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A SHORT COURSE IN UNDERSTANDING PRINTS FOR AUTO MANUFACTURING PLANTS

SUMMARY

In an environment of global competition, auto manufacturers, labor unions, and educators are in a complete agreement on the need to encourage and promote ongoing learning in the general area of quality improvement. With that understanding of changing paradigm, a set of courses leading to certification of quality professionals was developed for an auto manufacturer. Implementation of this specialized training program required commitment on the part of union membership and corporate leadership. This paper describes one of the short courses in understanding prints and requirements for technical as well as non-technical professionals for an automotive industry.

The course covered topics in print reading, shapes and views, sectional views, dimensioning, tolerances, holes and threads, surface texture, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and print identification and specifications. A heterogeneous group of participants included persons with no technical background, some with skilled trades training, and a few with engineering degrees. At the conclusion of the course, an examination was administered and each participant also completed course and instructor evaluation as a part of outcomes assessment.

This paper describes the course contents, teaching pedagogy, lessons learned, and participants perceptions of learning. It covers improvements made in the course contents and delivery as a result of participants’ assessment of the course and program. In addition, this paper would provide a template for others to carry out similar training in industrial and manufacturing setting for a heterogeneous group..

INTRODUCTION

The US industrial infrastructure is going through transformation that is threatening sustainability of the current workforce. This deviation is happening faster than many experts had anticipated. Some changes are making a profound impact on the workforce and the economic outlook of various regions in the country. The state of Michigan is a hot bed of well paying skilled trades for workers in the automotive industry which is very much challenged by the onslaught of international car companies. The whole industrial base is definitely impacted by the rapid changes taking place in the global economic scene.

There is a need for the state of the art continuing education for workers at all levels, in the fast changing world of science and technology. It is the responsibility of universities and community colleges to prepare our workforce so that it would continue to prepare talented artists, technicians, professionals. Industry and academic institutions must join hands in keeping the workforce relevant by providing the latest tools and techniques.

This paper would briefly address some teaching and learning models, would focus on

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Rathod, M. (2007, June), A Short Course In Understanding Prints For Auto Manufacturing Plants Paper presented at 2007 Annual Conference & Exposition, Honolulu, Hawaii. 10.18260/1-2--1856