Farzin Heidari, Texas A&M University, Kingsville

Transcription

1 AC : STATUS STUDY OF SOUTH TEXAS AND NORTHERN MEX- ICO TECHNICAL COLLEGES OFFERING CAD/CAM/CNC PROGRAMS COMPARED TO AN ADVANCED MANUFACTURING PROGRAM IN CAD/CAM/C Farzin Heidari, Texas A&M University, Kingsville Dr. Farzin Heidari currently serves as an Associate Professor of Industrial Technology at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Dr.Heidari has twenty years of teaching experience in CAD/CAM courses. He is currently serving as the Graduate Coordinator for the Industrial Management program. c American Society for Engineering Education, 2011

2 Status Study of South Texas and Northern Mexico Technical Colleges Offering CAD/CAM/CNC Programs Compared to an Advanced Manufacturing Program in CAD/CAM/CNC Abstract Significant steps have been taken by South Texas and Northern Mexico technical colleges to implement advanced manufacturing training in their programs. This fact can be attributed to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) which has brought immense industrial growth in the last two decades to South Texas and Northern Mexico industries. 1 The growth of manufacturing industries in this region is putting demand on the technical colleges to offer advanced manufacturing programs. This study presents the program offerings and the degree of the advanced manufacturing adaptation by South Texas and Northern Mexico technical colleges. Introduction The Computer Aided Drafting, Computer Aided Manufacturing, and Computer Numerical Control (CAD/CAM/CNC) process is an advanced manufacturing system that is widely used to manufacture a range of products. The process consists of various design based components which include modeling and prototyping, CAM processing, and generating G-code programs. 2,3 The G-code program is used to run a variety of CNC driven machine tools such as CNC mills and CNC lathes to create parts. The ability of part production solely depends on the machinist s mastery of all processes. Using the CAD/CAM/CNC system as an effective tool cannot be achieved unless a machinist has acquired an in-depth understanding of the CAD/CAM/CNC process through an advanced technical degree offered by a technical college that provides training in that field. An Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in advanced manufacturing is earned upon successfully completing both required general education and core technical coursework. Table 1 shows the required credit hours for each course to complete an advanced manufacturing degree in Northwestern Michigan College. The college trains machinists for the auto industry and is identified as a leading technical college in advanced manufacturing offering CAD/CAM/CNC training. Job opportunities as a CAD designer or 3D solid modeler, CNC or CAM programmer, CNC operator, or combination of these technologies are available upon completion of an advanced manufacturing degree. Advanced manufacturing graduates are also ready to transfer to bachelor s degree program in technology or engineering to continue their education.

3 CAD/CAM/CNC Training in South Texas and Northern Mexico Six different colleges in South Texas and Northern Mexico offering A.A.S. degrees in machining technology were selected. The list of the technical colleges incorporated in this study is as follows: 1. South Texas College in McAllen. 2. Del Mar College in Corpus Christi. 3. Coastal Bend College in Alice. 4. International Industry Institute in Saltillo. 5. Monterrey s Electronic School in Monterrey. 6. University of Nuevo Leon in Monterrey. Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) Advanced Manufacturing Program General Education Requirements 22 credit hrs Supporting Fields for Machining Technology Print Reading Sketching Basic Metallurgy Math for Manufacturing Advanced Manufacturing Project 12 credit hrs Manual Machining requirements Machining I Machining II 6 credit hrs 2D and 3D CAD requirements Computer Aided Drafting Mechanical Drafting Detail Drafting Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerance Part and Assembling Modeling Advanced Part & Assembling Modeling 18 credit hrs CNC and CAM requirements CNC Programming Computer-Aided Machining 6 credit hrs Program Requirements 64 credit hrs Table 1: Advanced Manufacturing Program, Northwest Michigan College 2010 Degree Plan

4 South Texas Technical Colleges South Texas College (McAllen): The precision manufacturing technology program provides an environment to develop technical skills that are highly marketable to the South Texas industries. The STC degree plan requires 69 credit hours for graduation in the following areas: 16 credit hours of general education, 30 credit hours or nine classes related to supporting fields of machining technology, 11 credit hours or three courses related to manual machining operations, 9 credit hours of CNC programming, and CAD/CAM and drafting to include INMT 1445 CNC, INMT 1443 CAD/CAM, and DFTG 1313 Drafting for Special Occupations. The degree plan at STC also includes 3 credit hours in a program elective with the option of taking DFTG 2402 Machine Drafting or INMT 2334 CNC Programming. Del Mar College (Corpus Christi): The industrial machining curriculum is designed to offer a practical approach in the study of machine tools and provides training in CNC operations. 4 Del Mar College s industrial machining applied technology degree plan requires 69 credit hours in the following categories for graduation: 18 credit hours of general education, 6 credit hours or two classes related to supporting fields of machining technology, 42 credit hours or 14 classes related to different skill levels in manual machining, and 3 credit hours of CNC programming offered under MCHN 2344 computerized Numerical Programming. CAM, CAD and solid modeling courses are currently not offered nor included in the Del Mar College degree plan. Costal Bend College (Alice): The machinist program provides students with the opportunity to obtain up-to-date training in various entry level machinist positions. The Costal Bend College offers students the opportunity to earn an A.A.S. degree in a machinist program. 5 The degree plan requires 60 total credit hours for graduation amongst the following areas: 18 credit hours of general education, 10 credit hours or four classes related to supporting fields of machining technology, 23 credit hours of manual machining with various skill levels, and 9 hours of CNC programming to include MCHN 2303 Fundamentals of CNC Controls, MCHN 2335 Advanced CNC Machining, and MCHN 2344 CNC Programming. This degree plan currently lacks technology coursework in CAM and CAD. Northern Mexico Technical Colleges International Industry Institute Campus (Saltillo): The International Industry Institute is located in Saltillo, Coahuila, in the Northern Mexico area. The school offers an A.A.S. degree in a CAD/CAM Automated Manufacturing program that combines all the tools to design in 2D and 3D CAD systems, the inspection process and the final machining of the design. 6 International Industry Institute is a two year program divided into six tetras; a tetra is a four month period with acertain number of courses. The program requires 81 total credit hours for

5 graduation amongst the following areas: 18 credit hours in general education, 18 credit hours or 6 classes in supporting fields for machining technology, 21 hours of basic to advanced manual machining of various machine tool operations, and 24 hours of CAD/CAM/CNC courses such as Intro to Computer Aided Design for Machinist, Geometric Modeling, Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerance, Computer Numerically Controlled Manufacturing, CNC Machining, MasterCam Mill I and MasterCam Lathe I, and MasterCam Mill and Lathe II. Each tetra is named based on the emphasis towards the advanced manufacturing degree: First Tetra: CAD Basics Second Tetra: Advanced CAD Third Tetra: Inspection Fourth Tetra: Numerical Control (NC) Fifth Tetra: 2D CAM Sixth Tetra: 3D CAM The first tetra consists of learning the basic concepts of CAM. The course offered in this tetra is Intro to CAD for Machinist which teaches the basics of Computer Aided Design using AutoCAD software. This course will relate the design of parts to the part manufacturing process. The second tetra covers skills in creating three-dimensional models using powerful design tools. The design files representing your models are created, and exported into the most popular image formats. In this tetra the geometric modeling course is offered, which encompasses the 3D CAD techniques necessary for the creation and analysis of 3D geometric models. The third tetra or inspection block is designed to teach the correct interpretation of drawings, and to apply and understand geometric dimensioning and tolerance symbols. The course related to this tetra is the geometric dimensioning & tolerance course. This course focuses on applying geometric dimensioning and tolerance principles in product design. The fourth tetra allows students to apply the basics of manual programming, learn how to apply G and M codes, and to make programming exercises based on a design. The CNC manufacturing course offered in this tetra provides an introduction to numerical control (NC) and CNC and the programming of CNC machines. Emphasis is placed on the fundamentals of NC/CNC lathe and mill operations and good programming practices. Another course in this tetra is the CNC Cutting course which examines the automated methods used in processing material for metal fabrication. Special emphasis is given to computer-controlled burning and CNC programming for automated shape cutting. The CNC machining courses also offered in this tetra are focused on teaching the student to set up and operate CNC machine tools for milling and turning applications. The fifth tetra is designed to teach machining concepts, application of tools, and toolpaths. The courses offered in this tetra are the MasterCam Mill I and MasterCam Lathe I. The MasterCam Mill I is an introduction to computer assisted CNC programming using MasterCam software. Students explore introductory skills for creating 2-D geometry for CNC milling machine programs and tooling applications for simple 2-1/2 axis part programs. The MasterCam Lathe I is a course in computer assisted CNC programming using MasterCam software. Students create and edit geometry for the purpose of creating CNC code for CNC turning operations.

6 The sixth tetra is designed to teach the practical application of 3D models and creating toolpaths. The courses offered in this tetra are related to the MasterCam Mill and Lathe II. The MasterCam Mill II is a course in computer assisted CNC programming using MasterCam software. The student will create more complex 2-D geometry and tool paths. The MasterCam Lathe II is computer assisted CNC programming using MasterCam software. Students create and edit advanced geometry for the purpose of creating CNC programs. Students explore advanced applications of turning tools and the operations of grooving, threading, and inside diameter and outside diameter turned parts. Extensive exploration of spindle and feed rate options are undertaken to enhance student understanding of turning applications. Monterrey s Electronic School (Escuela Electrónica Monterrey ESEM): ESEM is a technical school located in downtown Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, in the Northern Mexico area. The curricula should prepare students for a variety of employment opportunities. ESEM offers short, objective, and productive courses. The school offers the 10 most requested technical careers requested by companies; the program durations are four, five, or six semesters long depending on specialty. The programs are short compared to professional careers, and they are practical because the programs are combined with theory and practice, taking place in workshops and laboratories of the institution. The Machining and Tooling Technician program offered by ESEM requires 69 credit hours for graduation with 15 credit hours of general education, 18 credit hours or six classes related to the supporting fields of machining technology, 24 credit hours of basic to advanced manual machining of various machine tool operations, and 12 hours of CNC and CAD/CAM training including CAD I, CAD II, CNC/CAM I, and CNC/CAM II classes. Table 2 shows the study plan of the Machining and Tooling Technician program of the ESEM. Training in different machine tools, with emphasis in equipment safety standards, knowledge and skills in the use of the lathe, milling, drilling, grinding and bench tools that are used in manufacturing are offered. The program provides training in repairing molds, dies, and parts in general that are required in the metalworking industry. The program is divided into five semesters. The first semester focuses on the introduction to the machining lab, introduction to safety standards, tools and accessories, rules and scales, plant layout planning, metal characteristics, drilling machine, lathe I, milling I, router I, planer I, grinding I, and CAD I. The CAD I is an introduction course in engineering graphics which highlights the use of the computer as an instrument in the efficient application of essential drafting principles and techniques. This course initiates the student into drafting and drafting principles by highlighting the important use of microcomputers, plotters, digitizers, software, and other related materials. The second semester focuses on machining materials, cutting machines, thermal treatments, emery, sharpening machines, drills, drill bits, fastening devices, threads, lathe II, milling II, and CAD II. The CAD II course is a continuation of CAD I and provides highly developed aptitudes for design and drafting. The third semester focuses on lathe III, cutting machines, thread and taper cutting, milling III, special machining, and pieces recovery. The fourth semester focuses on lathe IV, chuck, milling

7 IV, boring head and display, head driver, gears, generating gears, metals, and CNC/CAM I. The CNC/CAM I is an intensive two-part course. Escuela Electrónica Monterrey (ESEM) Machining and Tooling Technician Program 1st Semestre 2nd Semestre 3rd Semestre Machines and Tools I Machine and Tools II Machine and Tools III Machines and Tools Workshop I Machines and Tools Workshop II Machines and Tools Workshop III Applied Mathematics I Applied Mathematics II Fundamentals of Metallurgy CAD I CAD II Basic Industrial Electricity Industrial Safety Human Relations Manufacturing Processes 4th Semester 5th Semester Machines and Tools IV Machines and Tools V Machines and Tools Workshop IV Machines and Tools Workshop V Strength of Materials Basic Welding CNC/CAM I Terminology in English Industrial Organización CNC/CAM II Table 2: (ESEM) Machining and Tooling Technician Program The fourth semester focuses on lathe IV, chuck, milling IV, boring head and display, head driver, gears, generating gears, metals, and CNC/CAM I. The CNC/CAM I is an intensive, two-part course. The first part of this class focuses on CNC programming for milling and turning centers by means of EIA principles RS274D programming configuration. The second part of this class is committed to CAM. Students produce CNC programs for milling and turning machines with the use of a PC-based CAM system. The fifth semester focuses on lathe V, abrasives, grinder II and CNC/CAM II. The CNC/CAM II is an advanced course intended to prepare students as future CNC Programmers. This course focuses on three-dimensional CNC programming for machining centers by means of a personal computer based CAM software. Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon (Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León UANL): The UANL offers the Mechanical Devices Technician program, with subjects and contents organized by semester. UANL programs emphasize the learning of mathematics, information technology, and communication; the technology subjects are related with the working field. The Mechanical Devices Technician program has a study period of 4 semesters and requires 78 credit hours for graduation, with 21 credit hours of general education, 24 credit hours related to the field being studied, 21 credit hours of basic to advanced manual machining of various machine tool operations, and 12 hours of advanced manufacturing courses. Table 3 shows the study

8 program of the Mechanical Devices Technician from Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon (UANL). Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) Técnico Mecánico Aparataste 1st Semestre 2nd Semestre Math I Math II English I Biology Physics I Physics II Chemistry I Chemistry II Arts I English II Technology and Mechanics Technology and Mechanics Workshop I Workshop II CNC Industrial Pneumatics and Hydraulics Electronics CAD 3rd Semester 4th Semester Physics II Chemistry III Biology II Physics III Philosophy Biology III Technology and Mechanics Math III Workshop III Arts II CAM Manufacturing Processes I Quality Systems CADD Materials Mechanics Table 3: (UANL) Mechanical Devices Technician Program The Industrial Design CAD class offered in the second semester is an introduction to the use of microcomputers for the design of industrial parts. The student is expected to draw a mechanical part with simple dimensions, labels, and notes using different layers. The Computer Aided Drafting / Design (CADD) course offered in the third semester is a drafting tool for the creation of mechanical production drawings. Solid modeling concepts and application of geometric dimensioning techniques are explained. The student is expected to finish detail and assembly drawings from a layout and demonstrate an understanding of the principles of engineering and design. The CNC class offered in the first semester is an introduction to CNC machinery as it applies to the operator and programmer. The CAM course offered in the last semester is an introduction to the computer assisted part of programming as it applies to CNC, and its various types of programming systems. The student is expected to demonstrate a measurable level of skill in the geometry definition of the CAM system, post processor knowledge to modify CNC code, and application of CAD to generate CNC code.

9 Findings of the Study Evidence suggests the directional goals of South Texas technical colleges are to establish technology programs offering advanced training in conventional shop machinist and maintenance machinist for local industries. South Texas College (STC) in McAllen is the only technical college in South Texas offering Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing, Drafting for Special Occupations, and Machine Drafting. The lack of computer aided design, 3D modeling and assembly drawing is evident in all the South Texas machine technology programs. In an advanced manufacturing program like the one offered by Northwest Michigan College, a minimum of 18 hours of drafting and design courses are included in the degree plan. South Texas College in McAllen is the only technical school in South Texas that requires DFTG 1313 Drafting for Special Occupations and DFTG 2402 Machine Drafting. The Northern Mexico technical colleges show some evidence of computer aided design, 3D modeling and assembly drawing in their programs. This fact is more evident in the International Industry Institute located in Saltillo Mexico. In an advanced manufacturing program a minimum of 18 hours of drafting and design courses is included in the degree plan. In the Northern Mexico colleges the maximum number of related design courses for the CAM process does not reach 18 hours. Also, the curriculum used in different colleges is totally different and there is no standardization evident in technical curricula taught in the Northern Mexico technical colleges. Implementing required technology coursework in advanced manufacturing programs in South Texas and Northern Mexico technical colleges will significantly improve educational standards and career opportunities for residents of South Texas and Northern Mexico. The long term impact of integrating advanced manufacturing programs with CAD/CAM/CNC training will increase both scientific and technological literacy, while increasing standards of living and improving the quality of life in the region. References 1. Freund, T. (2006). In Texas and Mexico: The relationship with the NAFTA variable. Retrieved from spring99/groups99/tamara/final.htm 2. Jeppson, J. (2000). Aerospace Manufacturing: Making HSM Work. Manufacturing Engineering, Available online: 3. Lin, Jonathon, Mastercam X Mill and Solids. Ann Arbor, MI: Scholar International Publishing Corporation 4. Industrial Machining Applied Technology. (2009). Retrieved from /032610/AAS_Industrial_Machining_App_Tech.pdf

10 5. Hot Courses Abroad. (2010). Coastal Bend College: Associates Applied Science in Machinist. Retrieved from course/ us-usa/associate-of-applied-science-degree machinist/ / program.html 6. International Industry Institute. (2010). Catalogó de Estudio para el Estudiante (4),