Aluminum Production Metalcaster Certificate

Build aluminum 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 aluminum 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 aluminum. Students will gain skills that impact a foundry's bottom line through material efficiency, energy management, and product quality.

Certificate Requirements

To earn the Aluminum 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.

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

Aluminum Metalcasting 101

Specialized knowledge of aluminum's unique properties, behaviors, and applications. This course builds aluminum-specific expertise that minimizes guesswork and increases process reliability.

Topics Covered:

  • Aluminum's mechanical and physical properties that affect casting outcomes
  • The AAUS alloy classification system for material selection
  • How alloying elements impact final part performance
  • Matching aluminum alloys to specific applications and customer requirements
  • Common melting and casting methods for aluminum, plus heat treatment applications

Aluminum Melting 201

In-depth instruction in aluminum 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:

  • Furnace charging and temperature control procedures
  • Impurities that compromise casting quality
  • Melt treatment techniques
  • Best practices for metal transfer and pouring
  • Troubleshooting melting-related casting defects

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 Aluminum 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.