Suggested training topics?

[hygear]

A few of the engineers in my office are trying to get together a list of classes to take to improve our ME knowledge so that we can convince our boss to budget money for training. Most of us have about 5 years or more of design experience in heavy equipment, and we have done most of the basics:

1. GD&T training
2. Advanced training in Pro/E
3. Six Sigma training (only green belt)
4. PSI Project management training

Right now we are looking for any kind of training that would improve our knowledge on design and manufacturing, or anything that would improve efficiency. I would love to hear any suggestions that other may have.

Thanks!

 

[MintJulep]

Bolted joints.

 

[rb1957]

dump the 6 sigma "training"; sorry, make that dump and bury the 6S training.

do you only design stuff ? or build it too ?? how much practical experience ?? how about getting some experience with the designs you draw to see some of the issues with how they go together ? in-service experience ?

your training seems focused on drafting ... how about analysis ??

 

[hygear]

@rb1957: We do all of the design, but we don not manufacture anything in house. Also, we are responsible for prototype parts so everyone is pretty hands-on with testing new parts. We would all love to get more FEA/CFD training, but our company seems to believe everything can be done with Pro/Mechanica.

 

[MikeHalloran]

Boothroyd-Dewhurst Design for Manufacturing and Assembly.

B-D are mostly interested in selling and supporting a fairly expensive software tool, but using it even once will change the way you think about your design and manufacturing processes. At least try to scrounge some of the training material.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[rb1957]

even if you only do design, i think investing some effort into understanding how well your designs can be put together, or alternative technologies (different ways to skin the cat), or emerging technologies would be time well spent.

Pro/E is a good enough suite, advanced training should go into the analysis side (and dynamics, kinematics, ...)

 

[ornerynorsk]

FEA, weldment design, metallurgy, and field trips to manufacturing companies, not even necessarily your vendors or potential vendors. Well worth the time, especially if it is only a small group.

I've taken my department to an ecclectic cross section of factories for the purpose of seeing actual processes in action to better understand manufacturability and workflow, and ultimately, how design effects it, and vice-versa.

Over the years, we've gone to tube mills, extrusion plants, diecasting plants, investment casting, etc etc. It's been a good investment of time.

I'm with RB1957 on 6S and most of the other "feel good" programs.

It is better to have enough ideas for some of them to be wrong, than to be always right by having no ideas at all.

 

[KENAT]

If you are like many folks, the GD&T training may be good. However, there's a lot to take in and even one week intensive training courses or similar are limited in what they can do. Having an experienced colleague to ask questions of, and spending time looking at the standard may be more effective, but won't count as training budget.

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[cloa]

I read that as hygear has done
GD&T training
2. Advanced training in Pro/E
3. Six Sigma training (only green belt)
4. PSI Project management training

So what would be most sense for his training to consist of.