Metal Cutting Certification

| BlackHawk Team
For many, it may seem strange to take a course on a subject they already know. Becoming certified in metal cutting might feel like a waste of time and money when a worker has already learned through on-the-job experience, but the fact of the matter is the industry is constantly changing. Here at BlackHawk Industrial, we know firsthand that new cutting tools keep popping up on the market and machines are becoming more high-tech. Taking a course to become certified in metalcutting – even for an experienced person – is an opportunity to stay abreast of new technology while sharpening existing skills.

Taking a Course

For those who are interested in certification, there are a few courses out there for becoming a certified metal cutting professional (CMP), including online classes provided by three reputable companies Widia, Sandvik Coromant and Kennametal. CMP is specifically designed for the working engineer and other metalcutting professionals involved in tool management, tool selection, process optimization, CNC programming, and trouble-shooting. The program provides defined and common tool-selection criteria based on proven cause and effect relationships among three categories of tool design and application factors.

CMP courses are divided into three sections:

  1. ENGINEERING PRINCIPLES — Identifies tool design features and application factors used to effect change in tool performance. Common terminology used for all metalcutting tools, all processes, is established. Five courses are included:
  • Mechanics of Metalcutting
  • Cutting Edge Materials
  • Operating Conditions, Tool Life, Productivity
  • Tool Failure Analysis
  • Surface Finish
  1. TURNING PROCESSES — How to apply the Engineering Principles selection criteria to Lathe and Turning Center applications. Six courses are included:
  • Toolholder Selection
  • Boring Bar Selection
  • Insert Selection
  • Grooving Tool Selection
  • Cut-Off Tool Selection
  • Single-Point Threading
  1. MACHINING CENTER PROCESSES — How to apply the Engineering Principles selection criteria to Machining Center applications. Four courses are included:
  • Face Mill Selection
  • End Mill Selection
  • Drill Selection
  • Tap Selection
Metalcutting certification is a win-win for employees and employers alike. With a growing demand for higher education in this industry, certified workers become even more desirable. Since they’re in short supply, they have an edge over other job seekers and can choose the more lucrative jobs. Company owners, in turn, reap the benefits of employees who are better trained.  More training generally leads to greater efficiency, productivity and profitability.