Six Technology Tracks. One Production Environment.
Every module is delivered inside CSS's active manufacturing facility — not a classroom. Participants work alongside CSS engineers on real production challenges across six structured technology tracks.
Technology Tracks
TRK-001
Metal Additive Manufacturing
8 MODULES
Covers the full spectrum of metal AM processes used in production environments — from powder bed fusion and direct energy deposition to binder jetting and hybrid approaches. Participants work with CSS's metal AM equipment on real part production.
Learning Objectives
Understand metal AM process selection criteria for production applications
Operate powder bed fusion and DED systems under production conditions
Apply design-for-additive principles to existing part geometries
Participants leave with hands-on experience on production-grade metal AM equipment and a completed part project demonstrating process mastery.
TRK-002
Friction Stir Welding
6 MODULES
CSS operates one of the region's most capable FSW systems. This track covers FSW process fundamentals, tooling design, joint configuration, parameter optimization, and quality validation — with a focus on aerospace and defense applications.
Learning Objectives
Master FSW process parameters: spindle speed, feed rate, plunge depth
Design and evaluate FSW joint configurations for structural applications
Apply NDT methods to FSW joint quality validation
Understand FSW applications in aerospace, defense, and automotive sectors
Track Outcome
Participants complete a full FSW joint design, fabrication, and validation project using CSS's production FSW system.
TRK-003
CNC & Hybrid Manufacturing
7 MODULES
Covers CNC-enabled production workflows, hybrid additive-subtractive processes, and toolpath optimization. Participants learn to integrate CNC machining with additive processes for complex part production.
Learning Objectives
Program and operate CNC systems for production-grade part manufacturing
Develop hybrid AM+CNC workflows for complex geometries
Optimize toolpaths for surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and cycle time
Apply fixturing and workholding strategies for hybrid production
Track Outcome
Participants complete a hybrid manufacturing project integrating additive and subtractive processes on a production part.
TRK-004
CAD/CAM & Digital Twin
6 MODULES
Covers parametric CAD design, CAM programming, digital twin modeling, and simulation-driven manufacturing. Participants build digital twins of their own production processes and use simulation to optimize before cutting metal.
Learning Objectives
Apply parametric CAD principles to design-for-manufacturing workflows
Program CAM toolpaths and simulate machining operations
Build a digital twin model of a production process or machine
Use simulation data to optimize process parameters before production
Track Outcome
Participants deliver a digital twin model of a process from their own facility, validated against production data.
TRK-005
Quality Assurance & NDT
5 MODULES
Covers nondestructive testing methods, dimensional inspection, quality management systems, and alignment with AS9100/ISO 9001 standards. Participants gain hands-on experience with CMM, ultrasonic, radiographic, and dye penetrant inspection methods.
Learning Objectives
Apply NDT methods: UT, RT, PT, MT to production parts
Operate CMM and optical inspection systems for dimensional verification
Develop inspection plans aligned with AS9100/ISO 9001 requirements
Implement statistical process control for production quality monitoring
Track Outcome
Participants complete an inspection plan and NDT qualification project aligned with aerospace/defense quality standards.
TRK-006
Business Readiness
7 MODULES
Covers the operational and commercial infrastructure required to compete for advanced manufacturing contracts. Topics include ERP/MES/QMS implementation, contract readiness, manufacturing cost modeling, pricing strategy, and supply-chain integration.
Learning Objectives
Evaluate and implement ERP/MES/QMS systems appropriate to firm size and sector
Develop a contract readiness package: certifications, quality docs, capability statements
Build a manufacturing cost model and pricing framework for advanced processes
Map supply-chain integration requirements for Tier 1/2 contract work
Track Outcome
Participants complete a contract readiness package and manufacturing cost model ready for customer or prime contractor review.
