Purdue Metal Hub

Purdue University is the operator and administrator of a HUB within the Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship and Learning (METAL) Program in collaboration with the Institute of Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI).

HANDS-ON TRAINING

Education & Training

Purdue’s leading casting facilities and expertise in investment casting and foundry automation enables one-of-a-kind in-person, one-week bootcamps ranging from the basics of sand casting to complex shape investment casting to autonomous foundry and digital twins. Additionally, Purdue’s METAL hub is deeply committed to K-12 involvement and participation, with possibilities of casting class rings, medallions, and pendants for entire schools. Additionally, we are further supported by our Purdue Center for Metal Casting and strong industrial connections, which will forge long-term sustainability of our program for decades to come.

Curriculum

Online Component:

Free and self-paced
Estimated 8.5 hour completion time
13 Lessons Covered

In-Person Component:

Free
Instructor-led
32 hours of hands-on experiences
Visit to a regional foundry
Credly badge awarded
6 Modules

Online Component:

The Wax Pattern
Shell Building
Dewaxing and Firing
Metal Physics and Pouring
Post-Cast Analysis and Troubleshooting
Practical Design Workshop

In-Person Component:

Mock-up and model pouring of wax tree
3D print and/or injection mold patterns, build wax tree
Build ceramic shell mold, burnout wax, fire ceramic
Cast (air melt and/or Bridgman)
Shell knockout, cleanup, and NDE&I;

*In collaboration with the Investment Casting Institute

Online Component:

IOT Sensors, Real-Time Data, & Foundry Data Infrastructure
Advanced Data Analytics
AI-Driven Process Optimization in Foundries
AI-Enabled Quality Control & Inspection
Digital Twin Architecture for Smart Foundries
Smart Scrap Characterization
Advanced Robotics & Autonomous Systems in Foundries
Simulation & Virtual Commissioning

In-Person Component:

3D Printing & Binder Jetting
Smart Melting & Pouring Operations
Advanced Sand Casting with Instrumentation
Robotics & Automated Molding
Smart Sand Testing & Characterization
Digital Twins & AI-Driven Predictive modeling

K-12 Engagement

All ages

We will come to you! We can provide introductions to manufacturing, casting, and careers
In-class sand casting of pewter alloy (tin-silver mixture) of student-designed components, ranging from medallions to keys to figurines, and many more!
In collaboration with the Foundry Education Foundation

Ages 16+

We offer one-day workshops where students will learn how sand or investment cast.
Longer term class projects can include design, casting, and cleaning of class rings, pendants, and medallions manufactured for more than 500 students at your school!

Explore programs & register for upcoming METAL bootcamps

MEET THE TEAM