The EMPF’s electronic manufacturing training courses are structured to include students from a wide range of disciplines, such as Program Management, R&D, Engineering, Quality, and Operations personnel. The course content is geared specifically to meet the many challenges of the ever-changing world of electronics technology. The modular system also gives us the advantage of choosing and adding course content based on the need and skill set of the students. The customizable courses --- offered at the EMPF or at the customer’s site --- are instructed by top-level personnel with extensive experience in their fields. They are knowledgeable in both the theoretical and practical applications of their trade. Additionally, those training at the EMPF will benefit from the hands-on experience of working in the state-of-the-art facility.
The EMPF has always been in the forefront of instructing IPC and engineering courses to the electronics industry for both the Department of Defense and industry related ventures. Our continued success depends on our ability to adapt and offer solutions to training that will benefit our partners. A perfect example of this is the training program initiated in cooperation with the Army’s Communication Electronic Research Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC). This course is intended to train government personnel in the manufacturing of electronics, at various skill levels, and across various government positions. This same concept has been transitioned into our extensive curriculum of training classes.
Engineering training consists of three levels:
Level I Engineering Training
This level is focused on an intensive one-week experience for beginning to mid level engineers and technologists. The five-day sessions are conducted at the EMPF’s facility, where the students begin with design concepts and end with a good hands-on experience on the manufacturing of electronic assemblies. Some of the many topics that are covered include:
- Manufacturing and documentation review
- Computer-aided design files
- Review of various design techniques
- Reviewing manufacturing bill of materials
- Review standards and specifications
- Validation of revision compliance
- Understanding product requirements
- Fundamentals of surface mount technology (SMT) and mixed technology manufacturing (Figure 6-1)
Additionally, the student builds his own take home assembly using the manufacturing methods and equipment employed in SMT, and Plated Through-Hole processes.
Level II Journeymen Course
Level II is a comprehensive program designed to educate participants on the many different processes and materials used in through-hole and surface mount technologies. The course is designed to give an overview of the critical engineering skills, requirements, and technical attributes needed for working level engineers, while acquiring the necessary training for proper facilitation of an electronic manufacturing operation. The student also gains an understanding of the skill sets pertinent to the defense acquisition process. It is an intensive program that provides students with the opportunity to learn and understand the process, tools, and materials used to manufacture electronic assemblies. It includes topics such as Design for Manufacturing, Lead Free, Design of Experimentation and Statistical Process Controls (Figure 6-2) for Electronics, Chip Scale and Ball Grid Array Technology, and other leading edge electronic manufacturing.
Level III Managers Course
This is a one-day course developed to provide training for senior level engineers and managers. It provides an overview that will identify the key functional and physical characteristics critical to the infrastructure of an electronic assembly and manufacturing plant. The course covers the three main sections dealing with material management, new technologies (Figure 6-3), and critical legislation. The course design helps the individual clarify the significance of implementing controls in various areas such as configuration management, sustainment of product, control change, documentation, prohibitive material process, and the effects of commercial off the shelf (COTS) products on the material infrastructure.
The multi-level engineering program was a response to a need that helped our partners maintain the necessary skilled personnel to produce effective quality products. The EMPF has worked diligently to maintain its training expertise on behalf of our valued customers to make your training needs more affordable and effective.
Should you have any questions please contact the Registrar at 610.362.1295 or visit our website at www.aciusa.org/courses.
