News

April 25, 2019

BOCES Provides Crash Course for Knolls Atomic Power Lab Engineers, Designers

When engineering and designing products, it’s good to know exactly how hard it is for welding and machinists to meet the specifications of the design.

That’s why a dozen engineers and mechanical designers from the Knolls Atomic Power Lab (KAPL) are taking a crash course in welding and metal fabrication this week at Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School’s welding lab in the Center for Advanced Technology (CAT) at Mohonasen.

Capital Region BOCES Teacher Don Mattoon said students in the one-week program are learning about everything from welding safety and tools to the finer points of oxy-fuel cutting, shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) and Gas metal arc welding (GMAW).

“It helps the engineers to understand theories and principles of the processes,” said Mattoon.

“We have strict controls in place and gaining some experience on how difficult the manufacturing process is, is beneficial to us,” said David Silvestri, a KAPL engineer.

KAPL sends its engineers to Capital Region BOCES periodically throughout the year to learn how materials are manually manipulated and items are made.

“It helps me to understand what the guys on the other side of the process are going through when looking at our designs,” said Marino Morra, another KAPL engineer.

While the engineers and designers are learning, that’s not to say process isn’t fun.

“I like the welding, stick welding and practicing skills. I am looking forward to doing more MIG (metal inert gas) welding this week,” said Mike Estro, a KAPL mechanical designer.

KAPL is government-owned, contractor-operated laboratory run by Fluor Marine Propulsion Corporation for the US Department of Energy. KAPL is responsible for the research, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of U.S. nuclear-powered warships. It also manages work on nuclear ships at numerous shipyards across the country.

Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School provides high school and adult education programs for students from across the region, as well as partners with businesses and agencies to provide education opportunities to address specific needs of the regional economy.