1 hour)

Session 2: Advanced Techniques and Applications (6 hours)

• • Advanced fiber optic sensing techniques (1 hour)
• • Real-world applications (1 hour)
• • System design and deployment exercise (2 hours)
• • Data analysis and interpretation (1 hour)
• • Troubleshooting and maintenance (1 hour)

Hour 1: Machine Fundamentals

• • Overview of FDM technology and printer types
• • Printer anatomy: hotend, bed, extruder, motion system
• • Safety considerations and workspace setup
• • Filament types: PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU properties and applications

Hour 2: Slicing and Preparation

• • Introduction to slicing software (PrusaSlicer/Cura)
• • Key settings: layer height, infill, supports, adhesion
• • Orientation strategies for strength and quality
• • Preparing and importing 3D models

Hour 3: Hands-on Printing

• • Bed leveling and first layer calibration
• • Starting and monitoring a print
• • Common failure modes and troubleshooting
• • Post-processing: support removal, sanding, finishing

Hour 1: Resin Printing Fundamentals

• • SLA vs MSLA technology overview
• • Resin types: standard, tough, flexible, castable
• • Critical safety: PPE, ventilation, skin protection
• • Printer setup and resin handling

Hour 2: Slicing for Resin

• • Slicing software for resin (Chitubox/Lychee)
• • Support generation strategies
• • Exposure settings and layer timing
• • Hollowing and drain holes for large prints

Hour 3: Printing and Washing

• • Print bed preparation and leveling
• • Running and monitoring resin prints
• • IPA wash station procedures
• • Cleaning and resin recovery

Hour 4: Curing and Finishing

• • UV curing parameters and equipment
• • Support removal techniques
• • Sanding, priming, and painting resin parts
• • Safety: disposal and cleanup procedures

Hour 1: Additive Manufacturing Constraints

• • How FDM and resin printing actually work
• • Overhang angles and support requirements
• • Bridging limits and strategies
• • Minimum feature sizes and wall thickness

Hour 2: Design Strategies

• • Orientation for strength: layer lines and load direction
• • Designing snap-fits and press-fits for printed parts
• • Tolerance charts for functional assemblies
• • Internal features: threads, heat-set inserts, embedded hardware

Hour 3: Practical Design Exercise

• • Design a functional assembly in CAD
• • Apply DFP principles to optimize the design
• • Slice and review print time/material estimates
• • Print and test your design (if time allows)

Hour 1: Manufacturing Process Overview

• • Survey of manufacturing processes: machining, casting, forming, additive
• • Process capabilities and limitations
• • Matching design intent to process capability
• • Cost drivers in manufacturing

Hour 2: DFM Principles

• • Reducing part count and assembly complexity
• • Designing for specific processes (CNC, sheet metal, injection molding)
• • Standard features: holes, radii, draft angles
• • Material selection for manufacturability

Hour 3: Tolerancing for Production

• • GD&T basics for DFM
• • Tolerance stack-up analysis
• • When tight tolerances matter (and when they don't)
• • Communicating with manufacturers effectively

Hour 4: DFM Review Workshop

• • Students bring designs for group critique
• • Identify manufacturability issues
• • Propose design modifications
• • Cost estimation exercise

Hours 1-2: Parametric CAD Basics

• • Fusion 360 interface and navigation
• • Sketch constraints and parametric design
• • Extrude, revolve, and boolean operations
• • Design intent and modification strategies

Hours 3-4: CAM Fundamentals

• • Setting up stock and work coordinate systems
• • Tool library and tool selection
• • 2D toolpaths: facing, pocketing, contouring
• • Feeds, speeds, and depth of cut

Hours 5-6: Complete Workflow

• • 3D toolpaths: adaptive clearing, parallel finishing
• • Simulation and toolpath verification
• • Post-processing for specific machines
• • G-code review and machine setup

Hours 1-2: Schematic Capture

• • KiCad interface and project setup
• • Component symbols and library management
• • Schematic entry and electrical rules check
• • Component selection and sourcing strategies

Hours 3-4: PCB Layout

• • Footprint assignment and verification
• • Board outline and mounting holes
• • Component placement strategies
• • Routing: traces, vias, ground planes
• • Design rule check and manufacturing constraints

Hours 5-6: Fabrication and Assembly

• • Generating Gerber files and BOM
• • PCB fabrication options and ordering
• • SMD soldering techniques: paste, placement, reflow
• • Through-hole soldering and rework
• • Board bring-up and debugging

Hour 1: Prototyping Mindset

• • Why prototype fidelity matters at each stage
• • Paper, foam, and cardboard: don't skip these
• • When to 3D print vs. machine vs. buy off-the-shelf
• • Fail fast: designing tests, not products

Hour 2: Quick CAD Techniques

• • Speed modeling in Fusion 360 or Onshape
• • Using reference images and measurements
• • Parametric design for fast iteration
• • Direct modeling for organic shapes

Hour 3: Shop Floor Execution

• • Parallel processing: print while you cut
• • Hardware store components and McMaster shortcuts
• • Laser cutting for flat parts
• • Quick-turn CNC: when it makes sense

Hour 4: Integration and Testing

• • Mechanical integration of printed/machined parts
• • Basic functional testing jigs
• • Documentation for the next iteration
• • When to stop prototyping and commit to production

Hours 1-2: Drawing Fundamentals

• • Orthographic projection and standard views
• • Title blocks, revision history, and drawing standards
• • Line types: visible, hidden, center, dimension
• • Section views and detail views
• • Reading and interpreting dimensions

Hours 3-4: Tolerancing Basics

• • Limit dimensions and plus/minus tolerancing
• • Fit classifications: clearance, interference, transition
• • Surface finish symbols and specifications
• • Material and treatment callouts

Hours 5-6: GD&T Introduction

• • Datum features and datum reference frames
• • Feature control frames
• • Form tolerances: flatness, straightness, circularity, cylindricity
• • Orientation and location tolerances
• • Position tolerance and MMC/LMC modifiers
• • Reading GD&T on real production drawings

Hour 1: Measurement Fundamentals

• • Why measurement matters in manufacturing
• • Accuracy, precision, and repeatability
• • Calibration and traceability
• • Environmental factors affecting measurement

Hour 2: Hand Tools

• • Calipers: dial, digital, vernier
• • Micrometers: outside, inside, depth
• • Gauge blocks and ring gauges
• • Proper technique and care

Hour 3: Inspection Fixtures

• • Height gauges and surface plates
• • Indicators and test indicators
• • V-blocks, angle plates, and sine bars
• • Go/no-go gauging

Hour 4: CMM Introduction

• • Coordinate measuring machine overview
• • Touch probes and scanning
• • Part alignment and datum setup
• • Interpreting CMM reports

Hours 1-2: TIG Fundamentals Review

• • Machine setup and tungsten selection
• • Shielding gas: argon flow rates and coverage
• • Filler rod selection and technique
• • Arc starting and crater fill

Hours 3-4: Steel Certification Practice

• • Carbon steel fillet welds (3F, 4F)
• • Carbon steel groove welds (3G, 4G)
• • Visual inspection criteria per AWS D1.1
• • Common defects and corrections

Hours 5-6: Aluminum and Stainless

• • Aluminum TIG: AC balance and frequency
• • Stainless steel: heat input and distortion control
• • Back purging techniques
• • Multi-pass welds

Hours 7-8: Certification Simulation

• • Timed weld tests under exam conditions
• • Visual and destructive test criteria
• • Documentation and welder qualification records
• • Next steps for formal certification

Hour 1: Sheet Metal Fundamentals

• • Material types: steel, aluminum, stainless
• • Gauge system and material properties
• • Grain direction and forming considerations
• • Safety: sharp edges, pinch points, PPE

Hour 2: Layout and Cutting

• • Flat pattern development and bend allowance
• • Layout tools: squares, scribes, dividers
• • Shearing: foot shear and power shear
• • Notching and nibbling

Hour 3: Brake Press Operation

• • Press brake anatomy and tooling
• • Die selection and setup
• • Bend sequence planning
• • Springback compensation

Hour 4: Forming Operations

• • Box and pan forming
• • Hemming and seaming
• • Roll forming basics
• • Shrinking and stretching

Hour 5: Assembly and Finishing

• • Mechanical fasteners: rivets, screws, clinching
• • Spot welding and TIG welding sheet metal
• • Deburring and edge finishing
• • Project: fabricate a complete enclosure

Hours 1-2: Electrical Theory

• • Voltage, current, resistance, and power
• • AC vs DC: single-phase and three-phase
• • Electrical safety: lockout/tagout, arc flash
• • Reading electrical schematics

Hours 3-4: Motor Controls

• • Motor types: induction, DC, servo, stepper
• • Contactors, overloads, and motor starters
• • Variable frequency drives (VFDs)
• • Wiring motor control circuits

Hours 5-6: Troubleshooting

• • Multimeter use: voltage, continuity, resistance
• • Systematic troubleshooting methodology
• • Common failure modes in industrial equipment
• • Hands-on troubleshooting exercises

Hour 1: Fluid Power Fundamentals

• • Hydraulic vs pneumatic: when to use each
• • Pascal's law and pressure/force relationships
• • System components overview
• • Safety considerations

Hour 2: Pneumatic Systems

• • Compressors, regulators, and FRLs
• • Directional control valves
• • Cylinders: single-acting, double-acting
• • Building pneumatic circuits

Hour 3: Hydraulic Systems

• • Pumps: gear, vane, piston
• • Hydraulic valves and actuators
• • Reservoirs, filters, and heat exchangers
• • Hydraulic circuit analysis

Hour 4: Troubleshooting and Maintenance

• • Reading hydraulic and pneumatic schematics
• • Common failure modes
• • Preventive maintenance procedures
• • Hands-on troubleshooting exercise

Hour 1: Lean Fundamentals

• • History and principles of lean manufacturing
• • The eight wastes: identification and elimination
• • Value stream thinking
• • Continuous improvement culture

Hour 2: 5S Implementation

• • Sort: red tag and disposition
• • Set in order: shadow boards and visual management
• • Shine: cleaning as inspection
• • Standardize: checklists and procedures
• • Sustain: audits and accountability

Hour 3: Practical Application

• • 5S audit of a real workspace
• • Identifying improvement opportunities
• • Creating standard work instructions
• • Sustaining improvements over time

Hour 1: Clay and the Wheel

• • Types of clay: earthenware, stoneware, porcelain
• • Wedging: preparing clay for the wheel
• • Wheel anatomy and operation
• • Centering fundamentals

Hour 2: Throwing Basic Forms

• • Opening and pulling walls
• • Creating a cylinder
• • Shaping bowls and cups
• • Consistent wall thickness

Hour 3: Refining and Trimming

• • Removing work from the wheel
• • Drying stages: wet to leather-hard
• • Trimming feet and refining forms
• • Surface decoration options

Hour 4: Glazing and Firing Overview

• • Bisque firing process
• • Glaze chemistry basics
• • Glaze application techniques
• • Kiln firing: oxidation vs reduction
• • Take home your finished pieces (after firing)

Hour 1: Laser Fundamentals

• • How CO2 lasers work
• • Materials: what you can (and cannot) cut
• • Safety: fumes, fire, eye protection
• • Machine anatomy and operation

Hour 2: File Preparation

• • Vector vs raster: cutting vs engraving
• • Preparing files in Illustrator, Inkscape, or similar
• • Line colors and layer organization
• • Kerf compensation for precise fits

Hour 3: Hands-on Project

• • Material setup and focusing
• • Test cuts and power/speed optimization
• • Running your design
• • Assembly and finishing techniques
• • Take home a completed project