Program Description CNC OPERATOR ACADEMY

Transcription

1 Program Description CNC OPERATOR ACADEMY

2 7107 Elm Valley Drive Kalamazoo, MI Phone: Fax: CNC OPERATOR ACADEMY PROGRAM OVERVIEW The CNC Operator Academy is a 7-week, competency-based, project-driven, career training program. Students will participate in structured classroom learning and hands-on practical application of skills in Kalamazoo Valley Community College s Machine Tool Lab. During the course of this program, the class will all take part in producing a model Harley Davidson-styled motor using the machines at Kalamazoo Valley. This Academy provides the hands-on, practical opportunities to learn about automated manufacturing processes and the products they produce. Today, companies require wellrounded operators with the technical skills and problem-solving abilities to produce parts accurately with little waste. CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. A CNC Operator is a person that mounts cutting tools, Jigs and Fixtures onto CNC machine tools and sets the machine parameters in preparation for the CNC machining process to begin; this activity is called setup. Once the machining process starts the operator monitors the performance of the machine and tooling as production continues. During production the operator loads and unloads parts and inspects them for conformance to specifications and may perform secondary operations on those parts as required. Revised: 04/23/13 CNC Operator Academy 1

3 MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK As an entry-level CNC Operator, with training, you can expect to be hired at wages ranging from $14.00 to $17.00 per hour. With experience and additional training, there are opportunities for career growth through assignments to increasingly complex machines and by acquiring programming skills. INDUSTRY EXPECTATIONS Working in a manufacturing setting requires that the candidates must be willing to work a variety of hours that includes weekends, holidays, and overtime. The United States Department of Labor summaries the tasks performed by a CNC Operator in this way: Measure dimensions of finished work pieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates and fixtures. Remove and replace dull cutting tools. Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments. Listen to machines during operation to detect sounds such as those made by dull cutting tools or excessive vibration, and adjust machines to compensate for problems. Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction. Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences. Lift workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes. Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation and save modified programs. Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts. Insert control instructions into machine control units to start operation. CNC Operator Academy 2

4 ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAM The CNC Operator Academy accepts trainees into the program by using a screening process intended to assure the applicant is making an informed choice about the occupation and that their background aligns with the requirements of employers. This is a job-training program designed to prepare students for a position as an entry-level CNC Operator. Prerequisite skills and admission criteria to enter the academy: GED or High School Diploma Criminal history free of violent crimes or repeat offenses. Be at least 18 years old Provide references that can speak to the candidate s mechanical aptitude Must pass a math assessment Achieve a passing score on the ACT Performance Assessment Upon completion of the program, a certificate of completion and transcript of competency is earned by the student. Kalamazoo Valley Community College Certificate of Completion Certificate is awarded to students who successfully complete the program, demonstrating proficiency in performing work of a CNC machinist. satisfactory scores on knowledge tests satisfactorily complete practical examinations adhere to program guidelines Transcript of Competencies Over the course of the program, specific competencies will be assessed. As skills are demonstrated by the student, a Transcript of Competencies will be signed by the certified instructor. A transcript of competencies is awarded to each student, based on the specific competencies they demonstrate. CNC Operator Academy 3

5 PROGRAM CONTENT Machine Shop Safety This module focuses on the culture of safety required in all manufacturing settings. Participants learn the safety features on each of the machines in the Tool Shop at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and the safety requirements of the Machine Tool Lab. Technical Math The units in this module assure that participants are able to apply decimal arithmetic using calculations necessary for machine operation. This includes adding, subtracting, dividing, and multiplying decimals. Right-hand Cartesian coordinate systems are covered and applied in order to understand how to set up a CNC Machine. Blue Print Reading Manufacturing parts to the exact specifications of the engineered design is critical. Participants will interpret and follow process drawings in order to ensure proper alignment and machine set up. They are required to demonstrate the ability to interpret industrial prints and apply information in order to control quality. CNC Machine Tool Set up The student must be able to successfully indicate mill Vise s and fixtures for squareness, lathe chucks for runout and how to establish part Zero using dial indicators and edge finders. Students will mount cutting tools in appropriate tool holders/ spindle adaptors and set workshifts and tool length offsets while reading tool, workshift and speed/ feed information on G&M code programs. CNC Machine Tool Operation This module puts into practice the basics of operating Haas, Milltronics, Prototrac and Fanuc controlled CNC mills and Lathes in auto, jog and handwheel mode. Participants are required to deburr/clean/chase threads in parts that have been CNC machined and perform Secondary operations on Drillpresses and saws. Understand and utilize various Chucks, Vice s Jigs and fixtures to mount parts while machining and change out dull cutting tools and index carbide inserts. Students perform basic preventative maintenance on CNC mills and lathes and maintain coolant levels and concentrations in CNC machine tools. Precision Measurement Students must demonstrate the ability to use precision and semi-precision instruments to inspect part dimensions and functional test requirements. Participants perform basic dimensional measurements using: outside, depth and groove micrometers, dial and digital Calipers, digital height gages, and thread rings and plugs. CNC Operator Academy 4