Advanced Manufacturing Process Technology

Overview

The degree of Associate of Science in Advanced Manufacturing Process Technology is awarded upon successful completion of the program.

The Advanced Manufacturing Process Technology program (AMPT) is designed to give the student a solid foundation of the manufacturing processes related to traditional machine tools and CNC automated machining centers. There are five major interrelated areas of study: application of shop and tool room mathematics; interpretation and understanding of engineering drawings; knowledge of machine tool processes and the basic machine tools: lathe, milling machine, grinder; CNC programming: mills and lathes; and CNC machine operation.

Along with the basic theory of manufacturing processes related to machine tools given in the classroom, it is essential for the student to apply the theory and obtain adequate laboratory time on industry grade equipment to gain the experience necessary for employment. The manufacturing processes major field courses all contain several hours of lab time in the machine shop and/or the CNC lab.

A Certificate program (AMPC) is available which gives introductory theory and limited lab experience in the five areas listed above. In the associate degree program much more lab time is provided as well as a series of successive courses in math, drawings, and machining. Additional topics included in the associate degree program are material property information, heat treatment processes, cutting tool material use and selection, Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software, an in depth study of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T), advanced metrology, machine setups, jig and fixture design, high tolerance machining, with an overall emphasis on tool making for student lab projects. All courses in the AMPC certificate transfer into the associate degree program.

Graduates will have the foundation necessary to find employment in industry in positions such as machine operator, entry level machinist, entry level tool maker, CNC machine operator, and/or CNC programmer.

Specific Admissions Requirements

• Required: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Grades of “C” or better in both high school Algebra I and Geometry are required.

• Recommended: Successful completion of high school courses in trigonometry, engineering drawing, drafting or Computer Aided Design (CAD). A mechanical aptitude with various hand tools and/or power tools is highly recommended. Mechanical aptitude and basic computer skills are recommended.

Employment Outlook

Careers in advanced manufacturing are high-quality, middle class jobs and today’s manufacturing employees earn higher wages and receive more generous benefits than many other working Americans. A recent study of New Hampshire employers identified a shortage of technician-level manufacturing production workers. As the aging workforce begins to retire there is already of evidence of a skills gap in the current workforce. An adequate supply of skilled workers is needed to support the growth of advanced manufacturing in New Hampshire as well as the overall health of the state economy.

Over the past two decades, New Hampshire’s manufacturing economy has been moving away from manual mill work and toward automated, “smart” manufacturing. The technology infusion and high productivity that dominate the advanced manufacturing landscape demand a smart, safe, and sustainable manufacturing workforce. This requires individuals with professionalism, applied science, technology, math, and engineering skills, as well as knowledge of manufacturing principles.

Advanced Manufacturing Process Technology Degree

FIRST YEAR

SECOND YEAR

Program Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the certificate will have mastered the following skills:

1. A graduate will be able to read, interpret, analyze, and understand standard engineering drawings that use current industry drawing practices and standards.
2. A graduate will be able to correctly interpret and understand ANSI Yl4.5M Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) symbols and callouts.
3. A graduate will be able to create basic engineering sketches, including multi-view, section view, and auxiliary views. Students will also be able to create basic CAD drawings using standard drawing practices.
4. A graduate will be able to use a 3-D Solid modeling CAD software program as a problem solving tool to calculate complex geometric and trigonometric math problems.
5. A graduate will have the ability to use and understand various common methods to solve mathematical problems associated with machining and tool making operations. This includes the use of topics and concepts from applied algebra, applied geometry and applied trigonometry. 
6. The graduate will be able to use material property data to determine proper cutting tool versus workpiece material combinations.
7. The graduate will understand various heat treatment operations in order to alter or change a material property or characteristic.
8. The graduate will know about various tools, the available geometries, cutting tool material selection, and tool holders for traditional and CNC machine tools.
9. The graduate will be able to properly select the appropriate cutting speeds and feeds necessary for a particular machining operation based upon various input variables such as type of operation, workpiece condition and geometry, machine rigidity, cutting tool material, etc.
10. Graduates will possess a full knowledge of safety practices and procedures when using tools, machines, or other related equipment. They will act in a professional manner and will observe and follow all safety measures, procedures, practices to protect themselves and others working in the shop environment.
11. Graduates will be able to read and use various micrometer and vernier scale types of measuring instruments. They will be familiar with various standard inspection procedures and the proper use of many types of measuring equipment commonly used in the machine shop.
12. Graduates will be able to create accurate part layouts using standard layout and measuring instruments.
13. Graduates will be able to properly use various hand tools: files, saws, punches, chisels, hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc. to perform benchwork either related to prior or post machining operations.
14. Graduates will be able to properly setup both the workpiece and cutting tool, select proper speed and feed rates, know the various operation capability, and properly operate each of the following traditional machine tools: engine lathe, vertical milling machine, surface grinder, cutoff saw, handsaw, pedestal grinder.
15. The graduate will have a firm foundation for “tool making” operations. This includes high precision setups, high accuracy machining and inspection, the exploitation of material properties (heat treatment), and the manufacture of jigs, fixtures, and gages.
16. The graduate will have a firm foundation in CNC machining, both programming of G-code and the basic operation of CNC machining centers. This includes writing, editing, and simulation of G-code programs; machine workpiece setup; the use of proper tool, work coordinate, and cutter compensation offsets; and the overall operation of the machine.
17. The graduate will be able to use CAM software for generation of complex geometry workpieces to generate CNC code. They will be able to take a CAD solid model into the CAM software package and create the tooling and toolpaths to produce CNC G-code.
18. The graduate will manufacture tools requiring many of the aforementioned skills. These tools must pass inspection for engineering drawing conformity, precision, function, workmanship, and aesthetics.