We know that welding is the fusion of metals or plastics. However, until recently CHS students in the Advanced Manufacturing classes have only been able to experience the welding of metal. Due to COVID-19 and the inability to travel, CHS was able to reappropriate some of the Perkins dollars to purchase a Wegner Welder. This purchase helps the school meet the goals of expanding learning opportunities for students in special populations, upgrading to industry standard equipment and bringing industry representatives. This welding opportunity will not only benefit all students in the AMT classes but specifically students with unique circumstances. These students are not always able to achieve the skills necessary for welding metals because of arcs and flashes that may cause the student to have an adverse reaction. With the Wegner Welder, CHS is able to reduce those barriers and give those students the opportunities to develop welding skills.
Further more, there is an immense need for polyurethane welding. Currently some automotive repair shops have the Wegner System but most are unfamiliar with the types of plastics used in other areas such as ductwork, hospitals, beef and pork packing industry as well as Union Pacific computer labs.
On May 21, 2021 CHS was fortunate to have Mike Tayler of Taylor Plastics come to CHS and work with students on the Wegner Welding System. This was an incredible opportunity to have an industry professional visit CHS and for our students to learn from someone who is certified in this welding practice. Currently you can only be certified directly through the Wegner company. All other certifications are found only in Germany where they are well ahead of the Americans when it comes to the standards of welding thermoplastic materials.
This is just one of the many opportunities CHS students have to learn from industry professional in the Advanced Manufacturing classes.