1. No category

Manufacturing:
Sparks to Parts
Featured Businesses:
Imperial Industries, Inc.
Dealerships, Parts, Service & more!
itime ¬fall 2011
time
Staff
Amanda Mosher
Senior, GCT
Spring 2012
Mackenzie Fraser
Senior, GCT
Emily Drewek
Senior, GCT
Jessica Bean
Senior, GCT
Xang Lor
Senior, GCT
Kaitlin Racine
Senior, GCT
Katie Hohensee
Senior, GCT
Elise Cox
Junior, GCT
Brad Anderson
Senior, GCT
Philip Graveen
Senior, GCT
Kelly Traska
Senior, GCT
Trevor Beaty
Senior, GCT
Jessica Scott
Senior, GCT
Beth Russ
Instructor, GCT
Dan Seanor
Instructor, GCT
Bud Young
Instructor, GCT
Darren Ackley
Dean
NTC time magazine’s top priority is to inform and educate Central Wisconsin about the graphic
technologies, manufacturing and engineering trades as well as education for them in the area of
Wausau, Wisconsin. We primarily intend to inform the readership and showcase the depth of the
trades, introducing the consumer to aspects of the trades and education, as well as displaying in-depth
information and informing readers of present opportunities in the area.
NTC time magazine showcases Central Wisconsin’s technologies and manufacturing and engineering
trades, from education to business. NTC time promotes the industry by informing readers of these trades
and displaying the immense capabilities of its members. Students and staff from Northcentral Technical
College collaborate to construct NTC time publication bi-annually.
Designed and produced by NTC Graphic Communication Technologies students for educational purposes.
ii
NTC time ¬ spring 2012
Contents
Spring 2012
Headliners:
Will Green Make Cents?. . . . . . . . . 13
Wheels to Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Spot-Light:
Addressing Workforce Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Automobiles Through the Ages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Area Auto Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Welding History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Recreation & Leisure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Commerce:
Featured Businesses:
Auto Industry: New, Used & Repair . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Goetsch’s Welding & Machine Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . 26
Imperial Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Instruction:
Featured Programs:
Automotive Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Lean Six Sigma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Merrill Tech Ed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Welding Progam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
time ¬ spring 2012 ii
time
Commerce
by MacKenzie Fraser
Auto Industry:
New, Used, and Repairs
Brickner’s of Wausau
At Brickner’s of Wausau, it’s not just about buying a car. It’s about
finding the right car for YOU. That means, we take the time to get
to know you—your aesthetic preferences, your hobbies, and your
driving habits. This is true regardless of whether you decide to lease
or buy a new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or RAM. For, whether you’re
“together” two years or 20, Brickner’s of Wausau wants to make sure
you never regret your decision.
Jerry Brickner from Brickner’s of Wausau says something new is
that they are selling cars again. “Chrysler Corp sales were up 26%
last year, and have month over month increases in sales for the last
24 months. Our product is what people want and they are buying it.”
Jerry sees automotive technology constantly advancing. “We have
seen so many changes in the last five years. I am really excited about
what vehicles will be like in the next five to ten years.” Jerry gets
into more depth. “Technology is traveling at a high rate of speed.
Touch screen controls, audio system technology, GPS, electric power
steering, smart air ride suspension, fuel efficient gas engines with
great MPG and performance. “
you need to be able to communicate well and have a stellar driving
record. “I have actually not been able to hire very good prospects
because of their driving record,” Jerry says.
Jerry, along with Kent Olson, are co-chairs for the Wisconsin Auto
and Truck Education Association, WATEA. They attend career fairs,
visit schools, and talk to classes to inform them of the opportunities
in the automotive industry. WATEA owns the “Crew Chief” which is
a NASCAR tire change simulator and attracts kids to its booth very
easily as it is a hands-on machine. Brickner’s of Wausau works very
closely with the area high schools and technical colleges to help fund,
direct, advise on curriculum, and staff the automotive programs.
Brickner’s of Wausau is a leading provider of new and used
Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM cars in Wausau WI thanks to their
quality automobiles, low prices, and superior sales staff. They
encourage you to visit them at 2525 Grand Avenue to view their
selection in person, speak to a sales professional or take a Town &
Country, 1500, Journey, Wrangler or 200 for a test drive. Call if you
have any questions about a new or used Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or
If you’re looking to keep up with the automotive industry, Jerry’s RAM vehicle that they can answer for you.
advice is to stay educated. His reasoning is the automotive field is
changing rapidly. It has been for years and will be in the future.
“Technicians cannot be complacent where they are at. They need F U N
to be continually learning what is new, what has changed, and A The first cars did not have
what will be changing. There is a lot of information available for C steering wheels. Drivers steered with
technicians, they just need to take the initiative.” Jerry adds that T a lever.
S
1
time ¬ spring 2012
Car Connection Central, LLC
Car Connection Central LLC opened
for business in 1979 in Schofield, WI. As
the business grew, additional staff and
service bays were added. In 1999 The Car
Connection acquired the one acre lot next
door and doubled their size. Today, the Car
Connection is the area’s largest used car
dealership. As the only used car dealership
with 4 mechanics and 4 service bays
exclusively for their vehicles and customers,
the Car Connection doesn’t just sell cars and
trucks—they service them as well. The Car
Connection takes pride in the fact that 90%
of their sales come from word of mouth,
and they frequently sell multiple vehicles to
families and neighbors.
Thirty years in the same location means
Car Connection will be here for your current
car and the next. All vehicles are warranted,
and inspected prior to sale. The state does
not require such inspections, but they do.
Car Connection’s ‘One-Price’ selling means
no hassle or haggling to get the best
price— it’s on the sticker. Their vehicles are
carefully chosen to guarantee the best value
for your money.
their ‘One Price’ is well below most other
dealers ‘Starting Price’. Car Connection deals
fairly, honestly, and explains everything
about your vehicle to you before you buy.
Many of their vehicles are warranted, and
are serviced on site in their shop. In addition,
they will explain exactly what your car is
worth and what they can give you for it. They
will never hide the real value using tricks and
inflated prices. If you choose to trade your
Car Connection knows you hate to haggle car, you may. If not, Car Connection Central
over a car. All you want is a fair price and a can give you all the information you need to
quality car. That’s the way they feel, too. So sell it yourself.
they price all their cars with the best possible
price they can sell them at and still make a
reasonable profit. You will usually find that
Griesbach Auto Sales
Griesbach Auto Service Inc. opened its doors in October 1996.
The company’s goal in 1996 is our goal today—complete client
satisfaction. Griesbach strives to have the best qualified and trained
technicians on staff to solve client issues in a timely fashion. We also
use the highest quality parts available so their clients will not have
to experience the same failure during ownership of their vehicle. We
all know mechanical components are prone to fail, that is why they
offer a 36 months 36,000 mile warranty on most services.
Griesbach Auto Service is truly a family owned and operated
service facility. If you have a concern or question, Jon Griesbach,
owner, is always available to discuss your vehicles issues with you.
Tina, his wife, is the Office Manager and takes care of all bookkeeping
needs. Their two sons help around the shop cleaning, maintaining
equipment, and doing yard work.
The Griesbach’s are very proud of their clean state-of-the-art
facility and would love to give you a tour and introduce you to the
team they have in place to service all your vehicles maintenance and
repair needs. They invite you to stop in for a free cup of coffee, hot
chocolate, cappuccino, and popcorn.
Owner Jon Griesbach is also on the advisory board for the
automotive program at NTC. When asked what is new right now
in the automotive industry, he said that there are always continued
advancements in automotive technology. “Hybrid vehicles,
alternative fuel vehicles, and electric powered vehicles are the big
focus right now,” Jon says. That comes as no surprise given the
consistent increase in standard fuel prices. Griesbach Auto Body
currently has one enrolled and one graduated student employed
from the NTC automotive program.
Continued on Page 31
time ¬ spring 2012
2
L
methods are implemented by having
different groups of employees receive
training in Lean and Six Sigma methods. This
is followed by these employess conducting
separate projects based on business need. A
focus on Lean occurs when short-term gains
are desired and business leaders believe that
a value stream map will reveal appropriate
solutions. Six Sigma is preferred when the
problem is not obvious, and/or when a
longer time frame is required. According
to the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension
Partnership (WMEP), businesses that used
Lean Six Sigma experienced increased
yields, reduced costs, better quality and
variation and make process improvements less waste.
Source eHow website, eHow Contributor, Sandra Mireles
based on the customer definition of quality,
and by measuring process performance and
Lean Sigma Certificate
process change effects. This is done by Value
Northcentral Technical College is offering
Stream Mapping which involves clarifying
the customer base, listing the process steps, a Lean Sigma Certificate. Beginning in
establishing which steps are value-add, and the fall semester of 2012, this 14-credit
reworking the process so the value-add certificate will be available at the Wausau
steps flow without interruption. There is no and Phillips campuses. Classes will be
area of a business that will not benefit from held Wednesday evenings from 5pm –
analysis with Value Stream Mapping. Each 9pm. This certificate has been designed
business must find the right combination specifically for organizations that want local
of Lean and Six Sigma tools to gain the ongoing training to help them implement
most benefit for their business. Mapping Lean Six Sigma into their company. Time
the business will reveal the trouble spots commitment for this accelerated, hybrid
and then the real business of attacking the certificate is four hours every other week
plus significant project time between
problem can begin.
classes for two semesters.
Six Sigma Methods consist of a main Six
Organizations are encouraged to enroll
Sigma technique which is the 5-step DMAIC
process: Define the problem, Measure the teams of employees, however, individuals
current situation, Analyze for root cause, are also welcome. Teams will use the tools
ean Six Sigma is a quality
improvement methodology resulting
from the combination of the individual
Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. Lean
Sigma is widely acclaimed to be the most
dramatic tool for reducing lead time and
variation. According to TBM Consulting
Group, Lean Sigma reduces lead time and
variation faster than ever before possible,
and is the first seamless integration of
Lean and Six Sigma. TBM claims that
using the marriage of Lean Thinking and
Six Sigma, project work time is reduced
from six months to six or eight weeks. This
is done by using Lean tools to reduce the
unnecessary time and activities utilized in
traditional Six Sigma.
Lean Six Sigma helps companies discover
and eliminate hidden costs that are a part of
every business. This business tool also helps
companies address resistance to change
that is part of every employee environment. Improve the process effectively, and Control
Lean Six Sigma aims to eliminate process the process to maintain the gain. These
3
time ¬ spring 2012
Continued on Page 31
ing That
Driving The Train
g!
Keeps You Runnin
WE NEED
YOUR HELP!
The Wisconsin Automotive Truck Education Association (WATEA)
is looking for members like YOU to join our group.
What Is WATEA
WATEA is a group of like minded individuals and businesses in the automotive, truck, and transportation industry with the common
goal to develop awareness of career paths and opportunities available in the automotive, truck, and transportation industry.
Why Join WATEA?
To help us improve and enhance the image of the automotive, truck, and transportation industry. It’s important that we recruit
and retrain qualified candidates TODAY to insure we have candidates TOMORROW!
Please Join Us!
Our Annual Membership Drive Dinner will be held Wednesday, April 11 at the Jefferson Street Inn. Social time begins at 5:30pm,
Dinner served at 6:00pm, and Presentation(s) from 6:30 - 7:00pm. Plus you’ll get to see what we do, meet other members
within your industry, and see the BENEFITS of joining WATEA.
Please RSVP
Contact: Becky Kopp
Phone: (715) 261-8719
Email: bkopp@fsc-corp.org
Visit Us At:
www.WATEA.org
WATEA is a 501C Non-Profit Organization
Proud sponsor of
time
Commerce
by Beth Russ
Imperial Industries
Imperial Industries, located in Rothschild, WI, has been building codes are incorporated in this tank design software and
manufacturing bulk storage tanks and silos, and liquid waste ensure that each project exceeds customer expectations.
tanks for over 30 years. Committed to providing customers with
an unequaled combination of quality, value and service, Imperial
Industries designs welded storage tanks, bins, hoppers, septic,
grease and portable toilet service trucks. In addition, they specialize
in factory and field welded storage tanks for dry bulk material and a
wide variety of liquids.
Founded in 1981, Imperial was among the first to adopt modern
manufacturing processes in the design and fabrication of bulk
storage tanks. Their state-of-the-art 91,368 sq. ft. manufacturing
facility is based on an assembly line model rather than the typical
job-shop approach, and is the most advanced plant of its kind in
the industry.
Constructing tanks from carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum
Imperial Industries currently employs over 160 employees
or any of several specialty alloys, Imperial incorporates the latest
and has over 75 full time Welders/Fabricators.
technology and equipment providing superior design flexibility,
product quality, and manufacturing efficiency. The company is
Storage Tanks are often the most visually prominent features
authorized to produce fabricated pressure vessels and holds both
“U” and “R” stamps for manufacture and repair of pressure vessels. of a manufacturing plant. Tank finishes not only improve a tank’s
performance, but also reduce cleaning and maintenance costs.
Imperial Industries specializes exclusively in tank design. Their
Imperial’s 15,000 square foot cleaning, painting, and finishing
engineers use proprietary tank design software to create detailed
facility provides the best finish in the industry. Factory-trained
drawings, materials lists, production schedules, and cost estimates
painters apply epoxy and polyurethane coatings, or custom paint as
based on a customer’s unique needs. Data and information from
defined by the customer’s project requirements. Stainless steel and
hundreds of previous installations, factors such as wind load, soil
aluminum tanks are chemically cleaned and protected for transit.
and seismic conditions, and current local, national, and international
time ¬ spring 2012
6
Imperial Industries makes delivery of tanks easier with its
dedicated fleet of trucks and knowledgeable drivers. Self-unloading
trailers are designed specifically for the transportation of tanks and
all drivers are expert at protecting the load en route. Tanks, carefully
prepared for transport, are delivered complete and ready to set in
place and put into immediate operation.
For over 20 years Imperial Industries has also been providing
septic tankers, portable sanitation service trucks, and slide-in
units engineered for handling residential and portable restroom
wastes. Each truck-mounted tank is designed to the customer’s
specifications. With a broad network of truck dealership connections,
Imperial can also assist customers in their search for a truck chassis.
As they continue to grow, Imperial Industries recently introduced
plastic products to complement service tank units that service the
“Imperial Handwash,” and the “Imperial Barricade” to their line of
portable restroom market. They have added the “Imperial Toilet,” the
products, complementing the slide-in units and truck mounted
service tanks that are already leaders in the industry.
Contact Imperial Industries, Inc. at 800-558-2945 for more
information.
FUN
A
hat are the origins of the word
C
Argon ? The name originates
T
from the Greek word ‘argos’
S meaning inactive.
W
You Can Now View NTC time Magazine Online
Just go to http://www.ntc.edu/programs/tech-trades/102042
ING
2011 SPR
7time ¬fall 2011
Once there click on the More Info bar and select the issue you
would like to view.
8time ¬fall 2011
History
The Automobile
Through the Ages
by Kati Hohensee
M
ost people know that the Model T
Ford was the first mass produced
automobile in the early 1900s.
But did you know that the first car was
actually built in 1769?
Automobiles did not just come out of
thin air, or Henry Ford’s mind, around 1903.
It actually started over a hundred years
earlier in France. In 1796 a French military
engineer named Nicolas Cugnot developed
a steam powered road vehicle for the French
army to haul heavy cannons. He successfully
converted the back and forth action of a
steam piston into rotary motion by using a
steam engine fixed to a three-wheeled cart.
This new truck could reach walking speed
and carry four tons.
known as the Puffing Devil, was the first
horseless carriage to transport passengers.
In the following decades this vehicle was
improved by the development of hand
brakes, gears, and steering wheels.
patented a successful four-stroke engine
known as “Otto Cycle.” Not long after a
Scottish engineer, Sir Dugald Clerk, invented
the first successful two-stroke engine.
The ‘Motor Age’ was starting to move
forward with some steam. Instead
of decades passing between major
improvements, it was now only taking a
few years for engineers and inventers to
find new and better ways to spruce up
the automobile. in 1886 there were two
engineers in Germany—Gottlieb Daimler
and Karl Benz—who created the first
vehicles driven using internal combustion
engines. They formulated highly successful
and practically powered vehicles that
worked, for the most part, like cars we
use now. The age of modern motors had
just begun.
Between the 1820s and 1860s, engineers
experimented with new power sources.
Samuel Brown, an English engineer, adapted
an old steam engine to burn a mixture of
oxygen hydrogen gas to power a vehicle up
large hills. In 1858, a Belgian-born engineer
named Jean Joseph Étienne Lenoir invented
a two-stroke, internal combustion engine
that was fuelled by coal gas and triggered by
an electric spark-ignition. He later attached
an improved engine to a three-wheeled
wagon and completed a fifty-mile road trip.
Not long after that, Richard Trevithick Quite a trip back in that day!
of Britain improved the design of steam
Now everyone was trying to get a piece
engines by making them smaller and lighter of the auto action. People were constantly
Just three years later, two former French
with stronger boilers generating more trying to come up with ways to improve wood machinists by the names of Rene
power. In 1801 he put one of his new steam the large, slow moving vehicles. Nikolaus Panhard and Emile Levassor, set up the
engines on wheels. His car, referred to back August Otto would be the one to break the world’s first car manufacturers. Their first car
then as a ‘road locomotive’ and commonly ice of genius. In 1876 he invented and later
Continued on Page 30
Speed Demons
Once vehicles could reach higher speeds, the need for speed limits arose. In 1865, the UK introduced
the Locomotive Act. Horse-less vehicles were restricted to 4 mph in open country and 2 mph in
towns. In addition, you were required to have three drivers per vehicle: two to travel in the vehicle
and one to walk ahead waving a red flag. For 30 years cars couldn’t legally travel above walking
speed. Could you imagine trying to get to work on time?
9 time ¬ spring 2012
time
Safety
Corner
by Xang Lor
Safety is the number one consideration at work. Welding and liquids or gases, and clean them thoroughly. Have a tank filled with
auto mechanic are jobs that are full of hazards that can cause water within the work area.
serious or fatal injuries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
Here are some tips to preventing a fire in welding.
fatal injuries in fires and explosion have increased by 65%. As we
• Remove or cover combustible material within 35 ft of the
all know auto and welding are two jobs that can cause fires or
work area.
explosion. Today we are going to discuss fire safety in welding and
• Block or cover all windows, cracks, holes, and doorways
auto repair and how to prevent it.
with noncombustible material.
Welding Safety
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the work area and know its
location.
Before anyone starts welding, welders must be knowledgeable
• Don’t work in areas where flammable liquids, gases, vapors
about fire hazards and safe practices. Remember that a quick look
and dust are present.
around your work area is not enough and you should take more time
• Never apply heat to a container that has combustible
to learn about your work area. Welders must examine the work area
materials.
carefully and adjacent areas, welding equipment, and consumables
• Have a tank filled with water within the work area.
for hazard. Make sure you know your equipment and what shouldn’t
• Provide ventilation in the work area.
be around in the work area.
• Use appropriate equipment.
Fire can be caused by sparks, hot slag, and flame torch, and
• Uncoil hoses and keep gas cylinders at a safe distance
can also result from combustible materials touching a hot metal or
from the work area. Never place gas hose in an area where
flammable vapors. Hot slag and spark can pass through cracks, pipe
sparks, heat, slag and flame can strike.
openings, or holes unnoticed until a fire starts. It is always a great
idea to empty tanks or pipes that may have contained flammable Auto Repair Safety
Auto repair is a job where safety should never be overlooked
especially with all the chemicals, gasses, and oils. A simple flare can
turn into a dangerous fire quickly. Before someone gets to work, he/
she should be knowledgeable about fire safety and prevention in
their work area. An auto repair person should know what to do and
Continued on Page 29
time ¬ spring 2012
10
time
History
by Jessica Scott
W
elded gold boxes from the Bronze Age are the first known
examples of welding. Egyptians also grasped the art of
welding, which they used to create iron tools. During
the middle ages, a set of blacksmiths came forward and welded
various types of iron tools incorporating the use of hammers.
In the 1800s, welding made major breakthroughs. One huge
advancement was the use of open flames, which allowed elaborate
metal tools and equipment to be manufactured. A battery-operated
tool was invented which could produce an arc between carbon
electrodes. Acetylene was discovered in 1836 and was soon utilized
by the welding industry. In 1890 a very popular welding technique
called carbon arc welding was developed.
In 1953 CO2 welding became the welding process of choice for
welding steels due to it being economical. Not long after, electrode
wires of smaller diameter were launched, which made welding of
thin materials more convenient.
Throughout the 1960s there were many advancements in
welding. Some of the large advancements include: Dualshield
welding, Innershield welding, and Electroslag welding. Also, plasma
arc welding was used for metal spraying. At this time the French
Coated metal electrode welding was first introduced in 1900. A developed electron beam welding, which is still used today in the
coating of lime helped the arc to be more stable. During this period United States aircraft manufacturing industries.
a number of other welding processes were developed including;
Some recent developments in welding include friction welding
seam welding, flash butt welding, and projection welding. In 1920 and laser welding. Laser welding is used for several different kinds
automatic welding was first introduced. This technique combines of welding work, which is due to the capacity of lasers in rendering
the use of arc voltage and bare electrode wires, used to repair and precision to all kinds of welding jobs.
mold metals.
Stud welding was first used in the 1930s and was increasingly
used for the construction industry and also for shipbuilding. It was
also during this time that a welding process called smothered arc
welding was first used. In shipbuilding, the process of stud welding
was replaced by the more advanced submerged arc welding.
In 1941, a new type of seamless welding was created for
aluminum and magnesium. This process was called Heliarc
welding. The gas shielded metal arc welding was another enormous
milestone in the history of welding which was developed in 1948.
11time
¬fall¬2011
11time
spring 2012
IMPERIAL INDUSTRIES, INC IMPERIAL INDUSTRIES, INC IMPERIAL I
IMPERIAL INDUSTRIES, INC IMPERIAL INDUSTRIES, INC IMPERIAL I
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IMPERIAL INDUSTRIES,
INC
IMPERIAL
INDUSTRIES,
INC IMPERIAL I
The
Proud
Tradition
Continues...
IMPERIAL INDUSTRIES, INC IMPERIAL INDUSTRIES, INC IMPERIAL I
Partnering with ntC
for over 30 years
From Left to Right:
Joe, Mechanical Designer (Mechanical Design, 2003);
Mary, Accounting Manager (Accounting, 2008 and Business
Administration, 1977); Ron, Welding Leadman (Welding, 1976);
Jessica, Welder/Fabricator (Welding, 2009); Ryan, Commercial
Truck Assembler (Electro-Mechanical, 2008)
Imperial Industries, Inc. • 715-359-0200 • P.O. Box 1685 • Wausau, WI • 54402-1685 • www.imperialind.com • EOE
time
W
will green
make cents?
Spotlight
by Kaitlin Racine
hat is keeping the electric car from being
widely adapted as a means of transportation?
Factors include the cost of developing, producing,
and operating electric vehicles compared to those of
internal combustion engine vehicles, and the fact that
electric cars have a higher price tag than their
gasoline-powered companion. Another
factor is what experts are calling “range
anxiety”. Manufacturers are marketing
these vehicles as ideal for short trips of
around 40 miles. Trips longer than that would
require a battery switching technology or a
rapid recharge system which are both still
in the works.
N
issan is the first automaker to put
over 20,000 pure battery-electric
cars on U.S. highways. The 2012 Leaf
with DC Fast Charge and backup
camera included starts at $35,200 or
$369 per month. The Nissan Leaf is
battery-electric with a 100-mile range
per charge. This 5-door, 5-seat, hatchback
has the right size and range for many
who drive under 100 miles daily, or for
households with more than one car.
D
espite such skepticism, Washington is putting
considerable money into the effort, including
billions of dollars in loans to Ford, Nissan and Tesla
13time ¬ spring 2012
Motors. Under last year’s stimulus package, nearly $200
million will support Nissan’s introduction of the Leaf by
permitting the installation of 13,000 charging stations
around cities in Oregon, Washington, California,
Arizona and Tennessee in the next year or so. No one
wants to be left out and bigger cities are preparing for
an onslaught of demand.
A
driver with an all-electric vehicle
will need a 240-volt charger for rapid
charging, but many homes built before the
mid-80’s don’t have the panel capacity or
wiring to accommodate that type of outlet.
Suddenly it’s not just a $2,500 charger
you need, but a $15,000 electrical
upgrade to your house. These are
the things that manufacturers are
thinking through and trying to be
smart about.
C
arlos Ghosn, Nissan’s president
and chief executive thinks that
the zero emission Nissan Leaf will be
the game changer for the industry. He
predicted that 10 percent of the cars sold
would be electric vehicles by 2020. The
popularity of electric vehicles will rely on a lot of
different things: the state of the economy, how many
people can actually afford to buy the cars and the price
of gasoline — how high does it have to be?
All New Nissan Leaf
Coming out December 2012
}
}
“This is the
game-changer for our industry!”
~Carlos Ghosn
Nissan’s president and chief executive
time ¬ spring 2012
14
15time ¬ spring 2012
time
T
Instruction
by Randy Wesenick & Matt Klug
he NTC Automotive Technology
Associate Degree and the
Automotive Technician Diploma
programs are driven to present the
students a combination of technical skills,
soft skills, and hands-on experience in
preparing them for the competitive and
ever-changing automotive industry,
while instilling in them the understanding
that their learning has just begun. With
today’s technologies the modernisms
of engine controls, suspension systems,
brake systems, automatic transmissions,
performance systems, and electrical
accessories changing so fast it means
that no matter how futuristic these
advancements may seem, they are just
steppingstones paving the way for the
technologies of tomorrow.
Students spend 35-40% of their time in
class learning automotive theory. Simulator
boards are used to assist in learning and
comprehension. Recently added was an
Internet based interactive training program
called ARGO which allows students to focus
on problem solving and further develop their
critical thinking skills. The remaining 6065% of the time is spent in an automotive
shop environment. For students to further
develop critical thinking skills, vehicles are
NTC’s
AUTOMOTIVE PROGRAM
programmed to fit specific repair scenarios.
And at the advice of the automotive
Advisory Committee a Service Advisor class
was added to further develop soft skills.
of the internal combustion engine. With the
advent of variable valve timing and cylinder
displacement technologies this makes it
crucial for the complete understanding of
At present time there are 15 sections how the engine is designed and operates.
in the automotive program. Students will
Students then move on to Brake Systems.
begin with Automotive Fundamentals. The Students study the design, construction, and
Automotive Fundamentals class is important service of vehicle braking systems dealing
in regards to getting students accustomed with such things such as disc brakes, drum
to the fast-paced world of automobile quick brakes, power brake units, and hydraulic
service. Students will learn the proper and systems with an introduction to the parking
safe procedures for mounting and balancing brake systems.
}
}
“..driven to present the students a combination
of technical skills, soft skills, and hands-on
experience in preparing them for the competitive
and ever-changing automotive industry.”
tires, engine maintenance, suspension and
differential maintenance, and electronic
headlight aiming. The next class is Manual
Transmission and Drive Train, which focuses
on the diagnosis and repair of clutches,
manual transmissions, and differentials in
driveline systems. At this point the student
is introduced to electrical with the Electrical
Electronic Systems One class. Blocks four and
five of the automotive class introduce the
students to the theory, diagnosis, and repair
Next in line is Steering and Suspension
Systems, which includes ball joints, tie
rod ends, alignments, wheels and tires. By
completing these classes in their first two
semesters the student can be ready to join
the ranks of professional technicians in a
part-time role while finishing their last year
school.
Students close out their second semester
with Climate Control Systems. This section
covers both heating and air-conditioning of
time ¬ spring 2012
16
today’s vehicles including emphasis placed
in the area of maintenance and repair of
the AC systems along with the electronic
controls. Both manual and automatic
controls are discussed and repaired.
Semester three starts with Electrical and
Electronic Systems Two covering starting
and charging systems. This section focuses
on batteries and alternators along with their
electronic and computerized controls.
Students then move into Electrical
and Electronic Systems Three. Electrical
Three gets deep into the diagnosis and
repair of today’s complicated systems. As
today’s vehicles get more computerized,
the importance of understanding all
characteristics of electronic and electrical
systems is more important than ever.
Almost every aspect of vehicle performance
is controlled with a module or a computer,
which in turn is controlled by returning
signals from hundreds of sensors located
in various spots throughout the vehicle
electrical. This can be the most entertaining
yet challenging aspect of automotive repair.
Check us out on Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/NTCAutomotive
Transmission and Transaxle class. The
emphasis in this class is on the diagnostic
procedures and problem-solving techniques
associated with servicing and repair of
automatic transmissions and transaxles for
automobiles and light trucks.
All previous classes lead students into
Semester 4, which has the most technical,
and mind challenging classes, starting with
Engine Performance 1. The first Engine
Performance class initiates students into
the world of computerized control engine
performance and operation. Students
learn about fuel systems, including fuel
injectors and in tank electric fuel pumps,
and how they are controlled all depending
Getting right back into it, students on the customer’s demands on the vehicle.
then experience the complicated world This is just the beginning of their engine
of automatic transmissions in Auto
Taking a break on the technical side
the students now practice their soft skills
in Service Advisor Techniques class. The
students learn to write accurate shop repair
orders and quickly and effectively analyze
customer’s problems. As a service consultant
they will play a key role in converting the
customer’s description of a problem into a
shop repair order and sale.
17time ¬ spring 2012
performance training as they touch on
sensors and their effects on the engine’s
operation.
Engine Performance Two further
develops the skills to diagnose and repair
engine performance faults. Emphasis is
now placed on diagnostic procedures and
problem solving techniques associated
with automotive engine performance and
drivability. Students will examine onboard
diagnostic systems, which monitor ignition
fuel EGR, EVA P, and other systems that
can affect vehicle emissions. Students will
diagnose and repair customer concerns
involving symptoms with or without
diagnostic trouble codes in the power train
control module.
Continued on Page 31
Proudly supports
Great people, great product, great prices!
time ¬ spring 2012
18
19time ¬ spring 2012
time
Instruction
by Veronica Hope
NTC Welding
Program
N
TC’s Welding Programs offer a variety of choices in scope, length, and delivery mode. Students can take a single course, a certificate,
or an entire diploma. Classes are available in traditional lecture/lab format, or in open-enrollment, self-paced format. Classes
are available at the Wausau, Antigo, Phillips and Spencer campuses. All NTC welding courses are designed to guide learners in
developing core universal welding skills and reflect the most current processes and practices of local industry. The two semester (1 year)
Welding Technology diploma encompasses a broad skill base. Diploma students spend about 20 hours per week in the welding lab
as they progress through a series of welding processes courses. Learners begin with SMAW, or “stick” welding, progress through “mig”
welding with solid and fluxcored wires, and finish up their year with “tig” welding. Cutting processes and courses in blueprint reading,
metallurgy, and automation are also included in the Welding Technology diploma.
SMAW
}
}
“...choice in scope, length,
In shielded metal arc welding, students begin to understand the
and delivery mode.”
nature of the welding arc and the molten puddle. They learn to “read”
the puddle, and to respond with adjustments in arc length, electrode
angles, and travel speed. Reading and controlling the puddle takes hours of repetition and close observation. Students use a variety of stick
electrode types, and weld in all positions. Welding in the vertical or overhead position requires much more skill and patience than welding
in the flat and horizontal positions. Each weld undergoes visual inspection. Usually a weld that is free of visible defects is also sound.
Destructive tests can reveal defects that are not visible on the surface of a weld. Students conduct bend tests on several of their stick welds.
These tests allow students to see how their welds hold up under stress.
GMAW/FCAW
In the second quarter, students begin gas metal arc, or “mig” welding. This process makes use of an electrode wire, instead of a stick. Since
the wire is mechanically fed into the puddle, the process is far more efficient than stick welding. Electrode wires come in a wide variety of
sizes and composition. These wires can be fed at different rates to achieve a wide range of heat input. The versatile gas metal arc process
lends itself well to the fabrication of small subassemblies as well as heavy structures, implements, and vessels. Diploma students use steel,
aluminum, and stainless steel wires in all positions. They complete low heat short circuit welds on light plate and sheet, as well as high heat
spray transfer welds on heavy plate and shapes. In our district, the GMAW process accounts for a majority of welding . The students must
learn to set up machines for the many types and thicknesses of metal they will encounter on the job. Although techniques vary, skill is built
through the same intense study of the puddle.
Pulsed GMAW offers a variation of the mig process in which weld heat fluctuates between a high value and a low value. This fluctuation
provides high deposition rates and joint penetration with lower overall heat input. The cooling periods in pulsed welding reduce warpage
time ¬ spring 2012 20
in heat sensitive metals such as aluminum and stainless steel, and parts and materials, and then build it. In addition to fabrication skills,
allow for greater flexibility in welding position. Welding students this project fosters teambuilding skills such as conflict resolution,
practice pulsed mig welding on steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. time management, work load distribution, and quality assurance.
GTAW
Welding Automation
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding rounds out the second semester.
Students work their way from simple welds on sheet steel to full
penetration stainless steel pipe to pipe welds. In our area, GTAW is
primarily used in the fabrication of tanks and pipe systems for food
and chemical processing plants products. For most students, GTAW
requires even more repetition to master. It’s an intricate process in
which the nonconsumable electrode must be held very close to the
molten puddle, and filler metal is added independently. Often, the
amperage is variable, and controlled through a foot pedal. Welding
around a stationary pipe requires welding in all positions. A high
level of manual skill, intense concentration, and hours of practice
are needed.
Welding diploma students take a welding automation class in
their second semester. This class introduces the concepts of CNC
programming through the use of a welding robot, an automated
plasma shape cutting system, and a CNC brake press. As automation
becomes increasingly prevalent in our area, it’s crucial that
students gain exposure and understanding of the fundamentals of
automated welding.
Blueprint Reading
Field Trips
During their two semesters in the welding program, diploma
students participate in frequent field trips. These tours allow the
students some insight into our local industry and develop further
awareness of industry standard practices.
Certificate
Welders in our area need more than just welding skill­—they
As an alternative to the diploma program, the ten-credit
need to be able to read blueprints in order to accurately build
product. The diploma program includes beginning and advanced Production Welding Certificate consists of process specific courses
blueprint reading classes. In these courses, students measure that can be taken in a self-paced, open-enrollment format. Certificate
parts, prep them, lay them out, and weld them in accordance students take skill courses in either SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, or GTAW,
Continued on Page 29
with blueprints.
Projects
Welding students work on various projects
as they arise throughout the year. Through
fabrication projects, students develop an
understanding of joint preparation, layout,
fitup, and the distortion caused by the heat of
welding. Students work in groups to complete
a capstone project in their last semester.
Each student group develops a part, or a
subassembly, of the final product. The teams
design their assembly, analyze its cost and
function, prepare a production schedule, order
21time ¬ spring 2012
time
T
Spot Light Recreation/Leisure
by Emily Drewek
here are many different things to do in the spring, summer,
and fall in Wisconsin. Every person has their own different
interests for each season. As one of the major ‘vacation
lands’ of the Midwest, Wisconsin offers many opportunities for
recreation, especially Central Wisconsin.
In the spring four wheeling, mudding, is a popular outdoor
activity. You can find trails for 4-wheeling in Adams County
(Dyracuse Motorcycle Recreation), Ashland County (Dead Horse Run
ATV Trail), Marathon County (Burma Trail), and many more. Maps
of popular 4-wheeling trails are available by contacting the local
visitor’s bureau of Central Wisconsin counties.
Central Wisconsin has whatever you’re looking for in outdoor living.
Popular camping locales include Franklin Lake Campground in Eagle
River; Devils Lake Campground in Baraboo; Wildcat Mound County
Park in Neillsville; and Beaver Lake Campground in Mellen.
Other attractions in Central Wisconsin are fishing and hunting. If
you do not have access to private lands, fishing and hunting grounds
can be found by contacting the DNR or a county visitor’s bureau.
Licenses are easily available at Fleet Farm, Gander Mountain and
other outdoor supply stores.
In the fall many people enjoy just going for a drive and looking
at all of the leaves and the pretty colors. If you are into going for
You can also go golfing in the spring. There are so many different
motorcycle rides, fall is a perfect time. Beautiful weather and colorful
golf courses in Central Wisconsin that you don’t always have to go
fall leaves bring many people out for a scenic drive.
to the same one. Some of the most popular golf courses in Central
Central Wisconsin is also a great place for winter activities. In
Wisconsin include Baraboo Country Club, Pine Valley Golf Course,
winter you can go snowmobiling or take your four wheeler out for
Cedar Springs Golf Course and many more.
a ride on the trails. You can even go skiing or snowboarding. The
In the summer there are many more things to do. You can go
best place in Central Wisconsin for skiing and snowboarding is at
swimming at an outdoor pool or go canoeing. There are many places
Granite Peak but there are many other places as well. If you are big
in Wisconsin with outdoor water parks or pools where you can relax
into fishing then ice fishing on one of Central Wisconsin’s many lakes
and soak up some sun. Some of the most popular outdoor water
may be for you.
fun can be found in Wisconsin Dells. You can also find outdoor water
There are many different things you can do in Wisconsin no
parks in Sheboygan at the Blue Harbor Resort & Spa; and in Warrens
matter what season it is. No matter what your hobbies are you can
at the Three Bears Lodge and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park.
always find something to do in Wisconsin.
Many visitors, as well as residents, take advantage of Central
Visit www.discoverwisconsin.com for even more ideas.
Wisconsin campgrounds. From rustic camping to high end resorts,
time ¬ spring 2012 22
Workforce
Development
Addressing the workforce need
Programmable Logic Controls
(PLC)—With new technologies, come
new skills. A group of employees from
a local manufacturing facility are on
campus taking a PLC class to upgrade
their skills relevant to their work. This
type of training allows employees to
expand their knowledge base, work with
new technologies and improve their
skills while staying close to home and the
Machine Tool and Welding— plant operations.
Several individuals are taking advantage
Gold Collar Careers—NTC has
of two new machine tool and welding been active with the K-12 schools in our
sections of specific coursework in each district, along with the Marathon County
of those disciplines, contracted through Development Corporation (McDevco) to
the North Central Wisconsin Workforce promote Gold Collar Careers. These are
Development Board that will provide careers in advanced manufacturing that
them will the upgraded technical skills to center around new technology, robotics, laser
compete for industry jobs in manufacturing. and nanotechnology concepts. The effort is
As a component of the program, a soft- to build awareness of GCC among students,
skill curriculum is included providing parents and educators around the need for
the students with a broader range of advanced learning in the manufacturing
skills (both technical and interpersonal) field. One event has been conducted with
to be successful in today’s competitive educators with a Heavy Metal Bus Tour
job market.
scheduled for spring to manufacturing
The Business and Industry Solutions
(BIS) team at NTC has been actively
working with local business partners and
workforce agencies to address the demand
for a skilled workforce in this region. The
team works in a variety of ways to design
a solution, or training program, for each
business that addresses the necessary
skills for workers to obtain and be successful
in the workplace.
23time ¬ spring 2012
facilities showcasing the various equipment
and skills necessary to be employable in
the field.
The BIS team continues to partner with
companies to develop solutions based on
relationships, performance and results, and
delivered by their highly qualified instructors
and team.
Mark Matthiae President, Crystal Finishing Systems Inc. says, “Crystal Finishing has
trained much of our staff through the NTC
onsite and school training programs. NTC
has been a great partner in customizing
their training to fit our company and specific
training needs. The instructors do an excellent job in building their coursework to our
specific needs and environment. The training has been a tremendous help in improving our overall staff skills and capacity to
grow our work force internally and services
to our customer base. I would highly recommend utilizing NTC services for training
to any manufacturing company looking to
improve their staff training programs.”
time
Supporting
by Trevor Beaty
S
earching for car services can be a daunting task, but Wausau
offers a large variety of excellent options to choose from.
Whether it’s towing, tune-ups, damage repair, or a full
range of dealerships offering service and repair, there are several
qualified companies available to help you keep your automobile
in top condition.
Regular tune-ups are great for keeping your car running like new.
There are plenty of certified businesses in the Wausau area to help
you ensure that your vehicle is maintaining its optimal condition.
Olson Tire and Auto Service offers a large array of tune-up options
ranging from battery checks, belt and hose inspections, and tire
repair, to transmission maintenance, oil changes, and car cleaning.
Stolzes Auto Repair, Auto Select Inc., and Tires Plus Auto Repairs are
just a few more of the many companies available to provide you
with quality car tune-up services.
For cracked windows and windshields, you’ll want to look at one
of Wausau’s auto glass repair shops to replace damaged glass before
it becomes a serious issue. Some of the glass repair names around
town include Safelight Auto Glass, Advanced Auto Glass, Cortright
Auto Glass, and NOVUS Glass.
need. O’Reilly Auto Parts offers a large variety of parts for reasonable
prices. CarQuest and NAPA are also great options when looking for
auto repair parts.
If your car is beyond repair and you would like to scrap it, you
might want to consider calling Rusty’s Auto Salvage. With lots
of great reviews online, it would seem that Rusty’s is the place of
choice when you need to scrap a car. Rusty’s also provides towing
in addition to their auto salvaging services. Other towing services in
the area include: Yach’s Body and Custom Towing, Joe Rader Towing,
and Schmidt’s Towing and Body.
When you’re looking for great auto services in the Wausau area,
you’ll find a lot of excellent options to choose from. Whether you’re
looking for tune-ups, cleaning, parts, towing, or scrapping, Wausau
has a variety of professional companies ready to help you find the
best solution for you.
Maybe you’re not looking for a tune-up. If you prefer to do your
own car repairs, here a few options to help you find the parts you’ll
time ¬ spring 2012 24
time
WATEA Postcard_Layout 1 3/7/12 3:24 PM Page 1
WE
Supporting
The W
by Becky Kopp
What is W
WATEA is a gr
develop awar
Why Join
Wheels to Work
To help us imp
qualified cand
ng That
Driving The Traini
g!
Keeps You Runnin
Wisconsin Automotive & Truck Education Association
Wisconsin Automotive & Truck Education
Association (WATEA) is a group of individuals
and businesses in the automotive, truck, and
transportation industry with the common
goal to develop awareness of career paths
and opportunities available in the industry.
This goal has expanded recently to include
assisting the low-income community with
transportation needs through the ‘Wheels
to Work’ program.
Wheels to Work is an integrated community partner. The Wheels to Work mission
is to develop a partnership of providers and
community minded businesses interested in
providing assistance to those truly in need.
This unique program is designed to utilize
existing educational facilities and businesses to provide much needed vehicle repair
and provide access to affordable, reliable
transportation.
Participants are able to overcome the
barrier of unreliable transportation, leading
individuals to family sustaining employment
and independence. Participants entering
the Wheels to Work program take part
25time ¬ spring 2012
in the Money Smart Program through
the financial community where they
receive individualized training in financial
management, budgeting, and vehicle
maintenance education. Wheels to Work
also engages businesses and schools to
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Our Annual M
served at 6:0
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programs.
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alsoDetails
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Turn Me
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incumbentAbout
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(715)
facilities, improving the skills of basic tech- Phone:
Email: bkopp@
Visit Us At:
nicians to further their careers in the field.
www.WATEA.org
is a 501C Non-Profit Organization
2011WATEA
showed
as a successful first year for
Wheels to Work. The program awarded 31
}
“Bridging community resources to
meet needs through education
and basic assistance.”
http://www.watea.org/wheels-to-work/
develop opportunities for valuable hands- donated vehicles to qualified participants,
on training, education and experience in the repaired 13 vehicles for clients, and 8 clients
automotive industry.
were able to purchase a vehicle through the
Wheels to Work receives donated vehi- dealership, resulting in a total of 52 loans
cles from members of the community that awarded for the first year of operation.
are repaired to road-ready condition and
awarded to qualified clients. This creates a
win/win/win project for our partners while
at the same time providing future assets
for the needy. This is done by developing
the pathway to use donated vehicles first
as training tools at Northcentral Technical College and through local high schools
Please Joi
FUN
A
he average American will
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spend two weeks of their life
T
stopped at red lights.
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funfactz.com
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time
Supporting
by Jessica Bean
Goetsch’s Welding &
Machine, Inc.
G
oetsch’s Welding and Machine, Inc. in Merrill, Wisconsin
is a certified supplier of machined and welded parts and
assemblies for heavy construction equipment, paving,
and automotive companies. Goetsch’s was founded in 1969 by
James Goetsch, who was a welder by profession. The company
has grown over time and, with numerous expansions and more
employees, their manufacturing facility is now approximately
28,000 square feet. Goetsch’s Welding & Machine, Inc. also offers
laser cutting, machining, fabricating, and finishing. Goetsch’s
offers both MIG and TIG capabilities, stud welding, spot welding,
and Robotic welding.
Gas metal arc welding, more commonly called MIG
welding, is the most widely used and most easily mastered type of
welding in the industry. This process is suitable for fusing mild steel
and stainless steel as well as aluminum.
electrode heats the metal you are welding and gas protects the weld
puddle from airborne contaminants. TIG welding produces clean,
precise welds on any metal.
Stud welding is an instantaneous arc welding process in
which a metal fastener is end-joined to a metal surface. There are
two types of stud welding processes; Arc stud welding and Capacitor
Discharge stud welding. Capacitor Discharge stud welding is used
for small diameter fasteners welded to thin base metals. Arc stud
welding is used for large diameter fasteners welded to rougher and/
or thicker base metals.
Robot welding is the use of mechanized programmable tools,
Tungsten Inert Gas, also known as TIG welding, needs a which completely automate a welding process by both performing
lot more expertise from the operator. In TIG welding, a tungsten the weld and handling the part.
Goetsch’s Welding and Machine Inc. has been around for some
time now, and their business has grown rapidly throughout the
years. With all the services Goetsch provides, there is a good chance
they will be here much, much longer.
For more information on Goetsch’s, visit their website at:
http://www.goetschs.com/index.htm.
time ¬ spring 2012
26
Tech Ed
Merrill High School
by Amanda Mosher
In a time of budget cuts and position eliminations, one might be surprised to find that
the Merrill High School Technical Education Department is not only surviving, it’s thriving.
Out of Merrill High School’s 1,080 students, 706 are enrolled this semester in Tech Ed classes,
and preliminary enrollment shows an estimated 650 are already enrolled for next year
(2012-2013).
The Technical Ed Department offers a variety of classes in different areas, including
Graphics, Building Construction, Women’s Home Mechanics, Small Engines, Metals, Wood
Technologies, and CAD.
Walking around the department, one can see that it is an outlet for creativity. In the
welding area, students are currently working on a burning barrel. The wood tech rooms
are filled with miniature model homes students have tediously built by hand. One class
designs the homes,
“Technical Education is
and a different class
actually makes the parts
not only surviving,
and builds them. These
it’s thriving.”
models are intricately
detailed using a laser
engraver. No place is safe from creative destruction in the Graphics area. The walls are
plastered with magazine covers, posters, bumper stickers and mirrors that the students have
designed and created. Even the ceiling tiles are screen-printed.
}
}
The technical education area isn’t just about creativity, it’s about
education. According to Pete McConnell, Wood Technologies
instructor, “There’s a lot of hands-on work from the beginning to
the end bringing math, science, and reason together to complete a
project.” When asked what their focus is as instructors, and what they
hope to accomplish, Tom Andreska, Graphics instructor states, “We
want to expose the students to a variety of different things. We hope
that they will continue into a technical school and stay within the
field.” Most credits from the CAD and Graphics programs are accepted
as transfer credits at Northcentral Technical College.
27time ¬ spring 2012
SULZER
MACHINE &
MANUFACTURING, INC.
2475 SPRING BROOK RD, MOSINEE WI 54455
PHONE: (715) 443-2569 FAX: (715) 443-2386
WWW.SULZERMACHINE.COM •
•
•
•
•
•
PRECISION MACHINING & FABRICATION
MACHINING & TURNING CENTERS
CNC BORING BAR
BLANCHARD GRINDING
MANUAL LATHES & MILLING MACHINES
FIXTURING/PROTOTYPING/WELDING
•
•
•
•
•
•
ON-SITE MACHINING & WELDING
VERTICAL BORING MILLS
CENTERLESS GRINDING
BROWN & SHARPE CMM
ROMER ARM
PC-DMIS SOFTWARE
While Merrill High School’s technical education courses
have been safe from budget cuts thus far, they were marked for
elimination not long ago. There used to be a huge welding focus,
but because of a lack of instructors, Merrill High School now
offers only one welding class. “We used to have eight instructors
in the Tech Ed Department, now we are down to three” explains
Tom Andreska. “When budget cuts have to be made, we are
looked at because we are expensive. Our supplies are expensive.
F UN
A
C
T
S
Our machines are expensive. Take away a math class, and what
do you really save by not having to purchase a book? The Tech
Ed Area costs a lot of money to run.” Expensive or not, Merrill’s
student enrollment has proven the technical education department
is popular.
The falls in Niagara, Wisconsin has the same
geological feature as Niagara Falls, in New York.
time ¬ spring 2012
28
Continued from Page 10
Safety Corner
what not to do to stay safe. A small mistake
can turn to a huge one in the blink of an eye.
There are many ways that a fire can
start and many things that can cause a fire
in the auto shop. Remember not to work
on something that you are not trained on.
Car repair that requires welding means that
there will be spark, hot slag, flame torch,
and many combustible items and parts. A
major thing about auto repair is to not let
any spark get inside a car when welding
pieces together.
Here are some tips to help you prevent a
fire from happening in auto repair.
• Never use aerosol sprays near an
• Welding should be performed in
open flame.
areas that are far from combustible
• Don’t store oily rags in a closed
materials.
container.
• Inspect electrical cords regularly for
• Never work on fuel system when
frayed wire.
engine is running or hot.
Remember that all fire can be prevented
• Clean oil spills immediately.
if you take the time to look around and
• Store flammable liquids in a metal study your work area instead of just taking a
cabinet away from your work area. quick glance.
• Make sure you work area is well
ventilated.
• Always keep a fire extinguisher in
the shop and know where it is.
Continued from Page 29
NTC Welding Program
blueprint reading, and metallurgy class. This certificate ladders
into the diploma program, so students can start in the certificate
program, and shift into the diploma program.
Certificates are a popular option for people who are working in
the field, but want more training in a particular process.
High schools
Most of NTC’s district high schools offer the Introduction to
Welding course that starts off both the diploma and the certificate
programs. Students can earn two free credits in the Welding program
while they’re still in high school.
29time ¬fall 2011
Continued from Page 9
The Automobile Through the Ages
was built in 1890 using a Daimler engine. knows or at least has heard about. But it still
Peugeot was formed in France the following wasn’t until 1913 until Ford fitted moving
year and is still going strong to this day.
assembly lines to the factory and became
With the automobile getting faster and the world’s biggest car manufacturer. By
more advanced, it was natural for people to 1927, over 15 million Model Ts had been
start developing a taste for speed. Wilhelm made. Workers on the production line could
Maybach built the first four-cylinder, four turn out a car in just 93 minutes.
stroke engine in 1890 and three years later
developed the spray-nozzle carburetor that
became the basis for modern carburetor
technology. This all led up to his developing
the first race car a decade later using
lightweight metals fitted with a 35-hp four
cylinder engine and two carburetors. All
of that may sound like a second language
to most, but they were key ingredients in
making cars go faster. He named his race car
the Mercedes, and it was able to shatter the
world speed record at 64.4 km/h (roughly
40 mph).
Racing began as cars were being built,
even back when the highest legal speed was
only 4mph. Races quickly evolved from little
chases from town to town to large organized
events like the Grand Prix racing, which
started in 1894. Innovations in engineering
soon saw competition speeds exceeding 100
mph. Since most races were often held on
open roads, fatalities were frequent among
drivers and spectators. Racing was not the
professional NASCAR variety quite yet.
Charles Kettering, who was working
for Cadillac’s design and development
department at the time, invented the
electric ignition and starter motor in 1911.
This meant cars could now start themselves.
Now electric cars would not have the
vibration, smell, or noise associated with the
previous gasoline cars. Also, gear changing
(which had been the most difficult part
of driving), became a thing of the past.
The steam-powered cars also had no gear
shifting, but they suffered from long start
up times—sometimes reaching up to 45
minutes on a cold morning. The electric
vehicle was the preferred choice by many
because it didn’t require the manual effort
to start and there was no wrestling with
gear shifting.
controls on harmful emissions, which
the rest of the world would soon follow.
Seatbelts became mandatory, where before
the manufacturers only included them as an
optional extra.
Antilock braking systems (ABS)
weren’t developed until 1978 by German
manufacturer, Bosch. They first appeared
in trucks and cars made by MercedesBenz. The ABS system allowed the driver
to maintain steering control and shortened
braking distances.
Now engineers and manufacturers are
working on ‘going green.’ In the late 90’s
they acknowledged that oil reserves would
dry up in the future and started working
on engines that used more than one fuel
source—hybrid engines. Honda and Toyota
initially introduced their petrol/electric
hybrids to the Japanese market before
releasing them in America and Europe in
2002. Now cars are capable of reaching over
40 miles per gallon, and some even run on
electricity (though obviously improved since
the original electric cars of the 1900s), and
Kettering also introduced independent only need to be charged between trips.
suspension and four-wheel brakes. By 1930,
most of the technology used in automobiles
now had already been invented.
Improvements were all that was left to work F U N oconuts kill more people in
A
on for the next hundred years.
the world than sharks do.
In 1903, over a hundred years after
Skip ahead three decades and most
the start of all this, we finally get the Ford auto news was about improving safety and
Motor Company that almost every American saving money. In1965, California introduced
C
T
S
C
Approximately 150 people
are killed each year by coconuts.
30time ¬fall 2011
Continued from Page 17
NTC Automotive
The Automotive program will add an Advanced Chassis Systems
class in Spring 2012. This class will cover skills needed to diagnose
and repair automotive antilock brake, electronic steering, and
electronic suspension systems. This course will assist in allowing
students to focus on new traction and stability controlled vehicles.
Two new late model vehicles were added to the fleet for this class.
Continued from Page 3
Lean Sigma Certificate
of Lean and Six Sigma to identify and improve opportunities from
their workplace. The final session is a team presentation of
their project. Members of their organization will be invited and
encouraged to attend.
Each participant will be prepared for Lean and Six Sigma Green
Belt certification through the American Society for Quality and The
As the automotive industry makes advances in hybrid Society of Manufacturing Engineers upon successful completion of
automobiles, NTC has revised curriculum to meet the changes. the certificate.
A course on hybrid vehicles allowing students to focus on entryCertificate Courses include:
level skills in the repair, servicing and maintenance of hybrid
Lean – 3 credits
vehicles and powertrains, will be offered in the Spring 2012. The
Continuous Improvement – 5 credits
course includes safety procedures and practices when working on
Six Sigma – 5 credits
hybrid components, study of hybrid electric system components
Six Sigma Project – 1 credit
and operation, exploration of current and future hybrid vehicles,
Contact
service procedures and considerations of hybrid powertrains, and an
Fred Morrey
introduction to hydrogen fueled vehicles. Three hybrid vehicles were
Certified Six Sigma Black Belt
added to the fleet to enhance the hands-on experience.
Applied Engineering Technology Instructor
The automotive industry has a high demand for qualified
715-803-1268
technicians who complete automotive training programs. Future
Morrey@ntc.edu
job opportunities for automotive technicians are expected to be
plentiful. NTC’s Automotive Technology program has produced
many automotive technicians since the program began. Graduates
continue to succeed in many automotive and truck related positions. Continued from Page 2
Students have gone on to become Service Advisors, Service Greisbach Auto
Managers, shop owners, technicians at dealership and independent
Voted best in Everest 2008, 2009, and 2010, all of their work is
shops, and even college instructors.
guaranteed for 36 months or 36,000 miles on all new parts they
sell and install. Our waiting room has wi-fi and offers a comfortable
place to wait. Griesbach’s offers an Iron-Clad Warranty Policy so
you can have total confidence in ALL repairs performed by our ASE
Certified Technicians. As a Napa Auto Care Center Griesbach’s also
provides the Peace of Mind Warranty that is Nation Wide for 12
months/12000 miles.
31time ¬fall 2011
Red Line
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Join the other advertisers!
Place an ad
advertising your company
in the
NEW NTC time magazine.
* Low Rates
* Distributed to over 300 business in
Wausau and the surrounding area.
Note: NTC time magazine is printed and
distributed quarterly.
Now taking ads for the Fall 2012 issue.
To place your ad contact Bud Young at
youngh@ntc.edu
Red/Blue/Green
1/4 Page Ad
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