Program Information
The Anoka Technical College Advanced CNC Machine Technology diploma is a 64-credit program that includes technical and general education components. The career major prepares students to write and edit CNC programs, perform complex setups, basic troubleshooting of machine problems, cycle time reduction practices, fixture design and building, recognize areas for process improvements and operate the following equipment: manual lathes, drills, mills, grinders, CNC mills, CNC lathes, CNC wire EDM and CNC sinker EDM, coordinate measuring machine, CAD/CAM and 4&5 axis CNC mills.
Program graduates are skilled in the areas of CNC programming, parametric programming, basic troubleshooting of machine problems, cycle time reduction practices, fixture design and building, blueprint reading, GD&T, statistical process control, lean manufacturing, math, inspection and the correct sequence of operation required.
Those employed in this position are expected to write and edit CNC programs, perform complex setups, basic troubleshoot of machine problems, cycle time reduction practices, fixture design and building and recognize areas for process improvements on manual lathes, drills, mills, grinders, CNC mills, CNC lathes, CNC wire EDM and CNC sinker EDM, coordinate measuring machine and CAD/CAM. Employees are also expected to invoke lean manufacturing process and practices.
The CNC Manufacturing Technology program provides the skills for trade entry plus the possibility to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree with cooperating colleges and universities.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Write and edit CNC programs
- Perform complex setups
- Basic troubleshooting of machine problems
- Cycle time reduction practices
- Fixture design and building
- Recognize areas for process improvements
Industry and Career Outlook
The machinist is a skilled metal worker who produces metal parts by using machine tools and hand tools. Training and experience enable the machinist to plan and carry through all the operations needed to turn out a finished machine product and to switch readily from one kind of product to another. The machinist’s background and knowledge enables him/her to turn a block of metal into an intricate, precise part.
All options are an art as well as a skill, and are considered to be demanding occupations. There is a great variety in the construction of dies and molds, depending on the design of a part, the type of materials used, the ingenuity of the designer, and the knowledge and skill of the die and mold maker, who must machine intricate components of various tooling to tolerances expressed in fractions of one-thousandths of an inch.
Wage information is available from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Program Start Dates
Fall Semester: August
Spring Semester: January
Graduation Requirements
Students must earn a cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher to be eligible for graduation from this program.
Faculty Contact
Brendon Paulson: 763-576-4243
Jerry Showalter: 763-576-4043
Jesse Oldenburg: 763-576-4065
For information on how to apply, to schedule a tour, or for service during summer hours, contact Enrollment Services at 763-576-7710 or EnrollmentServices@anokatech.edu