Hypertherm accepting educational grant applications

Hypertherm, a manufacturer of plasma, laser, and waterjet cutting systems based in Hanover, N.H., now is accepting applications for its “Spark Something Great” educational grant program. Now in its second year, the program aims to ensure the next generation of welders and metal fabricators knows how to cut and gouge with plasma properly by making the newest generation of cutting equipment and standardized instruction available to schools.

The grant program will award a Powermax45® plasma cutting and gouging system, along with the full “Plasma Cutting Technology: Theory and Practice” curriculum kit to 10 North American schools.

Applications for 2016 are due by April 1, with grant decisions communicated by May 2. For more information or to submit a grant application, visit www.hypertherm.com/plasmaeducation.

In addition to the grant program, the company also offers its 10-hour AWS SENSE-approved “Plasma Cutting Technology: Theory and Practice” curriculum free to teachers as a download. The curriculum covers the plasma cutting process, common industrial uses for plasma systems, the differences among various cutting methods, safety procedures, and proper setup and operation. Electronic versions of each lesson, a facilitator’s guide, student workbook, and supporting reference material are available at www.hypertherm.com/plasmaeducation.