Machine Tool Technology

Justin Burnett, Instructor
256.352.7430
justin.burnett@wallacestate.edu
machinetool@wallacestate.edu
www.wallacestate.edu/mtt

Associate in Applied Science (4-5 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 an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) and Short-Term Certificates. 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.

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. The median annual wage for machinists was $50,840 in May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,690, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $75,820. Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers average earnings in May 2023 was $30.50 per hour or $63,440. 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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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.