Computer Aided Manufacturing

Computer Aided Manufacturing is designed to prepare students as entry-level machinists in many areas, including aerospace, computer industries, job shop, gun smithing, tool and die making, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) operator, and CNC programmer. Students will study machining processes and procedures using lathes, mills, drill presses, cylindrical grinders, and surface grinders.

The first year students will use a variety of manual machines, including engine lathes, horizontal and vertical mills, cylindrical grinders, surface grinders, drill presses, and radial arm drill. Students will work from blueprints and follow exact specifications and apply practical shop math to accomplish the required tasks. Much of the lab time will be used for shop and project work.

The second-year CNC portion of machine shop is devoted to the programming and operation of the CNC machine. Students will be prepared to enter the work force as entry level programmers and CAD/CAM technicians. Students will program and operate machining centers and turning centers in the lab. Students will learn the Mastercam programming system, which allows students to design parts on the computer and then manufacture them in the lab. Students will work from blueprints and exact specifications that are used in industry. Lab work will include manual and CNC machine use. These machines will be used for manufacturing fixtures, project work, and production projects.

Gainful Employment

Computer Aided Manufacturing
Associate of Applied Science

Career Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment of metal and plastic machine workers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. Employment will be affected by advances in technology, changing demand for the goods these workers produce, foreign competition, and the reorganization of production processes.

One of the most important factors influencing employment growth in these occupations is the use of labor-saving machinery. Many firms are adopting new technologies, such as computer-controlled machine tools and robots, to improve quality, lower production costs, and remain competitive. The switch to computer-controlled machinery requires computer programmers instead of machine setters, operators, and tenders. The lower-skilled manual machine tool operator and tender jobs are more likely to be eliminated by these new technologies because the computer-controlled machinery does the work more effectively.

The demand for metal and plastic machine workers also is affected by the demand for the parts they produce. Both the plastic and metal manufacturing industries face stiff foreign competition that is limiting the orders for parts produced in this country. Some U.S. manufacturers have recently sent their production to foreign countries, limiting jobs for machine setters and operators.

Despite slower than average employment growth, a number of these jobs are expected to become available for highly skilled workers because of an expected increase in retirements, primarily of baby boomers, in the coming years.

In addition, workers who have a thorough background in machine operations, certifications from industry associations, and a good working knowledge of the properties of metals and plastics should have the best job opportunities.

Employment Opportunities with SOC Code:
CNC Machine Tool Operator	51-4012.00
CCM Tool Operators	51-4011.00
First-Line Production Supervisor	51-1011.00
Prepress Technicians and Workers	51-5111.00

Salary Forecast:		MT	CO
CNC Mach Tool Operator	51-4012.00	39,400	37,590
CCM Tool Operators	51-4011.00	28,080	37,900
First-Line Prod Spv	51-1011.00	52,530	61,610
Prepress Techs & Workers	51-5111.00	28,400	36,910

For the most current salary information please refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics “Occupational Outlook Handbook found at www.bls.gov/ooh/.

Program Cost: Approximately $9,200