Precision Machining Technology

This Precision Machining Theory course introduces the safe use and functional purpose of hand tools, layout tools, and measuring instruments. Fundamentals in the use of lathes and vertical milling machines including all of the basic procedures used to produce machined parts are explained and studied in detail. Horizontal and vertical sawing machines are also introduced. Proper use and identification of cutting tools for these machines are learned. Safe machine shop practices are studied and are applied in MATL 111. (F)

The Precision Machining Theory course introduces the safe use and functional purpose of surface grinders and cylindrical grinding attachments. CNC tool room lathe and mill applications will be studied, and introductory CNC programming will be introduced. Advanced processes for manual mills and lathes, as well as rotary tables and indexers will be included in the course. Carbide insert and tool holder nomenclature and application is learned. Metallurgy and heat-treating processes will be covered and students will have the opportunity to apply these technologies in MATL 112. (S)

This introductory course to Precision Machining begins with the use of basic tools such as hammers, punches, layout tools, files, drills, taps, and reamers. Students will learn the proper techniques to sharpen drills, layout parts, drill and tap holes, and properly deburr parts using files and abrasives. Fundamentals in the use of the drill press, lathe, vertical mill, and horizontal and vertical saws, includes all of the basic procedures to produce machined parts on these machines. Proper measuring tool use and applications will be practiced. Safety techniques in the use of tools and equipment will be stressed. (F)

This course will continue to expand on machining operations studied and applied in MATL 111. More advanced practices for lathes, vertical milling machines, and metrology including CMM operation will be introduced. New technologies utilized shall consist of surface grinding, metallurgy, and CNC turning and milling operation and setup. Students will set tool and work offsets and use conversational programming to produce parts on CNC tool room lathes and mills. Safety techniques in the use of tools and equipment will continue to be applied. (S)

The design and application of cutting tools and tool holders will be studied. The theory and procedures for setup and operation of Wire and Sink Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM), along with the tooling involved in these processes, will also be covered. Toolmaking procedures for the design and construction of jigs, fixtures, and inspection gages will be included in the coursework. Students will study the design, construction, and terminology involved with metal stamping dies including blank and pierce, compound, progressive, and bending and forming dies. (F)

An introduction to plastic injection molding and the procedures and practices used to design and build plastic injection molds. Types and uses of plastics will be studied along with other types of molding processes such as die-casting, extrusion, compression molding, thermoforming, blow molding, and rotational molding. Emphasis will be placed on the theory and design of plastic injection molds including standard, cam, stripper plate, 3-plate, and unscrewing molds. The study of cold runner and hot runner systems will be included in the coursework. (S)

The purpose of this course is to provide the student with the basic skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the operation, set-up, and programming of CNC turning and milling centers. Emphasis will be placed on: 1) proficient CNC operation, 2) set-up, and 3) entry level programming. Advanced programming and set-up will be covered in later coursework. (F)

The theory and practices learned in MATL 205 along with advanced programming and set-up techniques in multi-axis machine tools up to 4 axis' are taught in this class. Several advanced projects will be programmed, set up and run by students on CNC turning centers and CNC machining centers. In addition, a major capstone programming project is done in this class that requires full scale production methods used in producing more than 30 components that will be manufactured and assembled to produce a finished working machine or production tool. Introduction to basic CAD-CAM programming to 2 1/2 dimensions is also covered in this class to aid in producing the capstone project. Set-up and operation of DNC software for uploading and downloading NC files is stressed in this class. Each student will advance from simple to complex programming as their ability and interest permits. (F)

Toolmaking students will specialize in either mold-making or die-making. They will design and build either a complex mold or die depending upon the area in which they choose to specialize. They will be required to complete a portion of their molds or dies using EDM and a portion on CNC. They also will be involved in the design and building of jigs and fixtures used in the production job by the machinist students. Students also will learn how to make single flute carbide and HSS form cutters. (S)

Basic projects using the CNC lathe and CNC mill are introduced. More complicated setups and procedures on lathe, vertical and horizontal CNC mills and surface grinders to produce parts in quantity or repair situation are learned. ID/OD and form grinding are introduced. (F)

Each student will program, setup and operate CNC lathes and mills, sinker and wire E.D.M.'s on a variety of required lab jobs. Additional experience producing parts to accurate dimensions is highly stressed. Speed of completion becomes very important in this class. All students will be involved in a full-scale production capstone project that involves building and assembling a production tool or machine consisting of at least 30 precision machined components. This project requires them to use all of the knowledge gained in both MATL 205 and MATL 206 to efficiently use time and resources available to complete the job while meeting stringent timelines and high quality standards. This capstone project gives students real-world manufacturing experience as well as the chance to work with other students and even other departments as a team to identify and solve real manufacturing problems. Jigs and fixtures required to align and hold parts during machining also will be designed and built by students. (S)

A course designed to meet special departmental needs during new course development. It is used for one year after which time the course is assigned a different number.

Cooperative Education offers students the opportunity to integrate career, social and personal development into the educational process. The cooperative education program allows students to integrate classroom study with a paid work experience related to their fields of study. It is recommended that a student has successfully completed one year of academic study.

A course designed to meet special departmental needs.