Another Heat Treat Boot Camp has come and gone. Yesterday marked the end of a successful second year in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This intensive basic training for the heat treat industry had attendees networking, gaining new practical knowledge, and getting their "boots" on the ground and up Pittsburgh's Duquesne Incline and Penna Flame's flame hardening plant.
The event opened on a Steelers vs. Browns Monday, September 18, where the trainees got to know one another over food and drink at a reception. Seven sessions ensued between Tuesday, September 19, and Wednesday, September 20. Instructors Doug Glenn, publisher and founder of Heat Treat Today, and Thomas Wingens, president/CEO and founder of WINGENS International Industry Consultancy took these two days to bring the 40+ trainees up-to-speed on "Heat Treat Players," "Latest Heat Treat Developments," and more. Questions and discussion were encouraged during the formal sessions, and heat treaters had plenty of informal, additional learning time through interactions with each other and the instructors.
Highlights of the Event
“We had substantial growth of the number of people here, about a 33% increase [in attendance from last year]. We had over 40 people that attended, and the interaction was really remarkable," commented Glenn. He added, "One of the best benefits we had was the networking that went on. The presentations were good, we even made improvements over last year. I’m very, very pleased with the results; I think it was a great event."
At the end of the first day of lectures, nearly all of the attendees boarded a rented school bus to visit the Duquesne Incline on Mount Washington and enjoy the view of Pittsburgh. Following another day packed with training and resources, attendees had the option to visit the Penna Flame to check out the flame hardening services. Over half of the attendees ventured out to the Zelienople-based plant, applying what they learned about heat treat processes, parts, and markets that had been discussed during lectures. Andrew Orr, vice president at Penna Flame, gave the group a first-class tour of the facility to witness induction hardening, collaborative robots, quenching, and flame hardening in action.
Heat Treat Today thanks everyone for their participation in this amazing year #2 Heat Treat Boot Camp. Plans are underway for Heat Treat Boot Camp 2024. Stay tuned for registration information; see you next year!
Photo Source: Heat Treat Today
