Metalworking Projects – Welding, Machining, and Manufacturing Design

I have worked on a range of metalworking projects that introduced key fabrication and manufacturing techniques. In lab, I practiced welding methods including GTAW, GMAW, and SMAW on materials like mild steel and aluminum. These sessions included spot welding sheet metal, using filler rod for structural joints, and welding I-beam sections. I also learned safe operation of plasma and oxy-fuel cutting tools.

I gained experience with both manual and CNC machining. Some projects used a lathe to turn cylindrical features. Others used a vertical CNC mill to machine parts from engineering drawings. We measured features with calipers and micrometers, checked tolerances, and completed first-article inspection reports. We also calculated feeds, speeds, and depths of cut, and practiced reading technical drawings.

In another group of labs, I used waterjet and laser cutters to make parts for assemblies such as a Geneva mechanism. We also molded plastic parts using injection molding and documented full manufacturing plans. These activities covered concepts like tolerance stack-up, fit between parts, and design for manufacturing and assembly.

The courses combined hands-on work with technical drawing, math, and inspection. Most projects included both individual and team work. While many of the tools and methods were new to me, these labs helped build confidence in the shop and gave me a clear understanding of how parts are made and assembled.