Iron Production Metalcaster Certificate

Build iron expertise from fundamentals through melting operations.

Equip your workforce with knowledge across the entire casting process. This certificate program develops the skills needed to produce consistent, high-quality iron castings while reducing costs and improving efficiency.

Why This Certificate Matters

A foundry's success depends on workers who see beyond their immediate roles. This certificate combines broad foundational knowledge with targeted instruction for those who cast iron. Students will gain skills that impact a foundry's bottom line through material efficiency, energy management, and product quality.

Certificate Requirements

To earn the Iron Production Metalcaster Certificate, candidates must successfully complete three required courses and earn a microcredential for each. Earning all three microcredentials qualifies candidates to take the capstone examination to earn the certificate.

Flexible Sequencing

AFS Institute offers flexible course sequencing. Complete courses and earn microcredentials in the order that is most convenient. Candidates who have previously completed a course in this sequence are eligible to earn the microcredential.

Required Courses

Introduction to Metalcasting

The essential foundation every metalcaster needs. This course builds understanding of how individual tasks connect to broader production outcomes and quality objectives.

Topics Covered:

  • Key metalcasting terminology used across your facility
  • The complete casting production process from design through shipping
  • Alloy selection and process choices that affect outcomes
  • Quality assurance checkpoints, testing methods, and defect identification
  • Environmental health and safety requirements

Iron Metalcasting 101

Specialized knowledge of the five cast iron families and their distinct properties. This course builds iron-specific expertise for selecting the appropriate iron type and understanding how elements affect each family's characteristics.

Topics Covered:

  • The five cast iron families and their properties
  • Classification systems for the cast iron families
  • How elements in cast iron affect properties and performance
  • Inspection and testing methods for cast iron quality
  • Common melting practices and furnace types for cast iron
  • Heat treatment options and their effects on mechanical properties
  • Safety procedures for metalcasting facilities
     

Iron Melting 201

Detailed instruction in iron melting operations—where foundries control material costs, energy efficiency, and casting quality. Learners discover techniques that reduce material waste, improve energy efficiency, minimize scrap rates, and deliver more consistent quality.

Topics Covered:

  • Charge materials selection and cost considerations
  • Converting solid charge materials to molten iron
  • Slag formation, sampling procedures, and melt quality testing
  • Refractories and furnace relining practices
  • Molten metal handling and pouring practices

How to Earn the Certificate

1

Complete Three Courses

Learners attend all courses via live online or in-person instruction with experienced metalcasting professionals.

2

Earn Microcredentials 

After each course, candidates take an online assessment earn a microcredential.

3

Pass the Capstone Examination

After earning all three microcredentials, candidates take a comprehensive assessment that  integrates knowledge across the full certificate program.

4

Receive Your Certificate

Successful candidates earn their AFS Institute Iron Production Metalcaster Certificate.

Investment

What You Receive:

Each course in the certificate sequence includes:

  • Expert instruction from experienced metalcasting professionals
  • All course materials and resources
  • Continuing education units (CEUs)
  • End-of-course assessment and practice exam questions at no additional charge
  • Verified digital microcredential upon passing the end-of-course assessment

Pricing:
Enroll in courses individually as they become available. Course pricing varies. Visit the course schedule for pricing and availability.

Capstone Examination: 
$199 (AFS Members) | $399 (Non-Members)

Note: Earning all three microcredentials qualifies learners to take the capstone examination and earn an official AFS Institute certificate.

Ready to Get Started?
 

Contact the AFS Institute to discuss enrollment options and how this program addresses your training needs. Visit the course schedule for pricing and availability.