ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

EXPLORATORY AND INTRODUCTION TO ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY (3 credits)
All Grade 9 students go through the Exploratory Program.  Please see page 7 for more detail. Students deciding to enter the advanced manufacturing technology field will study the paperless manufacturing environment.  Students will begin to study and use computer-aided drafting and design (CADD) and modeling software, MasterCAM computer-aided manufacturing software, and computer-numerical control (CNC) programming software to design and create projects.  Instruction begins with safety and includes; use and care of hand tools, power tools, stationary equipment, principles of design and the design process.  Manufacturing methods are initiated with an introduction to CNC machinery and material types, along with their basic applications. Students start with small CNC metalworking projects, which lead to more complicated projects. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, blueprint reading and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN, DRAFTING, MASTERCAM, AND MANUFACTURING PROCESSES (3 credits)
In Grade 10, students are instructed in the fundamentals of good design and utilizing 3D modeling software to create mechanical parts and assemblies Students will demonstrate skills and knowledge in machine safety; measuring tools; speeds and feeds; lathe operation; mill operation; pedestal grinder; various types of cutting tools; and drill press operation. Students are introduced to the basics of MasterCAM, including G-codes, M-codes and conversational programming. Students continue to receive instruction in safety requirements and demonstrate sound safety practices. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, blueprint reading and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

DESIGN ENGINEERING, PRECISION MACHINING, AND COMPUTERIZED NUMERICAL CONTROL (CNC) (3 credits)
In Grade 11, students continue to refine skills introduced in Grade 10 and study advanced design principles, tolerances, and fits. Students receive advanced instruction and training in the use of measuring tools, material types, advanced Computer Numerical Control (CNC) lathe operation, advanced CNC mill operation, cylindrical grinder operation, horizontal mill, heat treat, layout and inspection and troubleshooting CNC code. Students continue to receive instruction in safety requirements and demonstrate sound safety practices. Students will perform in-school drafting and manufacturing projects for customers as related to the curriculum. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work Based Learning (WBL).  Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, blueprint reading and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

PRODUCTION PLANNING AND ADVANCED CNC MACHINE OPERATION
(3 credits)
In Grade 12, students receive instruction and demonstrate skills in more advanced areas of manufacturing technology, such as lay-out and turning irregular shapes, turning eccentric, lap and honing, complex CNC programming, cutter sharpening, specialized vertical mill attachments and electrical discharge machines. Students continue to receive instruction in safety requirements and demonstrate sound safety practices. Students will continue to perform in-school drafting and manufacturing projects for customers. Students will demonstrate the ability to complete a job application and interview and have entry-level job readiness and trade skills. Each student will take the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) exam, which is a performance-based test. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work Based Learning (WBL).  Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, blueprint reading and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

Students successfully completing this course of study will be able to pursue a two year or a four year degree in the area of manufacturing or mechanical engineering or other related fields.  Students can obtain immediate employment as a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) operator or programmer; engineering technician; or a computer-aided designer or illustrator.