Mechanical fasteners play a crucial role in the design process, and engineers need to thoroughly understand their use cases and potential applications to create effective designs. 

An in-depth understanding of fastening solutions can help engineers optimize their design and save production time, costs, and product size and weight. 

Selecting the right fastener in the design stage offers many benefits, mitigating the risk of costly fabrication errors and reducing the product’s time to market. 

Enrolling in a training course that covers all things fastener-related will provide the knowledge you need to gain confidence when evaluating and selecting the suitable fastener for your needs. However, with courses available from several providers, knowing the best match for you can be difficult.

This article outlines some key considerations when choosing the right mechanical fastener training course. 

1. Course Content and Relevance

The first factor to consider when choosing your course in fastener technology is the content of the course itself and its relevance to your work. 

Fastener technology is a broad-reaching topic. Different courses will focus on varying aspects, including fastener selection, design, analysis and testing. Some mechanical fastener training may require a base-level understanding of certain types of technology, while others will allow you to build your skills and knowledge from the ground level. 

Ensure the course you choose covers the topics you need to know, is delivered at a level that matches your existing knowledge, and that the information is up-to-date and relevant to your work.

With FastenerClass®, the PEM® experts provide a complete program of courses designed to equip you with an in-depth understanding of the possibilities of fastener technology. 

We cover everything from the basics (Introduction to Self-Clinching Theory) to the more technical and specific (Fasteners for Compact Electronics), so you can find support and guidance tailored to your needs. 

2. Course Approach

The approach taken with the learning materials and method is equally important. If the delivery doesn’t engage you, you’re less likely to retain any shared information. 

The approach of each of our FastenerClass® courses is centred around showing you the capabilities of alternative fastening solutions that your products may benefit from. Unlike traditional engineering courses, FastenerClass® is about opening the door to what can be done rather than dictating what should be done. 

3. Instructor Experience and Qualifications

Your knowledge is only as good as the sources it came from, so why settle with sub-standard learning? When it comes to upskilling, you’ll want to ensure your education is accurate, relevant and delivered by someone with the experience to back it up. 

Look for a course taught by an instructor with extensive field experience and a proven track record of success. An experienced instructor can provide a balance of theoretical understanding and practical knowledge. They’ll be able to share valuable insights, technical know-how and real-world examples so you can better understand the course materials. 

Our FastenerClass® courses are delivered by a passionate team of engineers, each with over 50 years of combined practical experience in the field of fastener technology. Each course in the FastenerClass® series is designed to offer in-depth insight and teachings into specialist subject areas, with each course leader bringing their own unique approach, industry knowledge and expertise. 

4. Course Format and Delivery Method

You should also take into account the format and delivery method when considering mechanical fastener training. An online, self-paced course may suit you if you have a busy schedule and struggle to attend regular in-person sessions. 

The range of courses available with FastenerClass® can be delivered via any method that suits you. Most of our learners opt for a self-paced approach, where they receive the learning materials as an audiovisual presentation that they can work through in their own time. 

However, our experts are also happy to present the materials in a video call or an in-person session, which is a popular choice for those who wish to reap the benefits of direct Q&As with our instructors.

Courses in fastener technology can vary in length — some may be able to deliver all the insight you need in bitesize, half-hour sessions, whilst others may require days, weeks or even months of dedication. It depends on how far you want to take your learning and what you want to get out of it. 

Consider your schedule and how much time you can commit to the course. If the course is offered in person, you must also assess whether the time, duration and location are convenient.

5. Cost

For many engineering professionals, the accessibility of a fastener design course will generally come down to cost. If enrolling as an individual, you may need to sell the course to your supervisors, who will ultimately want to hear about the numbers. Or, if you’re thinking about training your team, the cost per person can be even more of a crux point. 

When doing your research, remember that cost doesn’t always equal quality. You can find high-quality and informative fastener training courses for little to no expense. For example, every course in our FastenerClass® is free to PEM® customers. 

Take the Next Step in Your Development with FastenerClass®

There are several factors that engineers should consider when choosing a mechanical fastener training course. Instructor experience, course content, relevance, format, length and cost are just a few elements to consider. 

Investing in a quality training course can help you expand your knowledge and skills in mechanical fastening, enhancing your career opportunities.

Ready to start expanding your skillset and fastener knowledge to enhance your designs and product performance? Register for FastenerClass® for FREE today.