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Precision Machining - Diploma

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Instructor talking with student walking in machine shop

In the Minnesota State College Southeast CNC Machine Tool program, you'll learn the precision skills of the tool and die maker on state-of-the-art equipment.

Career Area: Engineering, Manufacturing & Trades
Program: CNC Machine Tool
Campus(es): Winona


Major Details

Courses

Cost

Careers

Outcomes

Highlights

Instructors

Media

 Major Details

The CNC (Computer Numeric Controlled) Machine Tool program at Minnesota State College Southeast in Winona offers the training and education you'll need for a rewarding career in the field of precision computerized machining and manufacturing.

Our program is based on the philosophy that hands-on is the best way to learn machining and die making. The CNC Machine Tool program teaches the high level of technically advanced machining that modern industry requires.

Four students - Our students won the 2023 Project MFG Advance Manufacturing National Championship, $100,000 prize!

We emphasize learning the basic skills in machining technology and progressing to the development of advanced CNC machining and programming skills. In just one year, you can earn a 31-credit diploma in Precision Machining that covers the fundamentals of:

  • Basic machine shop theory

  • Blueprint reading

  • Precision measuring and gauging

  • Setup, operation, and troubleshooting both computer and manual machines

  • CNC machine operation

  • CAD (computer aided design)

With a diploma in Precision Machining, you'll be ready to enter the workforce with valuable skills right away!

Apply now for admission to Minnesota State College Southeast

Student working with CNC machine

Southeast CNC Machine Tool students are taught how to use MasterCam in order to be industry ready.
Watch the Video

Cluster/Pathway

Career Field: Engineering, Manufacturing & Technology
Cluster: Manufacturing
Pathway: Manufacturing Production Process Development

Download the Program Plan

 Courses

1) 1000 level (minimum) General Education courses required unless specified.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Choose one 2 credit (or greater) English or Communications course.
2 cr
Choose one 2-credit - or greater - Math course. MATH 1015 Geometry is suggested. (If transferring to a 4-year college, MATH 1025 Algebra is preferred.)
2 cr
COMM1015
Students will gain independence and proficiency in job searching skills through activities and assignments designed to help them learn how to find jobs, how to prepare to apply for jobs, and how to present themselves as candidates for jobs. Skills covered will include how to search electronically for a job; how to develop written documents needed for a successful self-directed job search, including how to create an electronic portfolio; and how to secure, conduct, and follow up on job interviews. (Prerequisite: none) (1 credit: 1 lecture/0 lab)
1 cr
 
5 crs
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Choose one or more Technical electives.
2 cr
CMAE1510
This course will give students an understanding of basic mechanical drawing principles. Topics include the alphabet of lines, arrangement of views, orthographic projections, scaling, dimensioning, tolerancing, and symbols. Students will read and interpret mechanical drawings. (Prerequisite: none) (2 credits: 2 lecture/0 lab)
2 cr
MACH1601
This course covers the fundamental elements of basic machine shop theory that would be applied to shop applications. Students taking the course will be able to apply skills learned in the classroom to the lab where they will have hands on experience on basic machine shop equipment. Topics of study include safety, measuring parts to print, proper set up, speeds & feeds, and cutting tool usage. (Prerequisites: None) (4 Credits: 2 lecture/2 lab)
4 cr
MACH1610
This course will provide the theory, technique, and care of typical measuring tools used in the Machining profession. Students will learn various measuring techniques used in the manufacture of machined parts. (Prerequisites: None) (2 Credits: 2 lecture)
2 cr
MACH1615
This course will familiarize the student with what can be done with both manual machine tools and computer aided machine tools used in the manufacturing process. The student will have hands on experience with manual and computer type machines. Topics of study include setup, operation, and troubleshooting on both machine types. Safety, measuring parts to print, proper set up, speeds & feeds, and cutting tool usage, manual programming of CNC machines will also be covered. (Prerequisites: MACH1601 [or taken concurrently]) (3 Credits: 0 lecture/3 lab)
3 cr
MACH1625
This course covers the fundamentals of intermediate/advanced blueprint reading. The student will learn skills to interpret drawings and sketches that would be used in industry. Topics of study will be sketching, dimensioning, geometric tolerancing, section views, working drawings, and cad styles. (Prerequisites:CMAE1510) (2 Credits: 2 lecture/0 lab)
2 cr
MACH1630
This course will familiarize the student with the theory of CNC machining and set up. Students will write programs and examine programs on the various machines on the shop floor. Students will learn about all facets of programming mills, wire edm, and turning type machine tools. (Prerequisites: MACH1601, MACH1610, MACH1615, CMAE1510 or equivalent) (3 Credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
3 cr
MACH1642
This course will familiarize the student with CNC machining and set up. Students will set up and run programs on a CNC lathe and a CNC mill. (Prerequisite: None) (2 Credits: 0 lecture/2 lab)
2 cr
MACH1643
This course will familiarize the student with CNC machining and set up. Students will write programs and run programs on the various machines on the shop floor. (Prerequisite: MACH1642) (2 Credits: 0 lecture/2 lab)
2 cr
MACH1650
This course will familiarize the student with operating Electrical Discharge Machining. Both sinker and wire type EDM machines will be covered in the course. (Prerequisites: MACH1601, MACH1610, MACH1615, CMAE1510 or equivalent) (2 Credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
2 cr
MACH1662
This course will familiarize the student with computer aided drafting, computer aided machining and 3D printing. Students will learn the design drafting process of the CAD computer program. Students will learn the Computer Aided Machining (CAM) process of the software to produce Machining Tool paths and to write G-code programs. Students will learn how to import CAD models into 3D printing slicing software and how to print the model. This course can be taken as an elective to other programs, or as a mid-year start for the CNC Machine Tool program. (Prerequisite: none) (3 Credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
3 cr
 
27 crs

Total Credits Required for this Major: 32

 Cost

Estimated Costs for this Major
Approximate Tuition/Fees: $7,255
Minimum Tool Cost: $600
Books/Supplies: $475
Estimated Total: $8,330

 Career Opportunities

  • Micro Machining

  • Medical Machining

  • Moldmaker

  • Diemaker

  • Toolmaker

  • CNC Machinist

  • Production Machinist

  • General Machinist

Use the MN DEED Career and Education Explorer Data Tool to learn about wages, job growth, and much more in this career field.

 Outcomes

Program graduates will be able to:

  1. Be employable at entry level machining jobs in related fields.

  2. Use the basic skill and knowledge of machine shop operations in manual and CNC machining to produce parts to blueprint specifications.

  3. Demonstrate safe work habits.

  4. Clearly communicate through verbal and written skills.

  5. Use the math and computer skills necessary in the machine trades.

 Highlights

  • Train on state-of-the-art equipment in our new Advanced Manufacturing Lab

  • 20+ stations of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and Computer Aided Machining (CAM) programming software available for student training

  • 70% of coursework is hands-on

  • Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines offers wire electrical discharge machining (edm), turning and milling technology

  • Focus is on keeping up with the technology used in industry

  • Employment opportunities are abundant locally as well as regionally

 Instructors

Richard Hengel

CNC Machine Tool instructor Rick Hengel comes to Minnesota State College Southeast with 34 years of experience in industry and 14 years of experience in management and supervision. He has been involved with the CNC Machine Tool Technology advisory committee for more than 10 years. He assisted in designing the curriculum and launching the certificate in Prototype Engineering for high school students, which he began teaching in 2017.

Todd Ives

CNC Machine Tool instructor Todd Ives comes to Minnesota State College Southeast with 31 years of experience in industry. He has been involved with the CNC Machine Tool Technology advisory committee for 3 years and has been an adjunct PSEO instructor for the Prototype Engineering program.

 

 Media

Majors in the CNC Machine Tool program

CNC Machine Tool - DIP

CNC and Engineering CERT

Machining Basics CERT

Precision Machining DIP