PMA Educational Foundation Presents
The most comprehensive training resource for the metalforming industry. From the pressroom to the toolroom to the executive offices, PMA University is your one–stop resource for all of your company's workforce development needs.
Review the following list of PMA Educational Foundation offerings and contact the foundation at pmaef@pma.org or 216-901-8800 to learn how you can integrate these tools into your company's training plan.
*Online courses offered through ToolingU
PMA members receive a 10% discount on all Tooling U courses. To take advantage of this discount, members must register through the PMA website -- make sure the PMA logo appears on the upper right corner of the Tooling U registration page.
#PMAEF programs listed in multiple sections
- For Your Pressroom
- For Your Toolroom
- For Company Management
- Other Training/Assessment Resources
| Entry Level Employees | Press Operators | Press Set–up Technicians |
Entry–Level Employees
Assessments
- Metalworking Skills Assessment—English & Spanish
- NIMS Level I Metalforming
Self–Paced Learning
- Press Operator and Die Setter Training System
- Lesson 1 - Introduction to the Stamping Press
- Lesson 2 - Die Components & Their Function
- Lesson 3 - Uncoiler, Straightener, Feed Components & Their Function
- Lesson 4 - Proper Dress/Safety Devices
Instructor–Led Training
- Safety First
- Metalforming Level I Curriculum
- Module 1 - Introduction to Metalforming
- Module 2 - Career Planning
- Module 3 - Basic Shop Safety
- Module 4 - Introduction to Metals
- Module 5 - Metalforming Theory
- Module 6 - Basic Math
- Module 7 - Measurement & Engineering Drawings
- Module 8 - Engineering Drawings II
- Module 9 - Measurements
- Module 10 - Part Inspection & Quality
- Module 11 - Industrial Safety & Environmental Protection
- Module 12 - Job Planning & Management
- Module 13 - Introduction to Operator Performed Maintenance
Online Instruction
- Press Basics*
- Stamping Safety*
- Punch and Die Operations*
- Die Components*
- Coil Handling Equipment*
- Stamping Operations*
- Monitoring Press Operations*
- Math: Fundamentals*
- Math: Fractions and Decimals*
- Math: Units of Measurement*
- Basics of Tolerance*
- Blueprint Reading*
- Geometry: Lines and Angles*
- Geometry: Triangles*
- Geometry: Circles and Polygons*
- Intro to Materials*
- Basic Measurement*
- Quality Overview*
- ISO 9000 Overview*
- Intro to OSHA*
- Fire Safety and Prevention*
- Bloodborne Pathogens*
- Personal Protective Equipment*
- Lockout/Tagout Procedures*
- Safety for Lifting Devices*
- Machine Guarding*
- Hand and Power Tool Safety*
- Environmental Safety Hazards*
- MSDS and Hazard Communication*
- Metalworking Fluid Safety*
- Noise Reduction and Hearing Conservation*
- Walking and Working Surfaces*
- Powered Industrial Truck Safety*
Seminars
Resources
- SkillStart – Basic Electricity
- SkillStart – Basic Maintenance
- SkillStart – Basic Safety
- SkillStart – Basics of Fluid Power
- SkillStart – Introduction to PLCs
- SkillStart – Basic Quality
Press Operators
Assessments
Self–Paced Learning
- Press Operator and Die Setter Training System
- Lesson 5 - Basic Operator Controls and Lockout/Tagout
- Lesson 6 - Safe Operation on the Manually Fed Press
- Lesson 7 - Safe Operation on the Coil Fed Press
- Lesson 8 - Basic Operations Performed on the Die
- Lesson 9 - Coil Handling and Adverse Coil & Material Conditions
- Lesson 10 - Operating Existing Setups and the Importance of the Slack Loop
- Lesson 11 - Uncoiling and Straightening Procedures
- Lesson 12 - Loading Coils into Existing Setups
- Lesson 13 - Indicators of Incorrect Operation
- Lesson 14 - Dimensional Measuring & Gaging Piece Parts / SPC
- Lesson 15 - Attribute Gaging of Piece Parts
Instructor–Led Training
- Lockout for Safety, Lockout for YOU!
- Stamping Level II Curriculum
- Module 1 - The Importance of Economics
- Module 2 - Math & Measurements
- Module 3 - Operation of the Stamping Press
- Module 4 - Coil Conditions & Materials Handling
- Module 5 - Auxiliary Operations and Procedures
- Module 6 - Optical Comparator
- Module 7 - Communications & Teamwork
Online Instruction
- Shop Algebra Overview*
- Trig: Pythagorean Theorem*
- Shop Trig Overview*
- Trig: Sine, Cosine, and Tangent*
- Structure of Metals*
- Mechanical Properties of Metal*
- Ferrous Metals and Alloys*
- Nonferrous Metals and Alloys*
- Linear Instrument Characteristics*
- Basics of the Optical Comparator*
- Approaches to Maintenance*
- Coil Loading Procedures*
Seminars
- Operating Coil Fed Presses#
- Sheetmetal 101 — Understanding the Metal#
- Power Press Safety#
- Understanding Punch & Die Technology#
- METALFORM Conference#
Resources
Press Set–up Technicians
Assessments
- NIMS Level III Stamping (equipment specific)
- NIMS Level III Stamping — Parts Inspection & Quality Control
- Competency–Based Apprenticeship — NIMS Certified Press Setup/Operator — Stamping
Self–Paced Learning
- Press Operator and Die Setter Training System
- Lesson 16 - Setup Controls
- Lesson 17 - Removing the Die Assembly & Die Clamp Selection
- Lesson 18 - Installing the Die Part 1 — Loading the Die & Shut Height Adjustment Mechanism
- Lesson 19 - Installing the Die Part 2 — Adjusting Shut Height/Clamp Die/Counterbalance
- Lesson 20 - Setting Up Pullback Safety Devices
- Lesson 21 - Trial Stamping the First Piece Part — Manually Fed Press
- Lesson 22 - Air–Operated Bridge Grip Feeds
- Lesson 23 - Air–Operated Open Throat Grip Feeds (with Pull–through Straighteners)
- Lesson 24 - Mechanical Roll Feeds Part 1
- Lesson 25 - Mechanical Roll Feeds Part 2
- Lesson 26 - Trial Stamping 1st Parts on Coil Fed Press
Instructor–Led Training
- Stamping Level III Curriculum
- Module 1 - Setup Controls and Die Removal
- Module 2 - Maintenance and Technical System Review
- Module 3 - Die Assembly Installation
- Module 4 - Feed Setup
- Module 5 - Trial Run
Online Instruction
- Die Setting Procedures*
- Statistics*
- Interpreting Blueprints*
- Intro to GD&T*
- Calibration Fundamentals*
- Inspection with Optical Comparators*
- Hole Inspection*
Seminars
- Operating Coil Fed Presses#
- Sheetmetal Forming — Understanding the Properties#
- Power Press Safety#
- Sensors & Control Systems#
- Understanding Punch & Die Technology#
- METALFORM Conference#
- Expert OJT Workshop#
Resources
| Tool and Die Maker | Tool Designer |
Tool and Die Maker
Assessments
- Tool & Die Training and Assessment System
- Competency–Based Apprenticeship—NIMS Certified Tool and Die Maker
Online Instruction
- Die Cutting Variables*
- Guiding System Components*
- Stripper System Components*
- Heat Treatment of Steel*
Seminars
- Sheetmetal 101—Understanding the Metal#
- Sheetmetal Forming—Understanding the Properties#
- Higher Strength Sheet Steel—Understanding the Problems#
- Forming Difficult Stampings with Better Consistency#
- Transfer Automation#
- Simulation and Design Technology#
- Designing & Building Metal Stamping Dies#
- Die Maintenance#
- Deep Draw Technology#
- Understanding Punch & Die Technology#
- Tool & Die Roundtable#
- Troubleshooting Formability Problems#
- Die Protection Clinic#
- METALFORM Conference#
Resources
- Supervisors Guide: Diemaking CD
- Tooling by Design CD
- MetalForming Electronics CD
- Science of Forming CD (vol 1 & vol 2)
Tool Designer
Seminars
- Higher Strength Sheet Steel—Understanding the Problems#
- Forming Difficult Stampings with Better Consistency#
- Circle Grid Analysis & Forming Limit Diagrams#
- Transfer Automation#
- Simulation and Design Technology#
- Designing & Building Metal Stamping Dies#
- Die Maintenance#
- Sensors & Control Systems#
- Deep Draw Technology#
- Understanding Punch & Die Technology#
- Tool & Die Roundtable#
- Troubleshooting Formability Problems#
- Die Protection Clinic#
- Low Production Stamping#
- METALFORM Conference#
| Engineering | Senior and Department Management |
Engineering
Online Instruction
Seminars
- Circle Grid Analysis & Forming Limit Diagrams#
- Transfer Automation#
- Simulation and Design Technology#
- Designing & Building Metal Stamping Dies#
- Die Maintenance#
- Sensors & Control Systems#
- Estimating Metal Stamping Dies
- Deep Draw Technology#
- Tool & Die Roundtable#
- Welding and Assembly
- Low Production Stamping#
- METALFORM Conference#
Senior and Department Management
Online Instruction
- Quality Overview*
- ISO 9000 Overview*
- Approaches to Maintenance*
- Lean Manufacturing Overview*
- Intro to Supply Chain Management*
- Total Productive Maintenance Overview*
- Introduction to 5S*
- Cell Design and Pull System*
- Intro to Six Sigma*
- Troubleshooting: Identifying Problems*
- Troubleshooting: Understanding Causes and Effects*
- Troubleshooting: Taking Corrective Actions*
- Conducting an Internal Audit*
- TS 16949:2002 Overview*
- Metrics for Lean*
- Conducting Kaizen Events*
- Six Sigma Goals and Tools*
- Cell Design and Pull Systems*
- Conducting an Internal Audit*
Seminars
- Understanding Costing & Pricing Manufactured Products
- Justifying Investments in New Technology
- Power Press Safety#
- Emerging Innovations in Press Technology
- Human Resource Roundtable
- Chief Financial Officers Roundtable
- Information Technology Roundtable
- Trainers Roundtable
- Quality Roundtable
- R & D Tax Credits
- Shop Management Software
- Low Production Stamping#
- METALFORM Conference#
- Expert OJT Workshop#
PMA Educational Foundation Working Solutions (in-plant consulting)
- Amateur Metallurgy for the Professional Stamper
- Higher Strength Steels...Designing & Forming
- Computer Simulation of Sheet Metalforming
- Troubleshooting Formability Problems
- Forming Difficult Stampings with Better Consistency
- Forming Sheetmetal More Effectively
- Successful Die Planning, Quoting and Sourcing
- Multi–Skill & Pay–For–Skill Compensation Programs
- New Hire Selection Strategies
- Self–Directed Work Teams
- Structured On–the–Job Training
- Job–Task & Skill Analysis
- Skill–Based Training Designs
- Assessment Development & Validation Services
- Curriculum Design & Education Partnerships
- Effective Business Presentations
- Using & Maximizing Training Media
- Apprenticeship Program Development
Community Colleges
Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEP)
National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)