Texas A&M Rio Grande Valley Advanced Manufacturing/Training Innovation
Thank you for your interest! Many of these courses are online and you are able to complete them at your own pace. For more information, please send an email to TRAIN@tamu.edu or call us at 956-524-5984.
Jun. 19 – Aug. 24, 2023, Mon – Wed., 8am – 12pm
This course is offered in collaboration with Texas A&M training partner, Texas Southmost College.
This program provides a comprehensive overview of and focuses on the methodology of additive manufacturing, including additive manufacturing technologies, processes, material selection, post-processing, and basic safety guidelines. Students will also learn the applications or products for which additive manufacturing offers added value when compared to traditional manufacturing.
Online Course
Additive Manufacturing also know as 3-D printing has continued to steadily grow, with an industry predicted to be more than $6.5 billion by 2024. This course explores four fundamental concepts in additive manufacturing: (1) Additive Manufacturing Fundamentals (2) Product Process Design (3) Materials for Additive Manufacturing (4) Quality and Cost Considerations
During this course, the learner will: (a) Examine the history and evolution of additive manufacturing (b) Define and classify different additive manufacturing technologies and the technical terminologies associated with them, according to the most updated ISO/ASTM standards (c) Describe the multiple steps in the additive manufacturing process chain and the terminologies associated with each step (d) Identify applications or products for which additive manufacturing offers added value, especially when compared to traditional or formative manufacturing
Online Course
During this course, the learner will: (a) Understand and interpret engineering drawings and create basic CAD models on Solid Works, a commercial software tool (b) Make design changes for parts made using traditional manufacturing technologies when additive manufacturing is being considered as an alternative
Online Course
During this course, the learner will: (a) Categorize engineering materials and understand their mechanical and physical properties along with the standard tests needed to measure application-specific properties (b) Classify additive manufacturing technologies according to the type of materials they can process (c) Use online resources, databases and industrial reports to identify the suitable process and material alternatives to fulfill specific industrial needs, as well as identify a set of OEM’s and raw material supplies or service bureaus (d) Review the types of loading an object may experience (e) Describe and define engineering, true stress and strain, and tensile properties of materials and define elastic behavior (f) Use the stress/strain curve to describe points of elasticity and breaking for a material (g) Define hardness, impact toughness, notch toughness and fracture toughness (h) Classify polymer as thermoplastics or thermosets and discuss AM systems that support the use of polymer plastics (i) Discuss the cost of polymer materials for AM and compare polymer physical properties (j) Describe the physical properties of ceramics and discuss challenges to printing AM parts with ceramic materials (k) Define the types of composite materials and discuss their properties
Online Course
During this course, the learner will: (a) List the priorities most likely to need some degree of post-processing in additively manufactured parts (b) Identify relevant post-processing methods (c) Identify factors that affect the quality of an additively manufactured part (d) Conduct process planning and optimization (e) Perform cost analysis needed to develop a business case for using additive manufacturing
This course is offered in collaboration with Texas A&M training partner, Texas State Technical College.
The course will focus on Computer Numerical Controls (CNC) operations with an emphasis on machining centers. This course is part of the Machinist/Machine Technologist program of courses which are designed to prepare students for a career in the advanced manufacturing. Skills from this course will aid in entry-level CNC operator. This course has been designed to allow for employees from the two shifts to participate in a shorter, more condensed period of time, thus ensuring minimal impact of productivity on the production floor.
Upon completion of this course, trainees will be able to: (1) Set up and operate CNC machining centers (2) Set machine and tool offsets for machining operations (3) Edit the program as required (4) Complete Quality and Technical Documentation
This course is offered in collaboration with Texas A&M training partner, Texas State Technical College.
CNC Operator training program is designed to prepare the Operator with the Basic Operator Skills and knowledge to safely and efficiently operate the CNC, Broaching, Gear Shape, & CNC Production Workstation. The training will provide basic operator training in the following skills areas: CNC Operator Knowledge, Control Panel Interface Navigation, Blueprint Reading, Machining Math, Precision Tools and Gauge Use, Quality, Data Collection, Knowledge of Tools and Fixtures, Knowledge of Cutting Tools, Basic Metal, Preventative Maintenance, and Process Flow.
Upon completion of training, trainee will be able to: (1) Explain machine operations (2) Demonstrate machine safety protocols (3) Understand what to do and not to do on control panel (4) Explain CNC program (5) Understand screen interface and menu navigation (6) Explain program errors (7) Explain feeds and speeds (8) Explain offsets (9) Explain zeroing
This course is offered in collaboration with Texas A&M training partner, Texas State Technical College.
Concepts of numerical control through computer applications, specifically in the area of programming for the control of machine tools in computer integrated manufacturing (CIM).
Upon completion of this course, trainees will be able to: (1) Identify the basic types of numerical-controlled machines (2) Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental steps of planning for the use of numerical control; describe axis relationships and tape readout characteristics (3) Write an exercise in specific programming for an CNC machine (4) Understand and identify the machine functionality
This course is offered in collaboration with Texas A&M training partner, Texas State Technical College.
A course that introduces the student to machining troubleshooting fundamentals. The student will use basic machine tools including the lathe, milling machine, drill press, power saw, and bench grinder. Machine terminology, theory, math, part layout, and bench work using common measuring tools is included. Demonstrate set-up and use of the lathe, milling machine, drill press, power saw, and bench grinder applying good housekeeping, and proper safety. Use precision instruments to perform bench work including part layout, drilling, reaming, taping, press fitting, location of hole centers and surfaces; set up power saws for cutoff operation; demonstrate tooling maintenance, and hazardous material handling. Perform preventative maintenance. Interpret blueprints.
Upon completion of this course, trainees will be able to: (1) Set up and operate CNC machining centers (2) Set machine and tool offsets for machining operations (3) Edit the program as required (4) Analyze and use critical thinking skills to resolve machine errors
Students will attain the fundamentals and hands-on experiences necessary to be able to detect, measure, and/or quantify corrosion degradation phenomena in a practical manner. Students will develop laboratory skills that help them identify corrosion and degradation of materials in their industry sector to apply the most suitable corrosion control and prevention action.
This asynchronous online course comprehensively discusses the fundamental elements associated with the development and manufacture of pharmaceutical products. Training modules discuss the categories of pharmaceutical products, phases of pharmaceutical discovery, development, approval, and varying manufacturing processes (chemical or biological). The curriculum also reviews regulatory agencies and their roles, current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and GXP, quality assurance and control, and finishes with an exploration of career paths within the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.
This course is offered in collaboration with Texas A&M training partner, Texas State Technical College.
Budgeting, cost analysis and cost control systems using traditional and contemporary costing methods and theories in decision making.
This course is offered in collaboration with Texas A&M training partner, Texas State Technical College.
Mechatronics is an emerging field that integrates electrical and mechanical engineering, advanced manufacturing, and computer technology. The Mechatronics program serves to build connections with the manufacturing industry with skills and certification to find and excel in careers in manufacturing. Includes seven certifications from the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA)Electrical Systems, Electric Motor Control Systems, Variable Frequency Drive Systems, Electrical System Installation, Programmable Controller Systems, Pneumatic Systems, and Mechanical Power Systems.
This course is offered in collaboration with Texas A&M training partner, Texas State Technical College. This course is held in the TSTC mobile welding classroom at Port Isabel High School.
Maritime Welding is one of the places to find a prosperous career as a welder is in the maritime industry. Shipyards and ship repair facilities are plentiful in coastal areas and on rivers and lake systems. Maritime welding can be done on land or sea and above or underneath the surface of the water. It includes the work on ships, boats, and off-shore oil rigs. It includes the installation and repair of metal structures and components .
This asynchronous online course provides an overview of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, including design/layout, utilities, and equipment. Participants will study clean room design, classification, and structure, and understand the many processes that are implemented to ensure a sterile environment, including practicing aseptic technique, gowning, environmental monitoring, and sanitization. Management of chemical and biological waste, sterilization techniques, and equipment maintenance and calibration are also discussed alongside the importance of validation in a pharmaceutical facility.
This course is offered in collaboration with Texas A&M training partner, Texas State Technical College.
This training course provides the basic technical skills and knowledge necessary to work with programmable logic control systems; applying fundamental laws of electricity to DC and AC circuits.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to do the following: (1) Explain the basic components of DC and AC machines and their operations (2) Identify basic logic gates and their applications (3) Use Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) to control motors, sensors, displays and other devices and circuits (4) Identify the schematic symbols of control devices (4) Make necessary changes to hardware and software as specified by others (5) Describe the hardware and software requirements for linking programmable logic controllers through data highway (6) Use advanced programming techniques and apply shift register and sequence, as well as PID instructions to activate a variety of outputs (7) Categorize individual control devices based on their applications (8) Follow prescribed safety procedures in all areas of laboratory (9) Demonstrate professional conduct and interpersonal communication skills with co-workers and other technical personnel.
Basic course in programmable control systems with emphasis on basic program techniques to include hardware identification, basic ladder programming and PLC communications. Communication between PLC hardware devices to include software and driver for the devices.
This asynchronous online course covers a wide range of safety, health and environmental (SHE) issues specifically related to the pharmaceutical industry, including environmental safety, process and product safety, biosafety levels, industrial hygiene, and physical and chemical properties. Participants will receive an overview of product development stages and vaccine production, and will learn about toxicity, toxicology, drug safety and evaluation, pharmacokinetics and toxicokinetics, as well as risk assessment and analysis. Case studies, historically significant accidents, and lessons learned are incorporated throughout to provide real-life relevancy.
This asynchronous online course provides a pragmatic study in the scientific principles of microbiology, immunology, and basic biochemistry that create the foundation for developing and manufacturing biopharmaceutical products. Curriculum covers biological macromolecules, an intensive study of infectious and non-infectious diseases, the immune system’s structure and function, pathogenesis, and categories, uses, and development process of biotherapeutics and vaccines.
This program focuses on the theory and application to provide essential skills in shielded metal arc welding, flux cored arc welding, gas metal arc welding, carbon arc gouging, oxyacetylene welding, plasma arc cutting, beveling and shearing. Upon successful completion of the course, students will sit for the American Welding Society D1.1 certification exam.
