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In the Minnesota State College Southeast CNC Machine Tool program, you'll learn the precision skills of the tool and die maker on state-of-the-art equipment.

Career Area: Engineering, Manufacturing & Trades
Program: CNC Machine Tool
Campus(es): Winona

Major Details

Our students won the 2023 Project MFG Advanced Manufacturing National Championship, $100,000 Prize! Project MFG logo, Clash of Trades Logo, four students standing in a CNC shop.

The CNC (Computer Numeric Controlled) Machine Tool program at Minnesota State College Southeast in Winona offers the training and education you'll need to start a rewarding career in the field of precision computerized machining and manufacturing.

Our program is based on the philosophy that hands-on is the best way to learn machining and die making. The CNC Machine Tool program teaches the high level of technically advanced machining that modern industry requires.

By earning the 11-credit Engineering and CNC certificate, you will:

  • Become familiar with what can be done with both manual and computer-aided machine tools
  • Gain skills to interpret drawings and sketches that would be used in industry
  • Learn basic CAD (computer aided design) programming and CAM (computer aided machining) processes

With the Engineering and CNC certificate in hand, you'll be ready to enter the workforce with basic skills right away -- or continue your education with valuable hands-on engineering and machine shop experience.

Apply now for admission to Minnesota State College Southeast


Cluster/Pathway
Career Field: Engineering, Manufacturing & Technology
Cluster: Manufacturing
Pathway: Manufacturing Production Process Development

Download the Program Plan

Courses

1) 1000 level (minimum) General Education courses required unless specified.


TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
CMAE1510
Print Reading
This course will give students an understanding of basic mechanical drawing principles. Topics include the alphabet of lines, arrangement of views, orthographic projections, scaling, dimensioning, tolerancing, and symbols. Students will read and interpret mechanical drawings. (Prerequisite: none) (2 credits: 2 lecture/0 lab)

Download the Course Outline

2 cr
MACH1610
Precision Measuring and Gauging
This course will provide the theory, technique, and care of typical measuring tools used in the Machining profession. Students will learn various measuring techniques used in the manufacture of machined parts. (Prerequisites: None) (2 Credits: 2 lecture)

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2 cr
MACH1642
CNC Operations 1
This course will familiarize the student with CNC machining and set up. Students will set up and run programs on a CNC lathe and a CNC mill. (Prerequisite: None) (2 Credits: 0 lecture/2 lab)

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2 cr
MACH1643
CNC Operations 2
This course will familiarize the student with CNC machining and set up. Students will write programs and run programs on the various machines on the shop floor. (Prerequisite: None)(2 Credits: 0 lecture/2 lab)

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2 cr
MACH1662
Introduction to CAD/CAM + 3D Printing
This course will familiarize the student with computer aided drafting, computer aided machining and 3D printing. Students will learn the design drafting process of the CAD computer program. Students will learn the Computer Aided Machining (CAM) process of the software to produce Machining Tool paths and to write G-code programs. Students will learn how to import CAD models into 3D printing slicing software and how to print the model. This course can be taken as an elective to other programs, or as a mid-year start for the CNC Machine Tool program. (Prerequisite: none) (3 Credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)

Download the Course Outline

3 cr
 
11 crs

Total Credits Required for this Major: 11 Credits


Estimated Costs for this Major

Approximate Tuition/Fees:$2,461
Minimum Tool Cost:$50
Books/Supplies:$300
Estimated Total:$2,811
 

 


Career Opportunities

  • Micro Machining
  • Medical Machining
  • Moldmaker
  • Diemaker
  • Toolmaker
  • CNC Machinist
  • Production Machinist
  • General Machinist

Career Information

Use the MN DEED Career and Education Explorer Data Tool to learn about wages, job growth, and much more in this career field.

Outcomes

Program graduates will be able to:
  1. Be employable at entry level machining jobs in related fields.
  2. Use the basic skill and knowledge of machine shop operations in manual and CNC machining to produce parts to blueprint specifications.
  3. Demonstrate safe work habits.
  4. Clearly communicate through verbal and written skills.
  5. Use the math and computer skills necessary in the machine trades.

Highlights

  • Train on state-of-the-art equipment in our new Advanced Manufacturing Lab
  • 20+ stations of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and Computer Aided Machining (CAM) programming software available for student training
  • 70% of coursework is hands-on
  • Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines offers wire electrical discharge machining (edm), turning and milling technology
  • Focus is on keeping up with the technology used in industry
  • Employment opportunities are abundant locally as well as regionally

Instructors

Richard Hengel
CNC Machine Tool instructor Rick Hengel comes to Minnesota State College Southeast with 34 years of experience in industry and 14 years of experience in management and supervision. He has been involved with the CNC Machine Tool Technology advisory committee for more than 10 years. He assisted in designing the curriculum and launching the certificate in Prototype Engineering for high school students, which he began teaching in 2017.
Todd Ives
CNC Machine Tool instructor Todd Ives comes to Minnesota State College Southeast with 31 years of experience in industry. He has been involved with the CNC Machine Tool Technology advisory committee for 3 years and has been an adjunct PSEO instructor for the Prototype Engineering program.