At a glance
“Visits like this bring the material science concepts we discuss in class to life. Factory tours give our students a strong understanding of how metallurgy and applied engineering converge in the field.”
Aaron Straus
First-year students from Alfred State’s Mechanical Engineering Technology program recently visited KA-Bar Knives, a leading manufacturer of tactical and utility knives, to study the materials and processes used in high-performance blade production. The visit provided insight into the role of metallurgy, polymer science, and precision manufacturing for their Material Science class.
The tour covered a range of materials used in knife production. Students examined handle materials such as Kraton, a thermoplastic elastomer valued for its impact resistance and grip; 1095 Cro-Van, a high-carbon steel known for its hardness and edge retention; powder metallurgy steels, which offer improved wear resistance due to their fine microstructure; and stainless steels such as 440A and 420, which are used in high-production cutlery for their corrosion resistance and ease of maintenance.
The students also explored quality control processes. Students saw how optical comparators are used to inspect blades, how the IM/8030T measuring system performs high-precision dimensional analysis, and how automatic edge testers evaluate the sharpness and edge retention of each knife.
Cayden Decker enjoyed the field trip. “I like that the engineering tour guide could relate each process to certain classes we are taking in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program like material science or will take like thermodynamics.”
This visit was part of Alfred State’s Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Technology department’s ongoing commitment to applied learning, and in coordination with CA-DreamItDoIt, a non-profit that supports skilled workforce entering manufacturing careers. Students will also visit Napoleon Engineering Services, Keystone Tool & Die, Turbo Machining and ASK Chemicals this semester.
“Visits like this bring the material science concepts we discuss in class to life,” commented Alfred Engineering Technology Instructor, Aaron Straus. “Factory tours give our students a strong understanding of how metallurgy and applied engineering converge in the field.”
For more information about Alfred State’s Mechanical Engineering Technology program, visit: https://www.alfredstate.edu/mechanical-engineering-technology.