Computer-Integrated Machining A.A.S.

The Computer-Integrated Machining curriculum prepares students with the analytical, creative, and innovative skills necessary to take a production idea from an initial concept through design, development, and production, resulting in a finished product.

Coursework may include manual machining, computer applications, engineering design, computer-aided drafting (CAD), computer-aided machining (CAM), blueprint interpretation, advanced computerized numeric control (CNC) equipment, basic and advanced machining operations, precision measurement, and high-speed multi-axis machining.

Graduates should qualify for employment as machining technicians in high-tech manufacturing, rapid-prototyping and rapid-manufacturing industries, specialty machine shops, fabrication industries, and high-tech or emerging industries such as aerospace, aviation, medical, and renewable energy, and to sit for machining certification examinations.

Specific Requirements

Courses requiring a grade of “C” or better: ATR, EGR, ISC, MAC, and MEC

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
EGR-110		2
This course introduces general topics relevant to engineering technology. Skills developed include goal setting and career assessment, professional ethics, critical thinking and problem solving, using college resources for study and research, and using tools for engineering computations. Upon completion, students should be able to choose a career option in engineering technology and utilize college resources to meet their educational goals. View course details for Introduction to Engineering Tech ‌‌
MEC-110		2
This course introduces CAD/CAM. Emphasis is placed on transferring part geometry from CAD to CAM for the development of a CNC-ready program. Upon completion, students should be able to use CAD/CAM software to produce a CNC program. View course details for Introduction to CAD/CAM ‌‌
MAC-122		2
This course introduces the programming, setup, and operation of CNC turning centers. Topics include programming formats, control functions, program editing, part production, and inspection. Upon completion, students should be able to manufacture simple parts using CNC turning centers. View course details for CNC Turning ‌‌
MAC-124		2
This course introduces the manual programming, setup, and operation of CNC machining centers. Topics include programming formats, control functions, program editing, part production, and inspection. Upon completion, students should be able to manufacture simple parts using CNC machining centers. View course details for CNC Milling ‌‌
MAC-131		2
This course covers the basic principles of blueprint reading and sketching. Topics include multi-view drawings; interpretation of conventional lines; and dimensions, notes, and thread notations. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret basic drawings, visualize parts, and make pictorial sketches. View course details for Blueprint Reading/Mach I ‌‌
MAC-141		4
This course provides an introduction to a variety of material-working processes that are common to the machining industry. Topics include safety, process-specific machining equipment, measurement devices, set-up and layout instruments, and common shop practices. Upon completion, students should be able to safely demonstrate basic machining operations, accurately measure components, and effectively use layout instruments. View course details for Machining Applications I ‌‌
MAC-141A		2
This course provides an introduction to a variety of material-working processes, in a laboratory setting, that are common to the machining industry. Topics include safety, process-specific machining equipment, measurement devices, set-up and layout instruments, and common shop practices. Upon completion, students should be able to safely demonstrate basic machining operations, accurately measure components, and effectively use layout instruments. View course details for Machining Appl I Lab ‌‌
MAC-171		1
This course introduces precision measuring instruments, process control and adjustment, inspection, material handling and workplace safety. Topics include properly identifying and handling various measurement instruments and materials, process control, adjustment and improvement, personal protective equipment (PPE) and OSHA safety regulations. Upon completion, students should be able to safely demonstrate effective measurement techniques, identify and handle various materials, and explain safe industry practices. View course details for Measure/Material & Safety ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
ISC-116		1
This course introduces lean concepts/techniques that streamline the manufacturing environment. Emphasis is placed on describing concepts of workflow, velocity, and lead-time; analyzing how waste affects both profit and customer satisfaction; applying concepts of lean manufacturing to include visual management, value stream analysis and Kaizan to improve performance. Upon completion, students should be able to apply lean manufacturing principles to maintain a high-quality, efficient production process. View course details for Lean Mfg Principles/Practices ‌‌
ISC-132		3
This course introduces quality concepts and techniques used in industry. Topics include elementary statistics and probability, process control, process capability, and quality improvement tools. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and principles of quality and apply them to the work environment. View course details for Mfg Quality Control ‌‌
MAC-132		2
This course introduces more complex industrial blueprints. Emphasis is placed on auxiliary views, section views, violations of true project, special views, applications of GD & T, and interpretation of complex parts. Upon completion, students should be able to read and interpret complex industrial blueprints. View course details for Blueprint Reading/Mach II ‌‌
MAC-142		4
This course provides instruction in the wide variety of processes associated with machining. Topics include safety, equipment set-up, holding fixtures, tooling, cutting speeds and depths, metal properties, and proper finishes. Upon completion, students should be able to safely demonstrate advanced machining operations, accurately measure components, and produce accurate components with a proper finish. View course details for Machining Applications II ‌‌
MAC-228		3
This course covers advanced programming, setup, and operation of CNC turning centers and CNC milling centers. Topics include advanced programming formats, control functions, program editing, and part production and inspection. Upon completion, students should be able to manufacture complex parts using CNC turning and milling centers. View course details for Advanced CNC Processes ‌‌
MAT-110		3
This course provides an activity-based approach that develops measurement skills and mathematical literacy using technology to solve problems for non-math intensive programs. Topics include unit conversions and estimation within a variety of measurement systems; ratio and proportion; basic geometric concepts; financial literacy; and statistics including measures of central tendency, dispersion, and charting of data. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the use of mathematics and technology to solve practical problems and to analyze and communicate results. View course details for Math Measurement & Literacy ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
ENG-110		3
This course is designed to develop informative and business writing skills. Emphasis is placed on the logical organization of writing, including effective introductions and conclusions, precise use of grammar, and appropriate selection and use of sources. Upon completion, students should be able to produce clear, concise, well-organized short papers. View course details for Freshman Composition ‌‌
MAC-160		3
This course introduces methods in the setup and operation of coordinate measuring machines. Emphasis is placed on the programming of coordinate measuring machines and the measurement of complex parts. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate skills in programming, operation, and setup of coordinate measuring machines. View course details for Blueprint Reading/Mach I ‌‌
MAC-248		2
This course covers product planning and control and scheduling and routing of operations. Topics include cost-effective production methods, dimensional and statistical quality control, and the tooling and machines required for production. Upon completion, students should be able to plan, set up, and produce cost-effective quality machined parts. View course details for Production Procedures ‌‌

Course Code

Course

Credit Hours

ATR-112

This course introduces the basic principles of automated systems and describes the tasks that technicians perform on the job. Topics include the history, development, and current applications of robots and automated systems including their configuration, operation, components, and controls.

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COM-120

This course introduces the practices and principles of interpersonal communication in both dyadic and group settings. Emphasis is placed on the communication process, perception, listening, self-disclosure, speech apprehension, ethics, nonverbal communication, conflict, power, and dysfunctional communication relationships. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate interpersonal communication skills, apply basic principles of group discussion, and manage conflict in interpersonal communication situations.

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HUM-115

This course introduces the use of critical thinking skills in the context of human conflict. Emphasis is placed on evaluating information, problem-solving, approaching cross-cultural perspectives, and resolving controversies and dilemmas. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate orally and in writing the use of critical thinking skills in the analysis of appropriate texts. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Humanities/Fine Arts.

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MAC-226

This course introduces the programming, setup, and operation of CNC electrical discharge machines. Topics include programming formats, control functions, program editing, production of parts, and inspection. Upon completion, students should be able to manufacture simple parts using CNC electrical discharge machines.

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MAC-245

This course introduces the principles of mold making. Topics include types, construction, and application of molds. Upon completion, students should be able to design and build simple molds.

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Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
ATR-212		3
This course covers the operation of advanced industrial robots. Topics include the classification of robots, activators, grippers, work envelopes, computer interfaces, overlapping work envelopes, installation, and programming. Upon completion, students should be able to install, program, and troubleshoot industrial robots. View course details for Industrial Robots ‌‌
EGR-285		2
This course provides the opportunity to design an instructor-approved project using previously acquired skills. Emphasis is placed on selection, proposal, design, testing, and documentation of the approved project. Upon completion, students should be able to present and demonstrate projects. View course details for Design Project ‌‌
MAC-234		3
This course includes multi-axis machining using machining centers with multi-axis capabilities. Emphasis is placed on generation of machining center input with a CAM system and setup of pallet changer and rotary system for multi-axis machining fixtures. Upon completion, students should be able to convert CAD to output for multi-axis machining centers, including tooling, setup, and debugging processes. View course details for Adv Multi-Axis Machin ‌‌
MAC-234A		1
This course covers the application of multi-axis machining using machining centers with multi-axis capabilities. Emphasis is placed on generation of machining center input with a CAM system and setup of pallet changer and rotary system for multi-axis machining fixtures. Upon completion, students should be able to convert CAD to output for multi-axis machining centers, including tooling, setup, and debugging processes. View course details for Adv Multi-Axis Machin Lab ‌‌
PSY-150		3
This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Social/Behavioral Sciences. View course details for General Psychology ‌‌

Total Credit Hours Required:

See your advisor for General Education substitutes.

Curriculum is based on the 2024-2025 catalog.

Why General Education?

You may be asking yourself, “Why do I have to take (course name) when it is not directly related to my major?”

General Education courses will help you develop skills necessary to be successful in your major and in life. General Education can teach you how to talk to your employer, write a paper in a major course, understand interest rates on your car, and much more. General Education can also give you the skills to be a better member of society and a more informed citizen. Critical thinking, global understanding, and appreciation for the human experience are hallmarks of a well-rounded education.

How many hours of General Education do I have to take?

If you are enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science Degree program, a minimum of 15 general education hours are required in the following categories:

Six hours from Communication
Three hours from Humanities & Fine Arts
Three hours from Social & Behavioral Science
Three hours from Natural Science & Mathematics

General Education courses have been pre-selected for you by your faculty from the following list:

Communication	Humanities & Fine Arts	Social & Behavioral Science	Natural Science & Mathematics
COM-110	ART-111	ECO-251	BIO-161
COM-120	ART-114	ECO-252	BIO-163
COM-231	ART-115	HIS-111	BIO-168
ENG-110	HUM-110	HIS-112	MAT-110
ENG-111	HUM-115	HIS-131	MAT-121
ENG-112	MUS-110	HIS-132	MAT-143
ENG-114	MUS-112	POL-120	MAT-152
	PHI-215	PSY-150	MAT-171
	PHI-240	SOC-210	PHY-110/110A
		SOC-225	PHY-121

Degrees designed to transfer to universities require more general education hours. If you are enrolled in the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science, you are required to take 45 hours of General Education from the following categories:

Six hours in English Composition
Six to nine hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six to nine hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Three to eight hours in Mathematics
Four to eight hours in Natural Sciences
11 to 14 additional General Education hours

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Engineering, you are required to take 42 general education hours from the following:

Six hours in English Composition
Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six work hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
12 hours in Mathematics
12 hours in Natural Sciences

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts, you are required to take 25 general education hours from the following:

Six hours in English Composition
Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Three to four hours in Mathematics
Four hours in Natural Sciences

Additional information about General Education for transfer degrees, including courses that satisfy each category, may be found in the current College Catalog.

What will I learn in General Education?

At A-B Tech, our faculty have designed a general education core so that A-B Tech graduates will learn the following:

Students will critically evaluate information:

Students will demonstrate information literacy.
Students will critique works of human expression.
Students will analyze scientific literature.

Students will solve problems:

Students will identify processes.
Students will analyze problems.
Students will interpret the results.
Students will recommend appropriate strategies or solutions.

Students will effectively communicate.

Students will communicate appropriately about the subject.
Students will communicate appropriately with the audience.
Students will communicate appropriately for the medium.

Ever wonder how A-B Tech awards credit for a certain course?

A-B Tech complies with the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges Code, so your courses are assigned the course level and receive the same amount of credit as courses at all 58 North Carolina Community Colleges.

If you want to read more about this, see the A-B Tech Policy and Procedure for the Assignment of Course Level Credit.