Master Data-Driven Machining—For Free
Optimize your machining strategies, reduce cycle times, and program toolpaths with confidence—before cutting a single chip.
- Self-Paced, Online Learning
- Invitations to In-Person Machining Workshops
- Earn Meaningful Micro-Credentials
- Machining AdvantEdge Modeling & CNC Optimization Bootcamp at University of St. Thomas
Why Take This Course?
Grow Your Expertise. Drive Real-World Results.
Enhance Your Expertise
Master high-impact machining strategies virtually used by top manufacturers.
Cut Smarter, Not Harder
Learn how to optimize toolpaths and machining parameters before running your machines.
Advance Your Career
Future-proof yourself as a valuable asset in the industry with these skills.
Exclusive Learning Perks
Get exclusive invitations to in-person bootcamps, industry events, and online communities of virtual machinists.
“I've studied machining processes for my entire career, including how to best provide instruction for improved understanding and application. The modeling capabilities offered by Third Wave provide an educational platform to perform digital experiments and increase knowledge."
Dr. Tony Schmitz, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
What You’ll Learn
- How to virtually iterate through design decisions based on material-specific insights.
- Select process parameters smarter, faster, and better for any part, tooling, and machine.
- Learn how material properties impact the machining process and final part state.
Who This Course Is For
Machinists and CNC operators looking to program toolpaths with precision
CAM programmers who want to optimize processes and reduce trial and error
Manufacturing engineers and process planners seeking data-driven machining strategies
Prospective machinists eager to carve out a successful future
College students ready to stand out from their peers and obtain valuable job opportunities
Transform Your Career
Before Machining AdvantEdge Training:
- Consults tool sheets, seeks machinist advice, or refers to a tool reference sheet for initial machining parameters.
- Doesn't realize the impact of material properties on machining processes.
- Unfamiliar with machining modeling for virtual testing.
- Unsure how to effectively use digital tools for machining.
- Wastes materials and tools in machine trials, increasing costs.
After Machining AdvantEdge Training:
- Uses physics-based tools to identify initial machining parameters.
- Utilizes Finite Element Analysis results to set CAM software parameters.
- Employs machining simulations to assess material removal rates instead of machine trials.
- Applies material-specific modeling to determine machining parameters and outcomes.
- Evaluate tools and materials digitally before purchasing to improve machining.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Machining AdvantEdge training?
Machining AdvantEdge demonstrates to new engineers and experienced CNC machinists and programmers how to elevate their skillset and workflow by leveraging modeling insights to capitalize on material-specific properties, thereby boosting productivity. Using physics-based mathematical models to select machining process parameters enables you to program more intelligently, efficiently, and effectively for a specific part, tooling, and machine.
Who do I contact for more information?
For more information about this exciting workforce development program, please contact info@machiningadvantedge.com
How long does the training take to complete?
Machining AdvantEdge offers two training opportunities.
- The free Machining AdvantEdge self-paced asynchronous eLearning program takes approximately eight hours to complete.
- The free 2-day Machining AdvantEdge bootcamp is held at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, and will be offered multiple times a year.
How do I sign up for the Machining Advantage bootcamp?
Visit the Machining AdvantEdge Bootcamp webpage to sign up.
What organizations are partnering in this effort?
The Machining AdvantEdge workforce development program is a national initiative supported by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), with curricula created by Third Wave Systems, a globally recognized company specializing in machining modeling, simulation, and analysis software for the aerospace, automotive, cutting tool, and medical industries.
The Machining AdvantEdge program offers eLearning curricula that educate students about machining modeling tools, enabling them to reshape decision-making by replacing costly physical experimentation with digital simulation. This aims to foster growth and development in the machining manufacturing industry.
The 2-day in-person Machining AdvantEdge Bootcamp takes place at the Design Center Lab, located on the University of St. Thomas campus in St. Paul, Minnesota, providing hands-on experience with machining modeling tools. This experience demonstrates the power of digital simulation and an accelerated machining modeling workflow, offering cost and time savings to the machining manufacturing industry.
What organizations are partnering in this effort?
If you are new to machining, you will learn how to utilize models to gain insights into your machining processes, thereby gaining confidence when operating the physical machine and enhancing productivity, regardless of the part or material being machined.If you are an experienced machinist, programmer, or manufacturing engineer, you will see how modeling can elevate your skill set and workflow by leveraging modeling insights to capitalize on material-specific properties and enhance your productivity.
Earn micro-credentials to demonstrate the knowledge you acquire through training:
The Machining AdvantEdge Badge demonstrates your understanding of Machining Modeling applied to Continuous Process Improvement and New Process Introduction by applying Material-specific Machining Modeling to work. This enables you to accelerate your machining processes and advance your career.
The Machining AdvantEdge Bootcamp Badge showcases your hands-on experience with machining modeling tools, highlighting the power of digital simulation and the accelerated machining modeling workflow that offers cost and time savings to the machining manufacturing industry.
The future of machining education is here.
Machining AdvantEdge redefines learning with an accessible, online-first program focused on real-world machining outcomes—not outdated theory. It’s free, flexible, and built to power the future of America’s manufacturers.