Machine Tool Technology (MACH), AAS

At Dunwoody College of Technology, the Machine Tool Technology program provides students with entry-level skills and theoretical knowledge to program and operate all of the latest machine tools utilized in modern manufacturing facilities.

Graduates from this program are prepared to enter the industry as machine operators, production machinists, CAD/CAM technicians, CNC programmers, and tool designers.

The course of study includes: manual milling and turning; measurement and materials; job planning and layout; CAD/CAM software; CNC milling and turning; mold and die making; and EDM technology.

The program's curriculum is closely aligned with standards set forth by the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS). Due to high demand, most machine tool students can find full-time employment in the field long before graduation, and many will be working in a shop within the first year of the program.

Arts & Sciences curriculum supports the technical coursework by enhancing the students' communication, mathematics, and critical thinking skills.

Credits earned in the Machine Tool Technology AAS directly transfer into the following Dunwoody programs:

Credential Earned: AAS
Length of Program: 2 years (4 semesters)
Classes Offered: Day
Available Starts: Fall Semester
Accreditation: NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills)
  • Demonstrate required industry safety standards. 
  • Create professional documentation using appropriate methods. 
  • Develop a relationship between fit, form, and function using ergonomics to ensure a working product. 
  • Develop problem-solving skills and techniques conducive to pursuing manufacturing related solutions. 
  • Explore cultural and environmental issues related to manufacturing. 
  • Demonstrate proper use of manufacturing equipment. 
  • Perform objectives required of an industry-based capstone project. 
General Requirements
MATH1010Algebra I3
MATH1020Algebra II3
Communications3
General Science Elective3
Humanities3
Social Sciences3
Technical Requirements
MACH1110Machine Tool Fundamentals Lab5
MACH1120Machine Tool Fundamentals Theory4
MACH1210Advanced Machining Lab5
MACH1220Advanced Machining Theory4
MACH2110CNC Lathe, Mill & Mold Making Lab5
MACH2120CNC Lathe & Mill Theory2
MACH2130Mold Design Theory2
MACH2140MasterCAM I4
MACH2210CNC Mill, EDM & Die Making Lab5
MACH2220CNC Mill & EDM Theory2
MACH2230Die Design Theory2
MACH2240MasterCAM II4
MDES1110Engineering Drawings with SolidWorks4
MDES1230Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerances4
Total Credits70

The following sample academic plan demonstrates how a student's schedule might look on a semester-by-semester basis, including elective courses. Your actual degree plan may differ from this sequence, depending on whether you start in the fall or spring semester, what transfer credits you may have (if any), and which General Education courses and electives you take and when you take them.

The sample academic plan is for informational purposes only. To determine your academic plan, please meet with an academic advisor.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
MACH1110 Machine Tool Fundamentals Lab 5
MACH1120 Machine Tool Fundamentals Theory 4
MDES1110 Engineering Drawings with SolidWorks 4
MATH1010 Algebra I 3
 Credits16
 Total Credits16
Plan of Study Grid
First Year
SpringCredits
MACH1210 Advanced Machining Lab 5
MACH1220 Advanced Machining Theory 4
MDES1230 Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerances 4
MATH1020 Algebra II 3
Communications
 Credits16
 Total Credits16
Plan of Study Grid
Second Year
FallCredits
MACH2210 CNC Mill, EDM & Die Making Lab 5
MACH2220 CNC Mill & EDM Theory 2
MACH2230 Die Design Theory 2
MACH2140 MasterCAM I 4
General Science Elective 3
Humanities 3
 Credits19
 Total Credits19
Plan of Study Grid
Second Year
SpringCredits
MACH2110 CNC Lathe, Mill & Mold Making Lab 5
MACH2120 CNC Lathe & Mill Theory 2
MACH2130 Mold Design Theory 2
MACH2240 MasterCAM II 4
Social Sciences 3
 Credits16
 Total Credits16

Descriptions

MACH1110 | Machine Tool Fundamentals Lab | Laboratory (5 Credits)

Manufacturing of parts through layout and bench work, includes the use of band saws, drill presses, surface grinders, manual lathes and vertical mills. Basic principles in metal-cutting technology includes threading, tapers, knurling, boring, radii cutting and milling procedures such as squaring stock, the use of rotary table and the many other milling and turning operations.

Corequisite(s): MACH1120

MACH1120 | Machine Tool Fundamentals Theory | Lecture (4 Credits)

Identification, recognition and calculations associated with basic principles in metal-cutting technology including machine feeds and speeds, threading, tapers, knurling, boring, radii cutting and milling and turning procedures.

Corequisite(s): MACH1110

MACH1210 | Advanced Machining Lab | Laboratory (5 Credits)

Advanced manufacturing of parts through layout, bench work and job planning. Advanced manual turning and milling and an introduction to CNC M & G codes. CNC portion includes manual programming via machine control and software simulation.

Prerequisite(s): MACH1110

Corequisite(s): MACH1220

MACH1220 | Advanced Machining Theory | Lecture (4 Credits)

Identification, recognition and calculations associated with advanced milling and turning operations, inspection of finished parts and an introduction to the G & M codes used in CNC programming. CNC portion includes manual programming in notepad and Immersive software simulation.

Prerequisite(s): MACH1120

Corequisite(s): MACH1210

MACH2110 | CNC Lathe, Mill & Mold Making Lab | Laboratory (5 Credits)

Advanced manufacturing processes using CNC lathes, CNC mill and EDM, design and build of an injection mold, along with hand and inspection tool techniques.

Prerequisite(s): MACH1210

Corequisite(s): MACH2120 MACH2130

MACH2120 | CNC Lathe & Mill Theory | Lecture (2 Credits)

Advanced CNC mill programming and introduction to CNC lathe programming. G & M codes, canned cycles, jigs, fixtures and work holding methods.

Prerequisite(s): MACH1220

Corequisite(s): MACH2110

MACH2130 | Mold Design Theory | Lecture (2 Credits)

Mold making methods and industry standard practices, history and uses. Design of one injection mold from concept to finished prints. Includes mold steels, press operation, molding cycle and inspection of finished parts.

Prerequisite(s): MACH1220

Corequisite(s): MACH2110

MACH2140 | MasterCAM I | Lecture (4 Credits)

2D and 3D geometry and surface model creation using MasterCAM software, an associative computer-aided manufacturing system for milling and turning. M and G code programs will be created, debugged and simulated cutter paths run for simple part geometries.

Prerequisite(s): MDES1110

MACH2210 | CNC Mill, EDM & Die Making Lab | Laboratory (5 Credits)

Advanced manufacturing processes using CNC lathe, CNC mill, wire EDM and sinker EDM. Design and build a complete blanking die, along with hand and inspection tool techniques to ensure proper fits and finishes. Explore the set up and operation of 4 axis machine tool.

Corequisite(s): MACH2220

MACH2220 | CNC Mill & EDM Theory | Lecture (2 Credits)

Advanced work holding principles, 4 axis CNC programming, axis definitions, wire EDM programming and power definitions.

Prerequisite(s): MACH1220

Corequisite(s): MACH2210

MACH2230 | Die Design Theory | Lecture (2 Credits)

Die design fundamentals and components including bend tolerances, cutting clearances, tonnage calculations, forming, and fits and clearances for dies.

Prerequisite(s): MACH1220

MACH2240 | MasterCAM II | Lecture (4 Credits)

Advanced 3D design, surface and solid model creation using MasterCAM. Tool path creation and posting for both 2D and 3D geometry including advanced surface and solid models. Lathe part creation and programming in 2D.

Prerequisite(s): MACH2140

MDES1110 | Engineering Drawings with SolidWorks | Lecture (4 Credits)

Creation of 3D solid models, assemblies and related engineering documentation using SolidWorks. Blueprint reading and application of ASME/ANSI standards to CAD drawings.

MDES1230 | Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerances | Lecture (4 Credits)

Principles of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing in the context of engineering and manufacturing. Application of principles using coordinate measurement machines.

Prerequisite(s): MDES1110

MATH1010 | Algebra I | Lecture (3 Credits)

Foundational algebra is applied the in the context of geometry and trigonometry. Topics include rules of exponents, simplifying expressions, solving equations, computing measurements of two and three dimensional shapes, solving right triangles, and solving oblique triangles.

General Education: Mathematics

MATH1020 | Algebra II | Lecture (3 Credits)

Algebraic and trigonometric skills are developed further. Topics include, functions, graphing, factoring, advanced solving techniques, systems of linear equations, coordinate trigonometry, and vectors.

Prerequisite(s): MATH1010

General Education: Mathematics