Case Study: WCTC Prepares Students for Careers with Torchmate Plasma Cutting Tables

Empowering Workforce Development with Lincoln Electric^® Torchmate

Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) is a leader in workforce development, offering over 150 programs, including associate degrees, technical diplomas, apprenticeships, and short-term certificates. With Waukesha and Pewaukee, Wisconsin campuses, WCTC delivers hands-on training designed for immediate application in the workplace. As a proud partner of Lincoln Electric^®, WCTC equips its students with cutting-edge tools and skills to meet industry demands.

Upgrading to the Torchmate 5100 for Better Learning Outcomes

In the Fall semester of 2022, WCTC upgraded its CNC plasma-cutting capabilities by investing in a Torchmate 5100 equipped with a FineLine^® 170HD. This advanced system replaced their previous 2’x4’ Torchmate Growth Series tables. It enabled students to work on larger sheets and produce higher-quality cuts, even on thicker materials like half-inch aluminum and steel.

• Enhanced Precision: Achieves superior cut quality on a wide range of materials.
• Increased Capacity: Handles extended work hours, with students using the table for 20+ hours each week.
• Diverse Applications: Students create parts for welding classes, fire pits, metal décor, smoker grills, and more.

Real-World Training Leads to Career Success

WCTC’s Automated Cutting Processes program, part of the Automated Systems Technology curriculum, integrates CNC plasma cutting with robotics and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Students gain hands-on experience operating advanced systems like the Torchmate 5100, learning automation principles critical in modern industries.

Success Stories

Graduates of the Automated Systems program have secured roles at industry leaders like Messer, a global provider of industrial and medical gases:

• Three alumni now serve as application engineers.
• One graduate works as a product manager.
• Another alum is a software engineer.

These career placements highlight how WCTC’s partnership with Lincoln Electric^® empowers students to achieve high-level roles in their fields.

Lincoln Electric^®: Partnering with Educators

Lincoln Electric^® is committed to supporting education by providing instructors with state-of-the-art equipment and comprehensive training. WCTC’s arsenal of Lincoln Electric products includes:

• Torchmate 5100 with FineLine^® 170HD
• Tomahawk^® manual plasma cutters
• Robot welding machines
• Power Wave^®, Flextec^®, and Precision TIG^® welders

After the Torchmate 5100 purchase, Lincoln Electric sent expert trainers to WCTC, ensuring educators were equipped to maximize the machine’s capabilities.

“Lincoln Electric is a trusted name with a long history. They have individually focused teams that perfect each product. They’ve done great for WCTC, and I would absolutely recommend the Torchmate 5100.” – Brad LeTourneau, WCTC Metal Fabrication and Welding Instructor

Investing in the Future Workforce

By partnering with schools like WCTC, Lincoln Electric^® ensures the next generation of welders, engineers, and fabricators is well-prepared for industry challenges. With innovative solutions like the Torchmate 5100, students gain the skills and confidence to succeed in their careers.

Ready to bring Lincoln Electric^® solutions to your school? Contact us today to learn more about how our training systems can empower your students.