Program Requirements
Machine Tool Operator
Technical Diploma | 31-420-8
www.cvtc.edu
1-800-547-2882
Start Dates: August
Effective: August 2025
First Semester
Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments
420-300Machine Shop Theory1Program student; Corequisite: 420-321, 420-373Broad theoretical background in machine shop practices which includes milling, turning, grinding, and drilling.
420-321Manual Turning Processes5Program student; Corequisite: 420-300, 420-373This course is intended to develop the fundamental skill for a career in the machining trade. Fundamental processes include; Manual Lathe operation, basic set-up, lay-out, measurement, turning processes, and tool geometry/sharpening. The format for this class is a self-paced lab with a minimum allowable standard established. This course requires the purchase of tools and measuring equipment required for working in the Machine Tool lab.
420-322Manual Milling Processes5Program student; Corequisite: 420-300, 420-321, 420-373This course expands on the fundamental skills of the machine shop by broadening the student's knowledge base with; Manual mill operation, basic set-up, layout, measurement, drilling and milling processes along with using a variety of milling cutters.
420-332CNC Equations 11This course will teach students foundational math skills of basic arithmetic. Including conversions, whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, angles, and measurement. The calculations will build the basic foundation to plot points for CNC machining. This course will also cover basic calculations for spindle speeds and feed rates for machine tools.
420-373Precision Measurement1Program student; Corequisite: 420-300, 420-321This course will provide the theory, technique, and care of the coordinate measuring machine (CMM) and various measuring instruments. The student will apply blueprint reading skills and geometric tolerancing to projects made in the machine shop while applying measuring techniques used with the CMM and basic measuring instruments. The student will be exposed to precision inspection methods as it relates to industrial blueprints, manufactured parts, and the student's projects.
421-385MT Blueprint Reading and GD&T28 weeks | Program studentIntroduction of engineering language used on blueprints; interpretation of blueprints; blueprints and understanding manufacturing processes and communication between product design and machinist-manufacturer.
TOTAL CREDITS:15
Second Semester
Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments
420-310CNC Programming Theory1420-321 and 420-322; Corequisite: 420-325, 420-330In this course students will acquire knowledge and skills in CNC Mill programming concepts. Students will develop and apply manual G&M code programming skills in linear and circular interpolation, canned cycles, cutter compensation techniques, and applications using sub-program and sub-routines. Math concepts will be applied to find Cartesian coordinates for part geometry. Students will complete examples presented and be assigned similar projects to reinforce the material presented.
420-325Basic CNC Mill Programming5420-322 or 420-324; Corequisite: 420-330This course is designed to prepare the student for entry-level skills in programming, setup, and operation of CNC milling machines. Repetitive operational tasks will be performed as students acquire knowledge and skill in setting-up and operating CNC milling machines. Students will develop and apply skills in setting and testing work and tool offsets, performing manual data input functions, loading programs, and the running of proven CNC programs. Programming examples will be covered using canned cycles, linear and circular interpolation, cutter compensation, subroutines, and multiple fixture offsets, etc. Projects will be assigned and completed using Haas Mini and VF series vertical mills.
420-330Basic CNC Lathe Programming5420-321; Corequisite: 420-325This course is designed to prepare the learner for entry-level skills in operation, setup, and manual programming of CNC lathes. Repetitive operational tasks will be performed by students to acquire knowledge and skills in operation and setup of CNC lathes. Programming examples will be covered using canned cycles, linear, and tool nose radius compensations. Projects will be assigned and completed using Haas CNC Turning Centers.
420-333CNC Equations 21420-332This course will cover CNC equations to program CNC machine tools. Equations covered will be geometry, trigonometry, blending angles to arcs, and geometric entities using practical applications. The applications will directly relate to programming CNC machines. This course will also cover calculations for spindle speeds and feed rates for machine tools.
420-341Materials for Machinists2420-321 and 420-322During this course individuals will learn the terminology relating to the mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of materials used for Machine Tooling Technics. Materials covered will be the classification of steel, cast iron, aluminum, copper, and polymers. Lab activities will include hardening, annealing, case hardening, destructive test, non-destructive test, casting, molding, welding, and gluing of materials.
420-3802-D CAM2420-325 or concurrent2-D CAM is a two-credit course that is offered by the Machine Tool Department at Chippewa Valley Technical College. This course will provide the student with a basic knowledge of a Windows environment computer workstation and CAD-CAM software. The purpose of this course is to develop the skills of print interpretation, geometry generation, dimensioning, and both virtual and conventional machining of part geometry to print specifications. 2-D CAM is a one-semester (64-hour) course and is intended for entry-level machine tool programmers. This is a laboratory-based course that consists of hands-on activities. Enrollment by instructor consent.
TOTAL CREDITS:16
Minimum Program Credits Required: 31
2.0 Minimum Program Cumulative GPA Required for Graduation
If a student does not enroll in any courses at CVTC for two or more consecutive semesters, the student will be required to reapply with Admissions. Students must abide by any changes in admission requirements and degree requirements.
Updated: 3/6/2024 5:30 p.m. | Printed: 7/2/2025 9:16 p.m.
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