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MMRI Industrial Training Program

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In partnership with Employment Ontario, the McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI) at McMaster University is now offering a problem-based educational program in the area of advanced manufacturing. With more than 20 years of experience in teaching, research, and industrial activities, the MMRI is uniquely positioned to provide quality, industry-informed training that uses all of its resources, including facilities, industry scale equipment, and experts in the field.

In this program, you will:

  • Take multiple one-day courses on topics in advanced manufacturing 
  • Develop your problem-solving skills
  • Work side-by-side with experts in the field
  • Solve a real industry problem in a hands-on final project
  • Earn a certificate from McMaster University
  • Make connections with employers

The McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI) Industrial Training Program aims to empower workers who have been impacted by the current automotive and advanced manufacturing labour markets with the skills they need in order to thrive in the workplace and connect them with opportunities to advance the manufacturing industry. Whether you are seeking employment, looking to increase your value in your company, or are just starting your career, the MMRI Industrial Training Program will give you the edge you need to stand out to employers.

Advanced manufacturing is the implementation of new technologies for product and process improvement and is essential for companies to grow and maintain their competitive advantage. It can be divided into three core areas: processes, material characterization, and industry 4.0.

Offering specialized training in these three areas (or "streams"), the MMRI Industrial Training Program is designed to complement an existing skill set acquired through previous education. It is suitable for anyone with a relevant college diploma or university degree, including post-graduate degrees. Through engaging, in-depth courses, you will explore foundational topics in advanced manufacturing, learn how to use instruments to identify issues and find solutions, and apply your knowledge to work through a real industry problem.

Courses are being offered starting in October 2020, and you can apply anytime, as courses will be repeated. By taking one course per week, you can obtain a certificate in one stream in 3 months. You can obtain certificates in all three streams in 6 months.

Or, pick and choose individual courses according to your interests.

Due to the COVID-19 situation, all 2020 courses, consultations, and project work will be offered online. Updates for the 2021 course offerings will be provided as the situation unfolds.

 

The MMRI Industrial Training Program is generously supported by Employment Ontario.

The MMRI Industrial Training Program offers 20 short courses (micro-credentials) in three core streams in the field of advanced manufacturing. All courses are one day long. By taking a series of courses, you can earn a certificate in any of the following three streams:

Processes

Process knowledge is critical in advanced manufacturing. Learn about the science behind machining, forming, and metal additive manufacturing and how to apply that knowledge to maximize value in production operations.

Materials

Cutting tool and workpiece materials have a significant impact on the final product. Learn about the science of material characterization and how to conduct tests that allow you to optimize product performance, identify wear triggers, and prevent early failure.

Industry 4.0

Manufacturing is constantly changing as new technologies are integrated into the production process. Learn how to leverage machine learning, data collection, process modelling, and related concepts to boost efficiency and give your organization a competitive edge.

Certification

Within each stream there are required courses (R) and elective courses (E). Required courses are unique to the chosen stream and will introduce you to foundational knowledge in that area of advanced manufacturing. Elective courses can be taken from across all three streams and offer the flexibility within which to explore your interests. Each course revolves around real industry case studies.

After completing all course requirements, you will apply what you learned to solve a real problem in an industry relevant project. Provided projects are available, but participants are encouraged to suggest a project that corresponds to their needs. Participants will develop project ideas with support from program advisors and are encouraged to develop a project that relates to their work or personal interests.

Successful completion of four required courses within the chosen stream, four elective courses selected from across the three streams, and an industry relevant project will grant you a certificate in one stream. All certificates are issued digitally from McMaster University.

 

 

 

Training Program Courses (first offering)

We are adding new courses regularly. We are able to offer discounted pricing on new individual courses to those who have already completed a stream.

Course Descriptions

This course is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of the theory of cutting for machining processes (turning, milling and drilling).  Upon completion of the course, the participants will understand how to apply theoretical knowledge to different machining processes. The course will also provide the students with the ability to operate machine tools to produce a mechanical component or a specific product, respecting the safety regulations for machining.

This course is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of CNC systems.  Upon completion of the course, the participants will be able to classify and distinguish CNC systems, as well as to develop part programs manually for 2D basic profiles using a CNC Lathe and test the programs through simulation.

This course is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of CNC machining systems.  Upon completion of the course, the participants will be able to classify and distinguish CNC systems, as well as to develop part programs manually for 3D basic profiles using a CNC mill and test the programs through simulation.

Provide the fundamental knowledge of the behaviour of machines under dynamic conditions. The participants will be able to understand static and dynamic stiffness and its interaction between the machining process and the vibration behaviour of machine tools.

Participants will investigate the fundamentals of machining dynamics and learn how to monitor and  control the stability of the machining process.

This course provides a foundation for applied FEA and CFD for vibration condition monitoring. The participants will become knowledgeable of the capabilities and limitations of the finite element method and will be able to use a commercial finite element package to understand vibration signatures of healthy and unhealthy systems. Participants will be given tools to train the smart maintenance system and implement prescriptive maintenance solutions.

This course is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of the forming processes via mechanical shaping of materials (metals and polymers) such as extrusion, forging, and rolling. The materials' properties and their impact on these forming processes will be also discussed. The advantages and limitations of each manufacturing technique, as well as their main industrial applications for various materials, will be explained. Upon completion of the course, the participants will be expected to know the main mechanical shaping processes that are used in the industry for forming metals and polymers.

This course provides fundamental knowledge for selecting the proper tool geometry, material, and coating for achieving the highest productivity and quality while minimizing the tool wear and failure. Different tool wear mechanisms will be discussed and preventative solutions will be introduced.   

This course introduces tools for the successful design of products that are aligned with what consumers require. The methods and tools of a reliable design that can be manufactured with high quality will be reviewed.

This course is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of materials' surface and the field of “surface engineering”. In this course, the concepts of dimensions and tolerances, measurement of surfaces (common surface characterization methods), and surface processing operations, including industrial surface cleaning processes, surface treatments (case/surface hardening via diffusion in solids) and coating, as well as a brief introduction to material removal processes will be discussed. Upon completion of the course, the participants will understand the general concept of “surface engineering” and its importance in manufacturing as well as the common surface textures and characterization methods and surface processing operations.

This course is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of the mechanical properties of materials, including metals, polymers and ceramics. Upon completion of the course, the participants will be expected to know the concepts of stress, strain, stress-strain curves, the important mechanical properties (e.g., stiffness, strength, toughness, etc), the mechanical testing methods used for various materials and how to obtain the mechanical properties from the results of those tests.

This course is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of the theories and applications of Micro/Nanomechanical testing. Online instrument training will help the students become familiar with standard nano-indentation testing equipment, testing procedures, and result interpretations. Upon completion of the course, the participants will be familiar with the capabilities and limitations of various Micro/Nanomechanical testing techniques and gain insight into selecting suitable testing procedures.

This course will introduce modern scratch testing techniques and their usefulness over traditional scratch testing standards and practices. Students will be provided with  online training on how to use standard scratch testing equipment to assess the adhesive strength of coating–substrate systems. Through numerous examples from real-life applications, students will develop an understanding of how these methods can be applied to assess critical surfaces to enhance product performance and longevity.

This course will help students become familiar with different imaging technologies available for materials characterization. Special focus will be given to high resolution microscopy, namely Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). Through online training on a modern AFM platform, students will be provided with an opportunity to learn more about the equipment, testing procedures and result interpretations. 

This course will introduce the students to modern tools and methodologies to determine friction and wear properties of materials. Through numerous examples of real-life applications and online training to run a standard Tribometer, the students will gain a solid understanding on  the basics of Tribology and how this knowledge can be applied to improve surface interactions under various environments.

This course is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of the concept of “phase” in materials engineering, (binary) phase diagrams, phase transformation, and their applications in manufacturing and heat treatment processes. The focus of this course will be on metallic systems, in particular the iron-carbon system (i.e., various types of steel). Upon completion of the course, the participants will be expected to know the concepts of phase and secondary phases as well as how to use phase diagrams to anticipate the phase transformations (in particular for steels), and various types of heat treatments (in particular for steels).

This course is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of the structures, properties, and applications of engineering polymers and ceramics. The effect of the materials’ properties on their processing and industrial applications will be also discussed. Upon completion of the course, the participants will be expected to know the main properties, applications, and industrial processing techniques for common engineering polymeric and ceramic materials.

This course is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of the theory and application of the finite element methods for modeling manufacturing processes. Upon completion of the course, the participants will gain a fundamental understanding of different modules in FEM modeling of manufacturing processes such as implicit and explicit technologies.

This course is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of the theory and application of finite element method for machining processes.  Upon completion of the course, the participants will have a fundamental understanding in 2D modeling of turning process using a commercial finite element package and study the effect of different machining conditions on chip flow, temperature, and stress.

In this course, the participants will learn finite element modeling to predict the surface integrity issues, such residual stress in a machined surface, under different machining conditions. In addition, finite element modeling of milling processes will be introduced.

This course introduces the participants to finite element modeling for designing and performance evaluation of uncoated and coated machining tools. Topics covered include the effect of rake angle and coating on the chip flow, temperature, and stress distribution. Upon completion of the course, the participants will be knowledgeable to use FEA for tooling problems using a commercial FEA software.

This course is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of the theory and application of the finite element method for design for additive manufacturing processes. Upon completion of the course, the participants will gain a fundamental understanding in novel design techniques for additive manufacturing using a commercial finite element technology.

This course is designed to provide an understanding of Lean fundamentals.  Upon completion of the course, the participants will understand Lean methodology and apply basic tools to provide solutions for a real life operational process improvement.

This course is designed to provide an understanding of lean tools and techniques and their applications.  Upon completion of the course, the participants will be able to understand and create flow, map a moderately complex process, identify a bottleneck and apply tools and techniques such as KANBAN, level loading and one piece flow to provide solutions for a real life operational process improvement.

This course is designed to provide participants with an understanding of best practices in data acquisition. Topics covered include considerations in sampling rate, resolution, formats and filters. How to capture data from a variety of sensor types will be discussed. A range of data acquisition options from supplies such as National Instruments to Arduino will be reviewed.

This course is designed to provide participants with an understanding of data analytics and how it is used to provide actionable insights. Strategies such as statistical methods, outlier detection and machine learning algorithms will be discussed as well as the kinds, quality and quantity of data needed for these strategies.   Examples of tools used to implement these strategies, such as Excel, Matlab and Machine Learning toolkits will be provided.

This course is designed to provide participants with an understanding of databases. Topics covered include the basics of relational and noSQL data models as well as the importance of pre-processing and organizing data for storage. Examples of how to interact with databases to store and manipulate process information and results will be provided.

Once data is collected and decisions are made, important information needs to be communicated to the machine so action can be taken.  Topics related to different communication strategies specific to different machine controls will be covered.

In this course we will follow the MMRI’s journey to date using MT-LINKi  and the LinkageTool, which are part of Fanuc’s Industry 4.0 offerings, to monitor a Robodrill. We will start with a review of how Fanuc captures and stores machine data to a mongodb database. This will be followed by examples of the insights that the MT-LINKi web service provides from this data and how this service can be customized with reports and outliers alerts. This functionality is applicable to many machines that support Focas1 and up. Next, we will use the LinkageTool and triggers to gather high speed 1kHz data at specific times and apply data analytics to this information.  This requires machines that support Focas2.

 

 The MMRI Industrial Training Program is generously supported by Employment Ontario.

Instructors

Dr. Maryam Aramesh

Dr. Maryam Aramesh is an Assistant Professor in the department of Mechanical Engineering at McMaster University. She is also the MMRI Educational Program Manger. She is responsible for managing different educational activities at the MMRI. Her main role is to develop the structure and content associated with our MMRI Industrial Training Program.

Dr. Abul Arif

Abul-Fazal Arif is a Senior Research Associate at MMRI, McMaster University. Prior to joining MMRI, he served various universities as a faculty member of mechanical engineering. He has more than 20 years of teaching, research, program development, and product design experience.

Dr. Bipasha Bose

Dr. Bipasha Bose has several years of working and teaching experience in the field of Materials, Manufacturing and Metallurgical Engineering. She obtained her PhD and MESc degrees in Mechanical and Materials Engineering from Western University, London, Ontario, Canada. Bipasha earned her BSc in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. Currently she is working as a Manager, Materials Property Assessment at MMRI. She has been instrumental in establishing and leading MMRI's Materials Property Assessment Laboratory (MPAL) to support MMRI and its academic and industry partners in advanced materials/manufacturing related challenges. She also worked as a lecturer at Western University and now works as a faculty member at the Metallurgy program of McMaster University Continuing Education.  

Dr. Mohammad Reza Gholipour

Mohammad Reza Gholipour received his Ph.D. from the Chemical Engineering Department of Laval University in the area of Material Science, with a focus on synthesis and characterization of nanocomposites. After his Ph.D. studies, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Polytechnique Montreal on developing novel processes for heavy metal removal applications. He is currently working as a product specialist at Anton Paar Canada on four main product lines including Material Surface Characterization (Indentation & Scratch Tester), Nano Surface Properties (AFM instrument), Raman Technology as well as Microwave Reactors (Chemical Synthesis and Digestion). 

Mr. Sandeep Grewal

Sandeep Grewal received a BSc from McMaster University in the field of Physics.  For the past 20 years, Sandeep has been servicing, supporting, and selling Atomic Force Microscopes and other Surface Science instruments throughout Canada. He is currently working as a sales specialist at Anton Paar Canada with four main product lines, including Material Surface Characterization (Indentation, Scratch Tester and Tribology) and Nano Surface Properties (AFM instrument).

Dr. Jose Mario de Paiva

Jose Mario de Paiva received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from PUC in Brazil. As a core MMRI member he has completed a wide range of research projects and instructed courses in machining and manufacturing. He currently works with various companies, both local and abroad, converting MMRI research results into high performance manufacturing solutions.

Dr. Sushant Rawal

Dr. Sushant Rawal did his Ph.D. at the Centre of Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology-Roorkee. He has worked as a Researcher, Supervisor, Faculty, and Administrator and has 16+ years of experience in research, leadership, project management, teaching, supervision, manufacturing, and laboratory development. He has over 45 publications in international journals and over 370 citations. Dr. Rawal is currently working as a Post-Doctoral Fellow and a Surface Engineering Specialist and is involved in the development and characterization of various PVD coatings for novel high-performance tooling at McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI), McMaster University, Canada. Surface engineering is critical to improving the productivity and quality of manufacturing processes in a cost effective way.

Dr. Ehsan Rezabeigi

Ehsan Rezabeigi; Ph.D., P.Eng., received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Materials Engineering from the University of Tehran and his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Concordia University where the focus of his research was on the development of highly porous (up to 93%) PLA/Bioglass® nanocomposite bone scaffolds with enhanced mechanical and bioactive properties. He received the Distinguished Doctoral Dissertation Prize in 2016 for this research. He afterwards joined the research community at École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS) and then McGill University as a postdoctoral researcher after he was awarded the NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship. Since then, he has been involved in several major research projects at McGill including the 3D-printing of complex tissue-mimicking structures using a novel densified collagen-based bioink; production of rapidly mineralizing hybridized scaffolds; and measuring blood biomechanics via a new contactless, nondestructive method in real-time. Additionally, Dr. Rezabeigi has been a PT Faculty Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial, and Aerospace Engineering (MIAE) at Concordia University where he has taught several materials and manufacturing courses to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Ms. Shagha Rouzmeh

Shagha is currently an Engineering Program Manager at Medtronic where she leads cross-functional teams to achieve program objectives and provide safe care to the patients who are in need of the treatment. She holds a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Polytechnique de Montreal and a Graduate Diploma in Supply Chain and Operation Management from McGill University in Montreal. 

Shagha began her career as an engineer in aerospace over 10 years ago. With a keen eye for continuous improvement, she found her passion in leading projects and working with diverse teams to improve business and reach organization’s objectives. In 2015, working as Zodiac aerospace,  she obtained her Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and took on a role of Lean leader where she leveraged her problem-solving mindset and execution skills as a Corrective Action Board manager and coached lean champions across the organization through various projects. 

After obtaining her Black belt, Shagha started her collaborations with various industries such as construction and healthcare as a Senior Lean Six Sigma Consultant. Ever since, she has assisted in various training and workshops helping them improve their operations.

In 2018, she took the role of program manager at Safran Cabin for a new line of product.  She was responsible for providing visionary leadership to the program and operational team for development and sustaining products.

Dr. Ali Shahvarpour

Dr. Shahvarpour holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Spine Biomechanics from Polytechnique de Montréal. He has over twelve years of research and industrial experience in the biomedical field. In his current role as a Reliability professional at Medtronic, he is responsible for product reliability, safety and risk management. With a solid knowledge of medical device regulations and standards (e.g. MDD, MDR, ISO 13485 and IEC 60601-1), he supports the entire value stream to ensure the patients receive a safe therapy without interruption.

Dr. Mohsen Tayefeh

As an innovation and technology leader, Mohsen provides methodologies for the implementation of technologies and engineering services such as Advanced Simulation, Reliability, IIOT, Simulation Driven Generative, Machine Learning, Vibration Condition Monitoring, MEMS, Safety, and Topology optimization (Generative Design). He has accredited publications in Electromechanical Systems with a focus on realistic computational science considering all physics involved and the stochastic nature of properties and topologies. He has a strong technical and successful management background in various industries. He has bachelor's and master's degrees and Ph.D. studies in Mechanical engineering. His solid education in Technology and Business along with a long history in major industries makes him an excellent visionary. His involvement in IOT infrastructure, Advance Manufacturing, Intelligent Systems, and Smart Maintenance brings great value in the development and implementation of applied methodologies.

MMRI Director

Dr. Stephen Veldhuis

Dr. Stephen Veldhuis is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at McMaster University and Director of McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI). Through his involvement in the MMRI, Dr. Veldhuis has worked with many researchers and industrial partners on leading edge manufacturing technologies.

His areas of interest in high-performance manufacturing include: continuous improvement through Lean initiatives targeting tooling improvements and process development/optimization and Industry 4.0 technologies including process modeling, sensor integration, industrial Internet of Things (iIOT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML), all of which are applied to realize higher levels of digitization on the shop floor to drive better decision making.

 

The MMRI Industrial Training Program is generously supported by Employment Ontario.

Tuition fees: 

Individual Course Fee: $500 CAD

Certificate Fee (8 courses and 1 Project): $4,500 CAD + project expenses

($500 of which will be reimbursed if the certificate is completed by March 31, 2021)

*$1,000 CAD McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI) special project support (access to MMRI staff, equipment, and instruments) is available till March 31, 2021 to support certificate project work.

Learners employed with NGen Organization Members

For NGen Industry Members there is a special Promotional Certificate Fee (must complete the full certificate by March 31, 2021): $3,600 CAD

NGen membership is free. Become and NGen member here.

The NGen AmpUp program is currently paying 50% of the certificate Fee for NGen Industry partner members*:

Industry Participants pay $1,800 CAD for the full certificate.

*Click here for details of the NGen AmpUP program.

Individual learners looking to find a job in the manufacturing sector or advance their careers

Financial assistance is available for Ontario participants who qualify for the Employment Ontario RapidSkills program. Please indicate your need in your application.

Payment is not required until time of invoicing.  All financial assistance will be applied prior to invoicing.

To be considered for  Employment Ontario funding, individuals currently underemployed or unemployed are required to complete a detailed form outlining their specific circumstances. Details on the form will be provided at the time of registration.

Get Started with 3 Easy Steps

STEP 1: To apply for the upcoming program offering, click here:

APPLY

STEP 2: Upon admittance to the program, you will consult with a program advisor to determine the best course selection for you. Together, you will discuss learning objectives, challenges, and project ideas to ensure that you benefit as much as possible from the program. Details about your consultation will be provided with your acceptance.

STEP 3: Your courses will start in October, 2020.

 

 

The MMRI Industrial Training Program is generously supported by Employment Ontario.

 

Our first graduates are expected in February 2021.

Employers: Please check back for a list of program graduates and information on how you can invite these highly-skilled people to join your team.

 

The MMRI Industrial Training Program is generously supported by Employment Ontario.

FAQ

Is this program right for me?

This program is designed for industry professionals, whether you entered the working world with a college diploma or earned a PhD. As a specialized, skill-building further education opportunity in advanced manufacturing, the program will complement your prior experience and education, and challenge you to find solutions to today’s problems. It will help you develop new skills and knowledge that will prepare you to confidently meet the future of manufacturing and take you further in your career.

Will these courses be run again if I can’t make the first dates set out?

Yes. Courses will continue to be offered after the current cycle at the regular tuition price.

What safety precautions are you taking during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Under these unusual circumstances, we will be offering all our courses online. Where project work requires lab presence, personal protective equipment combined with appropriate distancing will keep students and staff safe.

 

The MMRI Industrial Training Program is generously supported by Employment Ontario.

We are happy to answer any questions you may have about this exciting program. Feel free to reach out by phone or e-mail.

E-mail: mmri-ed@mcmaster.ca

Phone: 905-525-9140 x 20022

 

The MMRI Industrial Training Program is generously supported by Employment Ontario.

Our Partners

 

       

 

Announcements

Virtual Testing Forum Webinars

The following two webinars can be used to make up one elective course for the Advanced Manufacturing Materials stream. Both webinars must be attended for credit.

Advanced Creep Tests Webinar

Advanced Creep Testing - Get to know ZwickRoell's Sophisticated Test Equipment (General 8.2)

In this webinar, you will learn why advanced creep testing is used and what the requirements are, why temperature measurement and control are crucial, and what the main components of a sophisticated creep testing system are, as well as how a typical advanced creep testing system is set up.

DATE: November 24, 2020

TIME: 11:00 am ET

Speaker: Dr. Thomas Leitgeb-Simandl, Sales and Project Engineer, Zwick Roell

Register Here

High-Temperature Testing Webinar

High-temperature Tensile Testing of Metallic Materials according to ISO 6892-2 incl. Strain Rate Control (General 11.2)

In this webinar, you will learn why temperature and strain rate control is important for high-temperature tensile tests on metallic materials to ISO 6892-2, and how ZwickRoell’s high-temperature testing systems meet these requirements.

DATE: November 25, 2020

TIME: 11:00 am ET

Speaker: Dr. Thomas Leitgeb-Simandl, Sales and Project Engineer, Zwick Roell


Register Here