Andy Bomberger with METAL and Bomberger Industry Graphics

Industrial Talk is onsite at Penn State and talking to Andy Bomberger with Penn State University METAL Program about "Hands on manufacturing and foundry experience".

Overview

Metal exposes students to foundry work and broader manufacturing through a week-long, hands-on program.

Program Purpose

Andyhelped developMETAL’scurriculum, coursework, and practical exercises throughPenn State.The program combines classroom concepts with foundry visits, casting activities, safety instruction, data collection, and cost calculations.Industry partners provide practical expertise and safe environments for students working with molten metal and casting processes.

Industry Pathways

Andy described nearly 29 years in foundry engineering, including work with steel, ceramics, polymers, machining, casting, and roughly 150–200 alloys.Foundries must adapt to offshoring, changing customer needs, fluctuating alloy costs, and strict quality-control requirements.The program has generated genuine student interest, but what percentage of participants pursue manufacturing careers?Andy’s consulting business,Bomberger Industry Graphics, provides casting design, consulting, 3D modeling, and 3D printing.

Outline

METAL Program

Curriculum development throughPenn State.Week-long boot camp combining academic instruction and hands-on manufacturing experience.Industry partners support safe, practical learning.

Foundry Experience

Andy began foundry work after completing an industrial and manufacturing engineering degree.His experience includes job-shop production, custom alloys, casting design, and quality control.Process discipline replaced the traditional “black art” approach to foundry work.