SME offers numerous training guides across the many different industry areas that make up the manufacturing world. Check-out all of the study guide resources we have to offer, with links to the related online video or DVD.
Training Guides
Casting
After watching the program and reviewing this printed material, the viewer will learn the essentials of the various metal casting processes used in industry today.
- The basic principles of casting are explained.
- The three primary casting methods are detailed.
- Mold and pattern construction is shown.
- Typical alloys cast and their finished characteristics are explained.
Click below to download the training guide PDF or explore our different video packages.
Composite Materials & Manufacturing
After watching the program and reviewing this printed material, the viewer will gain knowledge and understanding of the nature of composite materials and the ways in which these materials are transformed into a wide variety of manufactured products.
- The physical nature of composites are explained
- The function of the various types of reinforcements are outlined
- Numerous composite manufacturing processes are examined
- Composite fabrication and assembly methods are detailed
Click below to download the training guide PDF or explore our different video packages.
Composite Tooling Design
After watching the program and reviewing this printed material, the viewer will learn and become aware of the many elements to be considered in the design of composite tools.
- The steps for composite tooling design are outlined
- Types of composite tooling are shown
- Tooling materials are discussed
- Composite tool support structuring is explored
Click below to download the training guide PDF or explore our different video packages.
Cutting Tool Design
After watching the program and reviewing this printed material, the viewer will understand the basics of cutting tool design.
- Primary types of cutting tools are shown
- The concept of a “tool signature” is explained
- Cutting tool geometries are detailed
- Basic machining operations are explored
Click below to download the training guide PDF or explore our different video packages.
Cutting Tool Geometries
After watching the program and reviewing this printed material, the viewer will gain knowledge and understanding of the shapes, angles, and other geometric aspects of single-point and multi-point cutting tools.
- The geometry of turning insert tools are explained
- The geometric aspects of multi-point milling cutters are detailed
- The mechanics of chip generation in respect to tool geometry is shown
- Face milling cutter geometry is discussed
Click below to download the training guide PDF or explore our different video packages.
Electrical Discharge Machining
After watching the video and reviewing this printed material, the viewer will
gain knowledge and understanding of electrical discharge machining, or EDM, principles and capabilities.
- Both the ram and wire-type of EDM are detailed
- The subsystems of both types are explained
- Hole drilling EDM’s are shown
- Computer numerically controlled, or CNC, EDM applications and safety issues are addressed
Click below to download the training guide PDF or explore our different video packages.
Extrusion Processes
After watching the program and reviewing this printed material, the viewer will understand the mechanics of the extrusion processes and the materials involved.
- The extrusion process is demonstrated
- Hot, warm, and cold extrusion processes are explained
- Direct, indirect, combination, and impact extrusion is shown
- Plastic extrusion processes are detailed
Click below to download the training guide PDF or explore our different video packages.
Fastening & Assembly
After watching the program and reviewing this printed material, the viewer will gain knowledge and understanding of the various fastening devices and assembly methods used in manufacturing.
- Various mechanical fastener types and assembly devices are shown
- Adhesive bonding is explained
- Manual and automated assembly systems are demonstrated
- Major automated assembly machines are illustrated
Click below to download the training guide PDF or explore our different video packages.
Fixture Design
After watching the program and reviewing this printed material, the viewer will understand the principles of fixture design and the use of fixtures in manufacturing operations.
- Basic fixture design is explained
- Fixture components are shown
- Machine forces on the fixture are demonstrated
- Applications of various fixture types are detailed
Click below to download the training guide PDF or explore our different video packages.
Gaging & Inspection Tool Design
After watching the program and reviewing this printed material, the viewer will understand the basic aspects of gaging and inspection tool device design.
- The various gaging tools are shown
- Gage application is demonstrated
- Both contact and noncontact inspection methods are discussed
- Gage tool materials are examined
Click below to download the training guide PDF or explore our different video packages.
Mechanical & Non-Destructive Testing
After watching the program and reviewing this printed material, the viewer will gain an understanding and become familiar with the various methods, equipment, and applications of mechanical and non-destructive materials testing.
- Mechanical testing methods are clearly shown
- Non-destructive testing methods are shown in detail
- Advantages and limitations of the various tests are detailed
Click below to download the training guide PDF or explore our different video packages.
Metalcutting Fluids
After watching the program and reviewing this printed material, the viewer will understand the importance and application methods of metalcutting fluids in machining operations.
- Factors in the selection of the proper fluid are shown.
- Types of fluids and methods of application are demonstrated.
- Fluid maintenance issues are discussed.
- Operator health issues are addressed.
Click below to download the training guide PDF or explore our different video packages.
Plastic Blow Molding
After watching the program and reviewing this printed material, the viewer will gain a knowledge and understanding of the blow molding process and its basic variations.
- The basic blow molding process is described.
- The processing of parisons and preforms are detailed.
- Continuous and intermittent molding is explained.
- The biaxial and co-extrusion methods are discussed.
Click below to download the training guide PDF or explore our different video packages.
Plastic Thermoforming
After watching the program and reviewing this printed material, the viewer will become familiar with the basics of the various plastic thermoforming processes, the materials used, and the required tooling.
- Materials used in thermoforming are described
- Various thermoforming mold types are shown
- Clamping and heating methods are explained
- Part trimming methods, both manual and machine, are detailed
Click below to download the training guide PDF or explore our different video packages.
Plating & Surface Coatings
After watching the program and reviewing this printed material, the viewer will become familiar with the various plating and surface coating methods used in industry.
- Basic plating and surface coating technology is explained
- The various methods are presented
- Specific applications are described
- High production methods are detailed
Click below to download the training guide PDF or explore our different video packages.
Powder Metallurgy
After watching the program and reviewing this printed material, the viewer will gain a knowledge and understanding of the basics of powder metallurgy.
- Types of particles are explained.
- Mechanical pressing is detailed.
- Injection molding processes are discussed.
- Both C.I.P. and H.I.P. processing are explained.
Click below to download the training guide PDF or explore our different video packages.
Punch Presses
After watching the program and reviewing this printed material, the viewer will gain a basic knowledge of hole punching techniques and the operation of holemaking machinery.
- The basic type of punch press is detailed.
- The CNC turret punch operation is explained.
- Types of punches are examined.
- Punch press accessories and material handling systems are depicted.
Click below to download the training guide PDF or explore our different video packages.
Rapid Prototyping
After watching the program and reviewing this printed material, the viewer will understand the principles and practical applications of Rapid Prototyping.
- Basic concepts are explained.
- Layer-by-layer modeling is demonstrated.
- Pattern-based prototyping is shown.
- The primary rapid prototyping technologies and systems are detailed.
Click below to download the training guide PDF or explore our different video packages.
Sheet Metal Coil Processing
After watching the program and reviewing this printed material, the viewer will be aware of the essentials of sheet metal coil processing and the equipment involved.
- Coil stock production and handling is shown
- Slitting line systems are explained
- Blanking and shearing processes are explored
- Basic components of a coil processing line are depicted
Click below to download the training guide PDF or explore our different video packages.
Sheet Metal Stamping Dies & Processes
After watching the program and reviewing this printed material, the viewer will gain knowledge and understanding of the stamping process and the die systems used to form sheet metal.
- The terms “ductility” and “formability” are explained
- The essential components of the stamping process are detailed
- Basic stamping terms are defined
- Progressive and transfer die technology is illustrated
- Die lubrication is addressed
- Circle grid analysis is explained
Click below to download the training guide PDF or explore our different video packages.
Sheet Metal Stamping Presses
After watching the program and reviewing this printed material, the viewer will gain a knowledge and understanding of the various types of stamping presses used, as well as their ancillary systems.
- The mechanical aspect of stamping is explained
- The two basic press types are defined
- Aspects of press drive systems are detailed
- Factors in press selection are provided
- Press control and feed systems are addressed
Click below to download the training guide PDF or explore our different video packages.
Tube Bending
After watching the program and reviewing this printed material, the viewer will be aware of the essentials of tube bending technology, methods employed, and the machinery involved.
- Types of tubing are shown
- Bending dynamics are illustrated
- Tube bending methods are demonstrated
- Tooling and machinery are highlighted
Click below to download the training guide PDF or explore our different video packages.