SURAKARTA – In an effort to create a more integrated and competent welding ecosystem, the Metals Research Group (RG) of Sebelas Maret University (UNS) successfully organized the “Metals Academy 2025” program. The event, held on May 8-9, 2024, served as a meeting point for academics, students, and industry practitioners to share knowledge, enhance skills, and build networks.
“Metals Academy is not just an ordinary training,” said Prof. Dr. Triyono, ST., MT., IWE, head of RG Metals. “This is a platform where theory meets practice. We want our graduates, as well as the welding community in the Solo Raya region, to not only understand metallurgical science on paper but also be proficient in applying it in the field. The goal is to create a workforce that is ready to use and highly competitive.”
The event was attended by dozens of participants from various backgrounds, including UNS Mechanical Engineering students, vocational high school teachers from welding majors, and several representatives from local manufacturing industries. Over two days, participants received comprehensive material covering basic welding metallurgy theory, introductions to various modern welding processes like Friction Stir Welding (FSW), and hands-on practice sessions in the laboratory.
The practice session was the most anticipated part. Participants had the opportunity to try out advanced equipment in the RG Metals Laboratory, from TIG and MIG welding machines to watching a robotic welding demonstration. Accompanied by experienced lecturers and research assistants, participants could directly experience the challenges and satisfaction of creating high-quality welded joints.
“This ‘Metals Academy 2025’ is the first batch, and we plan to make it an annual agenda,” added Prof. Triyono. “Seeing the extraordinary enthusiasm, we are confident that this program has great potential to grow and provide a broader impact on the development of the manufacturing industry in Indonesia.”
With the successful organization of this event, RG Metals UNS reaffirms its commitment as a center of excellence that focuses not only on research but also on community service and human resource development.
