Precision Machine Technology

9 Months – Total Clock Hours: 900

2023-2024 Tuitions Fees: $8,290

Admission Requirements

Application Fee, Application for Admission, Enrollment Agreement, High School Diploma or GED, Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse Clearance.

Program Overview

This program is designed to provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of operation and maintenance of various types of machining equipment.  The student will be taught measuring/inspection, blueprint reading, drill press, manual mills, manual grinders, CNC mills and CNC lathes, as well as safety and much more.  Complex machine setups allowing close tolerances (up to +/- .0005) and how to utilize a CAD/CAM system such as Mastercam will also be taught.  In this program, students will have the opportunity to earn four or more National Institute of Metalworking skills Certifications.

Maximum # of Students Per Class:  15

Program starts in September. Please check with CPI Admissions and review the Program Enrollment Agreement for specific start dates.

Entry-Level Career Opportunities:

  • Machinist
  • Precision Agriculture Technician
  • Millwright
  • Etchers and Engravers

Courses In This Program Include:

Course Description

PMS-104 – Occupational Measurement and Safety
In the Occupational Measurement and Safety course, students are taught the history of machine tools and measurement. Students are taught metrology fundamentals and how to employ semi precision and precision measuring instruments to measure to the necessary level of accuracy. Material types and properties are included as part of the learning so that students know the correct materials to use for designated projects. Students are taught the Cartesian Coordinate System, so that they can relate fixed coordinate systems to products and features of parts. Students apply the machinery handbook and other reference materials to aid in interpreting engineered blueprints. OSHA guidelines are taught for each of the workstations, including bench work, drill press, milling, turning, sawing, and grinding. This course includes instruction in Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) program as well as Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T). Understanding GD&T applications assists with the understanding of code language for CNC machine tools. (110 Lecture Hours – 190 Lab Hours)

PMI-128 – Introduction to CAD, CAM, and Machining
The Introduction to CAD, CAM, and Machining course in Precision Machine Technology provides students with the skills and understanding necessary for safe work practices at every workstation. This course includes Computer Aided Programming (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) so that students can expand their use of the functionality of CNC machine tools. Turning, milling, and drilling operations are taught during this portion of the class. Students are taught to read characteristics of cutting inserts and the chips formed to understand the superior ability of machining. Students are taught to select the correct tool, speed, feed, and depth of a cut as well as understanding the need to be in tolerance and the correct geometry of each part. (90 Lecture Hours – 210 Lab Hours)

PMA-204 – Advanced Machining on Manual and CNC Machines
To complete Precision Machine Technology, students take the Advanced Machining on Manual and CNC Machines course. Mastering the skills of drilling, turning, milling, and grinding is covered in this course. Students are taught to formulate sequences and process to complete operations of a part while building confidence in their machining skills, knowledge, and ability. Students are taught to validate their work through the inspection of parts and features using measuring devices and GD&T. This course provides students with the opportunity to operate CAD and CAM systems to demonstrate their understanding of the processes used to machine parts on CNC machines. Students are taught the advanced machining terminology needed for a smooth transition to the workforce. Students are provided with the opportunity to meet with potential employers and hone their employability skills during this final section of the course. (70 Lecture Hours – 230 Lab Hours)