Hypertherm has introduced its first
commercial curriculum specifically for plasma cutting and
gouging.
Created with input from welding instructors,
“Plasma Cutting Technology: Theory and Practice” includes lessons and
exercises, presentation slides, a facilitator’s guide, and models of plasma
torches and consumables for classroom use. In addition to traditional classroom
instruction, the 10-hour curriculum incorporates multimedia platforms with
hands-on exercises and training to accommodate students with a range of
learning styles.
According to Hypertherm, the teachers who
provided input into the curriculum are pleased with the end result.
“The
curriculum is usable, up-to-date, and contains the right academic information
and hands-on exercises. I highly recommend it,” said David Gilliam, the
director of training at the Tulsa Welding School.
Michael
Pike, a welding instructor in New Hampshire, agrees.
“I’ve been welding and using plasma for
over 35 years and this is the best teaching aid I’ve ever seen. I expect it
will keep my students fully focused,” he said.
“Learning how
to cut with plasma is a standard part of most any welding program. Yet until
now, no standard curriculum for teaching plasma even existed,” said Christopher
Lorio, Hypertherm’s director of global customer training. “This meant the
training and information students were receiving could vary widely.”
“Plasma
Cutting Technology: Theory and Practice” covers what plasma is and how it cuts
metal, common industrial uses for plasma systems, the differences between
various cutting methods, proper setup and operation, proper consumable
installation and usage, how to evaluate cut quality and how to execute a variety
of cuts and gouges.
This curriculum is part of an initiative
by Hypertherm to support the teaching of plasma cutting to tomorrow’s work
force. Many industries such as manufacturing and construction rely heavily on
skilled welders who can cut and weld metal, yet the United States is suffering from a
significant welder shortage, Hypertherm representatives said. The problem is
compounded by the average age of current welders. Many are nearing retirement
and expected to leave the work force in coming years. The Bureau of Labor
Statistics estimates the country will need 450,000 welders by 2014.
The
curriculum, available exclusively through Hypertherm authorized gas and welding
distributors, is designed for welding instructors at both the high school and
college level, union and military trainers, in-house training departments,
welding and cutting distributors who want to offer customer training, and
leaders of student organizations such as Future Farmers of America. Special
educational pricing on both the curriculum and Hypertherm Powermax systems is
available.
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