Machine Tool Technology

Mr. Jonathan Minyard, Chairperson

256.352.8235

jonathan.minyard@wallacestate.edu

Associate in Applied Science (4-5 semesters)

Certificate (4 semesters)

Short-Term Certificate (2-3 semesters)

At a Glance

Our program instructs students in the process of manufacturing metal parts. This is accomplished by using machine tools to remove excess material like a woodworker cuts away excess wood to produce his work. In addition to metal, the parts may be made of many other kinds of materials. The goal of these cutting operations is to produce a part that conforms to a set of specifications usually in the form of engineering drawings commonly known as blueprints.

Program Description

This program offers a Certificate, Short-Term Certificates, Tool & Die, and an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.). The machining/computer numerical control program prepares students to enter the skilled manufacturing workforce as highly trained employees. The tool and die students learn to shape, form or cut metal work pieces into blueprint specific tools for industry using high-tech machines and modern software.

Admission Requirement

Students must have a high school diploma or GED and meet the general admission requirements of WSCC. Students must have a Certificate or Degree in MTT or permission of a departmental instructor before enrolling in the CNC Short-Term Certificate or the Tool and Die Short-Term Certificate or Injection Molding.

Program Expectations

Students will learn the skills needed to carry through to completion the construction and repair of machine parts using machinist’s hand tools, machine tools, and precision measuring instruments. Students will then learn to read blueprints and to set up and operate machinery such as engine lathes, milling machines, cylindrical grinders, surface grinders, and drill presses. Students will also be trained in the programming and operation of highly technical computer controlled lathes, milling machines and wire electrical discharge machines.

Career Path

Careers as machinists, CNC operators and programmers, tool and die makers, tool machinery and sales, and quality control inspectors are just a few that will be available to graduates of this program.

Excellent job opportunities are expected. Employers in certain parts of the country report difficulty attracting qualified applicants. Median hourly earnings of machinists were $22.62 in May 2021, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $38.00 an hour. Experienced machinists may be promoted to supervisory or administrative positions in their firms, increasing their earning power. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

CNC 153 : Pads, Pressures, and Auxiliary Die Components

This course provides a theoretical and performance-based study on the pressure systems/mechanisms and auxiliary components used in stamping dies. Emphasis is placed on safety, types of pressure pads, types of pressure, and ancillary press/die components. Upon completion, students should be able to understand the roles of auxillary components, pressure systems/mechanisms within tool/die stamping, and the aspects of the repair and maintenance for these components.

Credits

Prerequisites

As required by college.

CNC 164 : Trim Steel Welding & Grinding

This course provides a theoretical and performance-based study in the refurbishment of stamping die trim steels. Emphasis is placed on safety, understanding tool steel weld preparation, welding procedures and revalidation of welded trim steels. Upon completion, students should be able to weld, grind and rework a stamping die trim steel back to an acceptable condition.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college.

CNC 165 : Root Cause Analysis in Die Repair

This course provides a theoretical and performance-based study on the process of root cause analysis used in repairing stamping dies, molds, fixtures, etc. Emphasis is placed on safety, identifying defects, finding the root cause, performing corrective actions, and prevention of problems. Upon completion, students should be able to understand how to identify and use root cause analysis, and troubleshooting methods to find correct and accurate solutions to die repair needs, and the measures to employ to correct problems while ensuring a long term fix.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college.

CNC 261 : Intermediate Die Maintenance & Repair

This course is a follow on from CNC 161 Die Maintenance & Repair and is designed to prepare a student for the critical thinking and hands-on skills needed to be an effective die repair and maintenance technician. Emphasis is placed on safety, problem solving, welding, sharpening, grinding, hand-finishing/fitting, reassembly process, preventative maintenance and engineering changes. Upon completion, the students should be able to safely inspect a part piece from a die or die component(s) and determine repair or maintenance needs and perform the necessary tasks to complete those and prepare the tool for use.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college.

MTT 100 : Machining Technology I

This course introduces machining operations as they relate to the metal working industry. Topics include machine shop safety, measuring tools, lathes, drilling machines, saws, milling machines, bench grinders, and layout instruments. Upon completion, students will be able to perform the basic operations of measuring, layout, drilling, sawing, turning, and milling. This is a CORE course and is aligned with NIMS certification standards. MTT 147 and MTT 148 are suitable substitutes for this course. CORE As needed.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by program

MTT 103 : Machining Technology II

This course provides additional instruction and practice in the use of measuring tools, lathers, milling machines, and grinders. Emphasis is place on setup and operation of machine tools including the selection of work holding devices, speeds, feeds, cutting tools and coolants. Upon completion, students should be able to perform basic procedures of precision grinding and advanced operations of measuring, layout, drilling, sawing turning and milling. This is a CORE course and is aligned with NIMS certification standards. MTT 148 and MTT 149 are suitable substitutes for MTT 103. CORE As needed.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by program

MTT 107 : Machining Calculations I

This course introduces basic calculations as they relate to machining occupations. Emphasis is placed on basic calculations and their applications in the machine shop. Upon completion, students should be able to perform basic shop calculations. This course is aligned with NIMS certification standards.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by program

MTT 108 : Machine Handbook Functions I

This course covers the machinist’s handbook. Emphasis is placed on formulas, tables, usage and related information. Upon completion, students should be able to use the handbook in the calculation and set up of machine tools. This course is aligned with NIMS certification standards.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by program

MTT 121 : Basic Print Reading for Machinists

This course covers the basic principles of print reading and sketching. Topics include multi-view drawings; interpretation of conventional lines; and dimensions, notes, and thread notations. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret basic drawings, visualize parts, and make pictorial sketches. CORE

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 123 : Engine Lathe Lab I

The student learns to safely operate an engine lathe in calculating feeds and speeds and shaping a variety of cutting tools by grinding. The student will also safely operate an engine lathe in straight turning, facing, and turning to the shoulder and tapers. As needed.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 124 : Engine Lathe Lab II

The student learns advanced operation of an engine lathe in calculating feeds and speeds and shaping a variety of cutting tools by grinding. The student will also safely operate an engine lathe in advanced straight turning, facing, and turning to the shoulder and tapers. As needed.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 127 : Metrology

This course introduces the use of precision measuring instruments. Emphasis is placed on the inspection of machine parts and use of a wide variety of measuring instruments. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the correct use of measuring instruments. This is a CORE course and is aligned with NIMS certification standards. CORE

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 128 : Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing I

This course is designed to teach students how to interpret engineering drawings using modern conventions, symbols, datums, datum targets, and projected tolerance zones. Special emphasis is placed upon print reading skills, and industry specifications and standards. This course is aligned with NIMS certification standards.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 129 : Lathe Operations

This course includes more advanced lathe practices such as set-up procedures, work planning, inner- and outer-diameter operations, and inspection and process improvement. Additional emphasis is placed on safety procedures. Upon completion, students will be able to apply advanced lathe techniques. MTT 134/135 are suitable substitutes for MTT 129. This course is aligned with NIMS standards. As needed.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 130 : Machine Calculations II

This course emphasizes advanced calculations common to machining operations. Students use these calculations for advanced applications for machine setup and planning. Specific topics include positive and negative numbers, symbolism, and algebraic expressions and operations. At the conclusion of this course students will be able to apply advanced machine calculations to equipment setup and planning.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 134 : Lathe Operations I

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 135 : Lathe Operations I Lab

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 136 : Milling Operations

This course covers manual milling operations. Emphasis is placed on related safety, types of milling machines and their uses, cutting speed, feed calculations, and set-up and operation procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to apply manual milling techniques (vertical and horizontal/universal) to produce machine tool projects. MTT 137/138 are suitable substitutes for this course. This course is aligned with NIMS certification standards. As needed.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 137 : Milling I

This course covers manual milling operations. Emphasis is placed on related safety, types of milling machines and their uses, cutting speed, feed calculations, and set-up and operation procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to apply manual vertical milling techniques to produce machine tool projects. MTT 137/138 are suitable substitutes for MTT 136. This course is aligned with NIMS certification standards.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 138 : Milling I Lab

This course provides basic knowledge of milling machines. Emphasis is placed on types of milling machines and their uses, cutting speed, feed calculations, and set-up procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to apply milling techniques to produce machine tool projects. This course is aligned with NIMS certification criteria. This course is taught with MTT 137. MTT 137/138 are suitable substitutes for MTT 136.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 140 : Basic Computer Numeric Control Turning Programming

This course covers concepts associated with basic programming of a computer numerical control (CNC) turning center. Topics include basic programming characteristics, motion types, tooling, work holding devices, setup documentation, tool compensations, and formatting. Upon completion, students should be able to write a basic CNC turning program that will be used to produce a part. This course is aligned with NIMS certification standards. As needed.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 141 : Basic Computer Numeric Control Milling Programming

This course covers concepts associated with basic programming of a computer numerical control (CNC) milling center. Topics include basic programming characteristics, motion types, tooling, work holding devices, setup documentation, tool compensations, and formatting. Upon completion, students should be able to write a basic CNC milling program that will be used to produce a part. This course is aligned with NIMS certification standards. As needed.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 142 : Advanced Machining Calculations

This course combines mathematical functions with practical machine shop applications and problems. Emphasis is placed on gear ratios, lead screws, indexing problems, and their applications in the machine shop. Upon completion, students should be able to calculate solutions to machining problems.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 146 : Precision Grinding Machines I

This course includes more advanced precision grinder practices such as set-up procedures; work planning; surface, cylindrical, and tool and cutter grinding operations, and inspection and process improvement. Additional emphasis is placed on safety procedures. Upon completion, students will be able to apply advanced precision grinding techniques. This course is aligned with NIMS standards. MTT 161/162 are suitable substitutes for this course. As needed.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 147 : Introduction to Machine Shop I

This course introduces machining operations as they relate to the metalworking industry. Topics include machine shop safety, measuring tools, lathes, drilling machines, saws, milling machines, bench grinders, and layout instruments. Upon completion, students will be able to perform the basic operations of measuring, layout, drilling, sawing, turning, and milling. MTT 100 is a suitable substitute for MTT 147 and MTT 148. CORE

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 148 : Introduction to Machine Shop I Lab

This course provides practical application of the concepts and principles of machining operations learned in MTT 147. Topics include machine shop safety, measuring tools, lathes, drilling machines, saws, milling machines, bench grinders, and layout instruments. Upon completion, students will be able to perform the basic operations of measuring, layout, drilling, sawing, turning, and milling. This is a CORE course. MTT 100 is a suitable substitute for MTT 147 and MTT 148. CORE

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 149 : Introduction to Machine Shop II

This course provides additional instruction and practice in the use of measuring tools, lathes, milling machines, and grinders. Emphasis is place on setup and operation of machine tools including the selection of work holding devices, speeds, feeds, cutting tools and coolants. Upon completion, students should be able to perform intermediate level procedures of precision grinding and advanced operations of measuring, layout, drilling, sawing turning and milling. This is a CORE course and taught in conjunction with MTT 150. MTT 149/150 are suitable substitutes for MTT 103. CORE.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 150 : Introduction to Machine Shop II Lab

This course provides additional instruction and practice in the use of measuring tools, lathes, milling machines, and grinders. Emphasis is placed on setup and operation of machine tools including the selection of work holding devices, speeds, feeds, cutting tools and coolants. Upon completion, students should be able to perform intermediate level procedures of precision grinding, measuring, layout, drilling, sawing, turning, and milling. MTT 149/150 are suitable substitutes for MTT 103. CORE.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 154 : Metallurgy

This course covers the production, properties, testing, classification, microstructure, and heat treating effects of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Topics include the iron-carbon phase diagram, ITT diagram, ANSI code, quenching, senescing, and other processes concerning metallurgical transformations. Upon completion, students should be able to understand the iron-carbon phase diagram, ITT diagram, microstructure images, and other phenomena concerning the behavior of metals. As needed.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 170 : Molding Materials and Properties

This course is designed for students interested in injection molding. Lecture will emphasize the facts, principles and theories of general chemistry related to synthetic organic materials such as polymers, plastics, and resins. Lessons will include math operations, matter and energy, atomic structure, symbols, formulas, nomenclature, the periodic table, bonding concepts, equations, and reactions related to chemical bonding during polymerization. As needed.

Credits

MTT 171 : Intermediate Blueprint Reading for Machinists

The purpose of this course is for students to further apply knowledge and skills with reading and interpreting blue prints for machining operations. Specific topics include: calculating missing dimensions from drawings, drawing different views of an object, knowledge of features and types of threads and fasteners used in mechanical objects, types of surface requirements on blueprints, and interpreting blueprints for casting and weldments.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 173 : Injection Mold Setter Skills

This course is designed to teach students basic mold setter skills. They will learn the fundamentals of injection molding operations, including molding terminology, machine part identification, operating safety, machine controls and machine startup and shutdown. Students are taught to identify common part defects such as non-fill, burn marks, warpage, discoloration, weld lines, and flash. At the end of this course students should be able to safely work as a mold setter. As needed.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 175 : Injection Mold Setter Skills Lab

This course is designed to teach students basic mold setter skills in a laboratory environment. It is a companion course for AUT/MTT/MSP 173. The students will learn the practical application of injection molding operations, including molding terminology, machine part identification, operating safety, machine controls and machine startup and shutdown. Students are taught to identify and correct common part defects such as non-fill, burn marks, warpage, discoloration, weld lines, and flash. At the end of this course students should be able to safely work as a mold setter. As needed.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 202 : Machine Maintenance and Repair

This course covers preventive maintenance as well as repair of machine tools. Emphasis is placed on safety, disassembly and assembly of lathes, grinders, saws, and milling machines. Upon completion, students should be able to perform machine maintenance and repair of machine tools. As needed.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 221 : Advanced Blueprint Reading for Machinists

This course introduces complex industrial blueprints. Emphasis is placed on auxiliary views, section views, violations of true projection, special views, and interpretation of complex parts and assemblies. Upon completion, students should be able to read and interpret complex industrial blueprints. As needed.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 273 : Injection Mold Processing

This course is designed to teach student basic injection mold processor skills. Topics will include safety, molding materials, machine controls, fill rates, temperature control, pressure control, and timing. Students will learn how various factors affect the injection mold process and how to compensate for those factors by setting and adjusting machine controls. As needed.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 275 : Injection Mold Processing Lab

This course is designed to teach students basic injection mold processor skills in a laboratory environment. It is a companion course for AUT/MTT/MSP 273. The students will learn the practical application of injection mold processes including safety, molding materials, machine controls, fill rates, temperature control, pressure control, and timing. Students will learn how various factors affect the injection mold process and how to compensate for those factors by setting and adjusting machine controls. As needed.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 291 : Cooperative Education in Machine Tool Technology

Students work on part-time basis in a job directly related to machine tool technology. The employer and supervising instructor evaluate students’ progress. Upon completion, students will be able to apply skills and knowledge in an employment setting. As needed.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 292 : Cooperative Education in Machine Tool Technology

Students work on part-time basis in a job directly related to machine tool technology. The employer and supervising instructor evaluate students’ progress. Upon course completion, students will be able to apply skills and knowledge in an employment setting. As needed.

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 293 : Cooperative Education in Machine Tool Technology

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

MTT 294 : Cooperative Education in Machine Tool Technology

Credits

Prerequisites

As determined by college

WDT 276 : Robotic Welding III

This course focuses on advanced robotic weld topics used in industry. Students will learn and implement task associated with: creating multiple weld procedures; adjusting procedures for various materials; modifying procedures for increased cycle time; creating quality welds using various modes of metal transfer; fixture setup and modification; Hardware/Software fault recovery; visual weld inspection; destructive testing procedures. Students will also gain a thorough knowledge of AWS D16.4 AWS QC19 specifications.