The technical curriculum of this program will take place at Precision Manufacturing Institute in Meadville, PA. The technical curriculum will account for 28 to a maximum of 30 credits. In addition to the technical curriculum, students will complete 32 credits of core curriculum courses to complete the requirements of the Associate of Applied Science degree from Clarion University.
This program will enable the beginning machining student to gain theory, application and practice of programming, setup and operation of 2-axis Computer numerically controlled (CNC) lathes and 3-axis CNC mills. The student will gain fundamental manual applications in drilling operations, turning and milling and build upon these principles to become proficient in setup and operation of CNC lathes and mills and then apply the setup and operations to develop key programming and editing abilities. This course will prepare the student for an entry level position that has equivalent knowledge to a second year CNC machinist.
What is a CNC Machinist?
Computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines are employed in most modern-day machinist shops and mass production facilities to increase accuracy and efficiency when forming metal parts. A CNC machinist is specially trained to program, operate, and maintain such equipment. He or she uses expert knowledge to set up machines that are capable of cutting, bending, forming, and polishing raw metal into finished parts and tools. Professionals read and interpret blueprints, input data into a computer system, and inspect the accuracy of a machine's operation. Machinists are responsible for making careful adjustments and performing maintenance on delicate parts.
Employment Opportunities
Include but are not limited to: CNC operators, CNC programmer, machinist apprentice, or entry-level manufacturing engineers.
Job Outlook
The following job prospect information is provided by the Bureau of Labor & Statistics. This information reflects national projections made for 2006-2016.
Computer control programmers and operators held about 158,000 jobs in 2006. About 89 percent were computer-controlled machine tool operators, metal and plastic, and about 11 percent were numerical tool and process control programmers. Manufacturing employs almost all of these workers. Employment was concentrated in fabricated metal products manufacturing, machinery manufacturing, plastics products manufacturing, and transportation equipment manufacturing making mostly aerospace and automobile parts. Although computer control programmers and operators work in all parts of the country, jobs are most plentiful in the areas where manufacturing is concentrated. Job opportunities should be excellent, as employers are expected to continue to have difficulty finding qualified workers.
Curriculum Highlights
- Blueprint reading
- CNC setups & operations
- Inspection principles
- Machining fundamentals
- G&M CNC programming
- Manual mill & lathe
- Technical math
- CAD design principles
- Basics of CMM
- Computer aided manufacturing mill & lath
- Advanced CNC programming techniques
