Machine Tool Technology

48.0501

(Associate of Applied Science Degree)

Precision.  Quality.  High-speed machining.  That’s what it takes to create many of the items in your home and office.  And if the items weren’t created by precision machining technology, then the machinery and equipment needed to produce these products were developed using it.

In our program, students are taught how to select the right machining process, plan that process and operate computer numerical control (CNC) and manual precision machine tools to create parts or products. Our state-of-the-art lab includes 4- and 5-Axis machining centers, CNC milling machines and lathes, a three-dimensional printer, electrical discharge machining (EDM) equipment and other industry standard equipment for students to use in hands-on labs. All labs are supervised by instructors with industry experience. The precision machining capstone projects help to prepare students for a challenging career in this high demand field. With your degree, you can choose careers including machining, CNC programming, mold/die making, quality control, or machine tool manufacturing.

The Machine Tool Technology program contributes to the green economy by recycling steel, aluminum, carbide inserts, brass and copper wire. Biodegradable metal cutting fluids and solutions are used to help reduce water, air, and soil contamination.

The Machine Tool Technology program is certified with the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) and accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE).

It is a graduation requirement of the Machine Tool Technology (MTT) program for students to earn a grade of “C” or better in all “Core Curriculum” and “Program Requirements” courses.

Program Mission
The mission of the Machine Tool Technology program is to prepare students with the skills, knowledge, and attributes required for the completion of an Associate of Applied Science degree in the Machine Tool Technology field.

Program Goals
The goals of the program are to provide:

• Students with instruction in the technical skills and knowledge needed to transform ideas and drawings into precision machined parts.
• Instruction in machining skills by manual and computer operated machine tools.
• Instruction in math to compute the needed formulas required for accurate set up, location, feeds, speeds, and coordinates to produce required parts.
• Students with the opportunity to develop effective communications and interpersonal skills.

Program Assessments

• National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI)
• National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS)
• Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP)
  

MTT 105 Precision Machining Practices I. This course provides the foundation for the use of precision machine technology, hand tools, machining processes, Machinery’s Handbook, measuring instruments, and manual machines for the precision machining trade. Emphasis is placed on skill development through projects in the lab. 7 credit hours.

MTT 110 Precision Machining Practices II. This course will continue the use of the knowledge and skills developed in Precision Machining Practices I. Emphasis is placed on completion of the National Institute of Manufacturing Skills (NIMS) projects and other lab projects. Prerequisite: MTT 105 with a grade of “C” or better. 3 credit hours.

MTT 113 Industrial Science. Introduction to Machinery’s Handbook and related formulas. Heat treating, metallurgy, material and machining applications, strengths of materials, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing are discussed with an emphasis on practical application. 3 credit hours.

MTT 125 CNC Programming - Milling. This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of computer numerical control (CNC) as applied to milling machines. Instruction includes part planning, tooling usage, writing programs, and machine set-up and operation. Through laboratory assignments, students apply programming techniques and operate CNC equipment to produce machined projects. Prerequisite: MTT 105 with a grade of “C” or better. 4 credit hours.

MTT 190 Machine Tool Technology Internship. The Machine Tool Technology Internship is a planned work experience comprised of 320 hours of paid on-the-job training in a machining related field requiring the student to perform a variety of tasks. The student will be required to work eight hours per day for eight weeks. A training agreement between the employer, the student and the college is required. The student will submit a weekly summary of activities (tasks performed). Note: Elective courses may be substituted for internship courses at the discretion or approval of the department. Prerequisites: MTT 110 and MTT 125 with a grade of “C” or better and as stated in the Internship Handbook. 4 credit hours.

MTT 196 Machining Essentials. This course teaches how to safely perform fundamental machining operations using mills, lathes, and other machine shop equipment. Precision measurement skills are also included. 3 credit hours.

MTT 210 Fundamentals of CAD/CAM. This course introduces the concepts and practices associated with using computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software to create programs for computer numerical control (CNC) milling machines. Instruction includes geometry creation and modification; process and toolpath planning; and toolpath generation. Through laboratory assignments, students apply programming techniques and operate CNC equipment to produce machined projects. Prerequisite: MTT 125 with a grade of “C” or better. 3 credit hours.

MTT 225 Applied CNC Programming. This is an advanced computer numerical control (CNC) G-code programming class for the CNC lathe, CNC mill, and wire electrical discharge machine (EDM). Through laboratory assignments, students apply programming techniques and operate CNC equipment to produce machined projects. Prerequisite: MTT 125 with a grade of “C” or better. 6 credit hours.

MTT 230 Advanced CAD/CAM. This course provides instruction on how to use computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software to create advanced toolpath programs for three-dimensional, 4th and 5th axis milling machines, wire electrical discharge machines (EDM) and computer numerical control (CNC) lathes. Students build upon concepts learned in the Fundamentals of CAD/CAM class. Prerequisite: MTT 210 with a grade of “C” or better. Concurrent MTT 231. 3 credit hours.

MTT 231 Advanced CNC Machining Applications. This course provides students with an advanced computer numerical control (CNC) machining lab to apply advanced computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) concepts and implement CAD/CAM project designs by setting up and operating complex 4- and 5-axis machining and turning centers. Prerequisite: MTT 225 with a grade of “C” or better. Concurrent: MTT 230. 3 credit hours.

MTT 240 Solid Modeling Essentials. This course teaches the essential knowledge and skills to create parametric solid parts, assemblies and drawings. A conceptual foundation of solids is developed through case study based design projects. 3 credit hours.

MTT 291 Precision Machining Capstone Course. This is a project-oriented course that incorporates all machining operations into a real world scenario. The projects include necessary process documentation, computer numerical control (CNC), computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), and manual machining operations. The student will design and make metal stamping or plastic injection tooling. Prerequisites: MTT 200, MTT 210 and MTT 225 with a grade of “C” or better. 6 credit hours.

MTT 299 Special Topics in Machine Tool Technology. Special Topics in Machine Tool Technology (MTT) may include instruction on topics not covered in other MTT courses. Topics covered in other MTT courses may also be covered in more depth in this special topics course. Projects may be undertaken in any area related to the major program with credit hours determined by the level and amount of involvement. The minimum involvement required for one credit is 30 contact hours. The specific topic(s), objectives, plan of instruction, and evaluation criteria must be documented in the syllabus; approved by the Department/Division Chair; and filed in the Academic Records Office. Students may complete more than one Special Topics course, provided that the credits earned in this manner do not exceed a total of four (4) credits. 1-4 credit hours.