QUALITY PRINCIPLES IN METALCASTING CERTIFICATE

Reduce scrap, control variation, and build a systematic approach to casting quality.

Equip your quality and process teams with structured methods for solving problems, controlling processes, and sustaining improvement. This certificate program develops the skills to identify root causes, use statistical tools to monitor process stability, and design quality systems that deliver consistent results.

Why This Certificate Matters

Casting quality problems are costly, and even experienced teams benefit from structured methods to solve them consistently. This certificate builds that foundation through structured problem-solving, statistical process control, and process design principles applied to metalcasting environments.

Whether your team is reducing scrap, responding to customer quality concerns, or building a quality management system, this certificate provides the tools to move from reactive problem-solving to proactive process control.

Certificate Requirements

To earn the Quality Principles in Metalcasting 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

Foundry Process Improvement

Structured problem-solving techniques for metalcasting environments. Learners develop disciplined approaches to identifying root causes, analyzing process data, and implementing sustainable corrective actions.

Topics Covered:

Structured problem-solving approaches for metalcasting facilities
Effective problem statement development
Team and project management for process improvement
Process thinking and understanding process variation
Tools for identifying and testing root causes
Types of data used in metalcasting and methods for collection and analysis
Process stability and its role in improvement
Developing, evaluating, and sustaining solutions and countermeasures

Fundamentals of SPC and Process Capability

A practical, step-by-step introduction to statistical process control. Learners build confidence with statistical methods and learn to prepare SPC charts and capability data using Excel.

Topics Covered:

Basic data evaluation and statistical terminology
Normal probability methods and calculations
X-bar and R chart construction, control, and interpretation
Process capability study calculations
Handling common SPC problems
Attribute charts for defects and defectives
Attribute capability calculations

Process Control for Engineers

A systematic framework for achieving and maintaining process stability. Learners develop a methodology for controlling metalcasting processes and a set of tools for confronting production and quality problems.

Topics Covered:

The role of the process or quality engineer
Definitions and measures of process stability and capability
Approaches to assignable and common cause variation
Six factors of process influence
Process control plans and process maps
Process validation and process failure modes and effects analysis (PFMEA)
Metrics for process effectiveness, efficiency, and continual improvement

How to Earn the Certificate

Complete Three Courses

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

Earn Microcredentials

After each course, candidates take an online assessment on their schedule to earn a microcredential.

Pass the Capstone Examination

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

Receive Your Certificate

Successful candidates earn their AFS Institute Quality Principles in Metalcasting Certificate, validating their competency.

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.