Why Enroll Your Team?

Upskill Your Team. Drive Real-World Results.

Accelerate Ramp-Up Time

Help new and transitioning employees build simulation skills quickly.

Support Continuous Improvement

Give your team tools to digitally test and refine processes before they hit the shop floor.

Boost Efficiency and Throughput

Enable smarter, faster machining through modeling-based strategies.

Flexible (and Free) Delivery

Combine online modules with optional inperson bootcamps for hands-on training.

Why Companies are using this training:

01

Upskilling

Upskill existing employees and build digital machining literacy.

02

Easy Onboarding

Onboard new hires with a standardized technical foundation.

03

Promoting Collaborations

Strengthen engineering manufacturing collaboration through shared tools and language.

Ideal for Teams that

  • Are onboarding early-career machinists or
    engineers and want a stronger technical foundation.
  • Are modernizing processes and want to build internal digital machining fluency.
  • Struggle with tribal knowledge and need consistent training for cross-functional roles

Course Outcomes for Your Team

  • Apply machining models to refine toolpaths before cutting.
  • Use simulation to choose optimal tools and process parameters.
  • Understand material-specific strategies for better results on complex parts.
  • Reduce dependence on physical testing and tribal knowledge.

Supercharge Your Impact

Before Machining AdvantEdge Training:

  • Consults tool sheets, seeks machinist advice, or refers to a tool reference sheet for initial machining parameters.
  • Doesn't realize the impact of material properties on machining processes.
  • Unfamiliar with machining modeling for virtual testing.
  • Unsure how to effectively use digital tools for machining.
  • Wastes materials and tools in machine trials, increasing costs.

After Machining AdvantEdge Training:

  • Uses physics-based tools to identify initial machining parameters.
  • Utilizes Finite Element Analysis results to set CAM software parameters.
  • Employs machining simulations to assess material removal rates instead of machine trials.
  • Applies material-specific modeling to determine machining parameters and outcomes.
  • Evaluate tools and materials digitally before purchasing to improve machining.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Machining AdvantEdge training?

Machining AdvantEdge demonstrates to new engineers and experienced CNC machinists and programmers how to elevate their skillset and workflow by leveraging modeling insights to capitalize on material-specific properties, thereby boosting productivity. Using physics-based mathematical models to select machining process parameters enables you to program more intelligently, efficiently, and effectively for a specific part, tooling, and machine.  

Who do I contact for more information?

For more information about this exciting workforce development program, please contact [email protected]  

How long does the training take to complete?

Machining AdvantEdge offers two training opportunities.

  • The free Machining AdvantEdge self-paced asynchronous eLearning program takes approximately eight hours to complete.
  • The free 2-day Machining AdvantEdge bootcamp is held at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, and will be offered multiple times a year.

How do I sign up for the Machining Advantage bootcamp?

Visit the Machining AdvantEdge Bootcamp webpage to sign up.  

What organizations are partnering in this effort?

The Machining AdvantEdge workforce development program is a national initiative supported by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), with curricula created by Third Wave Systems, a globally recognized company specializing in machining modeling, simulation, and analysis software for the aerospace, automotive, cutting tool, and medical industries.

The Machining AdvantEdge program offers eLearning curricula that educate students about machining modeling tools, enabling them to reshape decision-making by replacing costly physical experimentation with digital simulation. This aims to foster growth and development in the machining manufacturing industry.

The 2-day in-person Machining AdvantEdge Bootcamp takes place at the St. Thomas Design Center Lab, located on the University of St. Thomas campus in St. Paul, Minnesota, providing hands-on experience with machining modeling tools. This experience demonstrates the power of digital simulation and an accelerated machining modeling workflow, offering cost and time savings to the machining manufacturing industry. 

Why would someone want to take this training?

If you are new to machining, you will learn how to utilize models to gain insights into your machining processes, thereby gaining confidence when operating the physical machine and enhancing productivity, regardless of the part or material being machined.If you are an experienced machinist, programmer, or manufacturing engineer, you will see how modeling can elevate your skill set and workflow by leveraging modeling insights to capitalize on material-specific properties and enhance your productivity.

Earn micro-credentials to demonstrate the knowledge you acquire through training:

The Machining AdvantEdge Badge demonstrates your understanding of Machining Modeling applied to Continuous Process Improvement and New Process Introduction by applying Material-specific Machining Modeling to work. This enables you to accelerate your machining processes and advance your career.

The Machining AdvantEdge Bootcamp Badge showcases your hands-on experience with machining modeling tools, highlighting the power of digital simulation and the accelerated machining modeling workflow that offers cost and time savings to the machining manufacturing industry.

Supported by Industry & Academia.

This initiative is backed by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and leading universities, ensuring a high-quality curriculum tailored to real-world manufacturing challenges.

In-Person Bootcamp: Hands-on training at the University of St. Thomas Design Center Lab.
Online Modules: Flexible eLearning courses designed for self-paced learning.

Elevate Your Team's Machining Skills – For Free

Prepare your team for next-generation machining with data-driven approaches and accelerate new employee productivity. Sign up today!