Integrated Metals: Machine Tool Operator - Certificate

Limited Entry Certificate | mhcc.edu/IntegratedMetals

machine tool

Faculty Advisers

Zach Canjar: 503-491-7237 | Room IT42 | Zach.Canjar@mhcc.edu
Keith Knight: 503-491-7207 | Room IT49 | MKeith.Knight@mhcc.edu
Mark Thomas: 503-491-7569 | Room IT43 | Mark.Thomas@mhcc.edu

This program offers an intro to metalworking jobs. Students will learn basic skills for entry level jobs, and setup / operation of CNC lathes and milling machines.

Students are required to maintain a minimum grade of “C” in all IMTL courses. All core courses must be completed within 5 years in order for the certificate to be awarded.

Program Outcomes

At the completion of this program, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate and/or describe safe work habits and environmental issues associated with modern manufacturing settings
  • Read, interpret and apply blueprints for the production and inspection of manufactured work pieces
  • Demonstrate the correct application and use of precision measuring equipment commonly found in a manufacturing setting
  • Plan and produce work pieces on a manual drill press, manual engine lathe and manual milling machine to required blueprint specifications using common industry methods
  • Demonstrate, explain and/or apply CNC program code and machine tools and software to produce work pieces to required blueprint specifications

For the most part, courses that fulfill general education requirements can be taken in any term. Students should work with the faculty adviser(s) to create a custom academic plan based on course placement levels, career goals, and full time/part time status.

Admitted students may also log on to Navigate to start the process of building an academic plan based on this major and can notify an adviser for review.

Plan of Study Grid
First Quarter
FallCredits
IMTL110 Machine Shop I Theory 3
IMTL111 Machine Shop I Lab 3
IMTL114 Blueprint Reading for the Metals Industry 3
IMTL116 Introduction to Precision Measuring 3
IMTL118 Machine Shop Math Applications 2
Human Relations requirement 3-4
 Credits17-18
Second Quarter
Winter
IMTL130 Machine Shop II Theory 3
IMTL131 Machine Shop II Lab 3
IMTL134 Metallurgy Theory 3
IMTL135 Metallurgy Lab 1
IMTL136 Introduction to CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Machining 3
Select one of the following: 3-4
Workplace Communications I (Course offered online)
Composition I (Course offered online) (if planning to transfer)
 Credits16-17
Third Quarter
Spring
IMTL150 Machine Shop III Theory 3
IMTL151 Machine Shop III Lab 3
IMTL153 CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Machining 4
IMTL155 Industrial Safety 3
MTH095 Intermediate Algebra with Right Triangle Trigonometry (Course offered online) (or MTH111 or higher) 5
 Credits18
 Total Credits51-53

Admission Information

The Integrated Metals (Welding and Machine Tool Technologies) programs are limited entry programs. Students are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis if they meet the criteria. 

  1. Read the program information
  2. Review the admission process
  3. Apply

IMTL020 Computation Skills for Metals Careers

Credits 4

This course teaches basic computational skills to students about to enroll in Integrated Metals programs, but whose problem-solving and estimation skills are weak. Students are instructed how to estimate and mentally evaluate the result of appropriate calculations and be able to recognize if the result is within normal bounds. Students are introduced to the scientific inquiry process while solving the less structured problems that they will encounter in their future professional careers. This course includes a review of general arithmetic, fractions, units and unit conversions, metrics, measurements and measuring tools and an introduction to solving word problems drawn from technical applications specific to the metals trades.

IMTL110 Machine Shop I Theory

Credits 3Fall

Registration Requirement: RD090, WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, and MTH020 with a "C" or better, or placement into higher course levels; and acceptance into the Integrated Metals program. Concurrent Requisite: IMTL111.

This is a lecture course with instruction in the fundamentals of industrial processes and machines that are required of the machinist. This course provides the student with an introduction to layout procedures as well as machining metal materials by drilling, sawing, turning, milling and grinding. Included is an introduction to and use of the "Machinery's Handbook." The use and maintenance of machinist hand tools are also presented.

Additional Course Fee: $5.00

IMTL111 Machine Shop I Lab

Credits 3Fall

Registration Requirement: Concurrent enrollment in IMTL110 or instructor consent is required.

This class provides instruction in the fundamentals of industrial processes and machines that are required of the machinist. The student will perform layout and machining metal by drilling, sawing, turning, milling and grinding. The application of the "Machinery's Handbook" is stressed and use and maintenance of machinist hand tools are demonstrated in the completion of assigned exercises.

Additional Course Fee: $80.00

IMTL114 Blueprint Reading for the Metals Industry

Credits 3Fall

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into an Integrated Metals program or instructor consent.

This course provides students with the principles and skills of reading and interpreting blueprints as related to the metals industry. It also covers basic dimensioning practices, notes and symbols. Emphasis is placed on interpreting detail drawings and communication skills required in metals manufacturing. Students are also introduced to basic geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) concepts.

Additional Course Fee: $5.00

IMTL116 Introduction to Precision Measuring

Credits 3Fall

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into the Integrated Metals program.

This theory and lab course is designed to introduce inch and metric measurement systems. It provides hands-on training with semi-precision and precision measuring tools including rulers, combination squares, outside micrometers, calipers, height gages, depth micrometers, inside micrometers, telescoping gages, small-hole gages, surface gages and dial indicators. Instruction is also given in the application of squares, surface plates and related tools.

Additional Course Fee: $25.00

IMTL118 Machine Shop Math Applications

Credits 2Fall

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into an Integrated Metals program.

This course covers instruction and practice working with decimals, fractions, formulas, inch and metric systems as they relate to the machine trade. Students are introduced to how to apply the use of the inch/metric systems, as they pertain to thread calculations and speed and feed calculations. Also introduced are the rules, methods and procedures for using trigonometry formulas that deal with both the sides and the angles of the right triangle and oblique triangle to solve for the unknown parts within the machine trade (CNC, manual, quality control, etc.)

Additional Course Fee: $5.00

IMTL120 SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding/Stick) Theory

Credits 2Fall

Registration Requirement: Concurrent enrollment in IMTL121 is required.

This course is an introduction to shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) processes and procedures and is designed to provide fundamental knowledge of the techniques and manipulative skills in the safe use of SMAW and related equipment.

Additional Course Fee: $10.00

IMTL121 SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding/Stick) Lab

Credits 3Fall/Winter

Registration Requirement: Concurrent enrollment in IMTL120 is required.

Instruction is given in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and related processes with various electrodes and power sources. The course is designed to provide fundamental knowledge of the techniques and manipulative skills necessary for application of the SMAW process utilizing live demonstrations in the lab.

Additional Course Fee: $90.00

IMTL124 Blueprint Reading for Welding Applications

Credits 3Fall/Spring

Every commercially fabricated weldment traditionally begins with a blueprint outlining the specifications and requirements for the item. As students work through this course they will gain the skills necessary for blueprint reading and interpretation as applied to the welding and fabrication industries. Also covered are basic sketching techniques, dimensioning practices, notes and welding symbols, orthographic projection and auxiliary views in common use today. Emphasis is placed on interpreting detail drawings and development of appropriate communication skills required in metals manufacturing.

Additional Course Fee: $5.00

IMTL128 GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding/ TIG) Theory

Credits 2Fall/Spring

Registration Requirement: Concurrent enrollment in IMTL129 is required.

This course is an introduction to GTAW processes and procedures and is designed to provide fundamental knowledge of the techniques and manipulative skills utilized in the safe use of GTAW and related equipment. An introduction to plasma arc cutting is included.

Additional Course Fee: $10.00

IMTL129 GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding/ TIG) Lab

Credits 2Fall/Spring

Registration Requirement: Concurrent enrollment in IMTL128 is required.

Instruction is given in the welding of ferrous and non-ferrous metals using the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process. Instruction in plasma arc cutting is included. The course is designed to provide fundamental knowledge of the techniques and manipulative skills utilizing live demonstrations in the lab.

Additional Course Fee: $40.00

IMTL130 Machine Shop II Theory

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: IMTL110 and IMTL111, each with a grade of "C" or better. Concurrent registration in IMTL131 or instructor consent is required.

This course provides instruction in basic machine tool operation and maintenance. Included are topics addressing engine lathes, milling machines, carbide cutting tools, inserts and geometry of tools for lathe applications. This course continues developing the use and application of the "Machinery's Handbook."

Additional Course Fee: $5.00

IMTL131 Machine Shop II Lab

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: IMTL110 and IMTL111, each with a grade of "C" or better. Concurrent registration in IMTL130 or instructor consent is required.

This lab course provides instruction in basic machine tool operation. Students continue skill development by setting up and operating engine lathes, milling machines and radial drill and post drill presses. Operations practiced include threading, turning, face milling and end milling as well as other basic operations performed by a machinist. Instruction continues to include use of the "Machinery's Handbook" as applied to machining projects.

Additional Course Fee: $80.00

IMTL134 Metallurgy Theory

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: Concurrent enrollment in IMTL135 is required.

This course provides fundamental knowledge of physical and chemical concepts of metallurgy. This includes discussion of ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy and metals processing, analysis of destructive and non-destructive testing methods and an introduction to plastics. The focus is on metallurgical issues faced by the practitioner in metals manufacturing.

Additional Course Fee: $5.00

IMTL135 Metallurgy Lab

Credit 1Winter

Registration Requirement: Concurrent enrollment in IMTL134 is required.

This course provides fundamental knowledge of the manufacturing processes of the metals industry, ferrous metallurgy, foundry process and non-destructive and destructive test methods. Lab work includes metallurgical processes involving microscopic and macroscopic examination of heat-treated specimens, hardness and tensile testing and non-ferrous casting processes.

Additional Course Fee: $15.00

IMTL136 Introduction to CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Machining

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: IMTL110 and IMTL111, each with a grade of "C" or better; or machine shop experience; or instructor consent.

This course introduces the student to CNC machine tools. The student will set up and operate CNC machine tools for milling and turning applications. This includes a basic introduction to CNC coordinate systems for milling and turning and learning how to read and interpret CNC code. Students are introduced to the application of cutting tools and tooling systems for CNC operations.

Additional Course Fee: $15.00

IMTL140 GMAW/FCAW (Gas Metal and Flux Cored Arc Welding/Wire Feed) Theory

Credits 2Winter

Registration Requirement: Co-requisite: IMTL141 and IMTL172; or full-time instructor's approval is required.

This course is an introduction to GMAW/FCAW processes and procedures and is designed to provide fundamental knowledge of the techniques and manipulative skills utilized in the safe use of GMAW/FCAW and related equipment.

Additional Course Fee: $10.00

IMTL141 GMAW/FCAW (Gas Metal and Flux Cored Arc Welding/Wire Feed) Lab

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: Concurrent enrollment in IMTL140 is required.

Instruction is given in gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and flux cored arc welding (FCAW) with various filler materials, power sources and wire feeders. Training includes machine setup and minor repair. New students are placed at their skill level.

Additional Course Fee: $90.00

IMTL143 CNC Cutting

Credits 4Winter

Registration Requirement: Computer proficiency with basic Windows knowledge is recommended.

This course 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.

Additional Course Fee: $25.00

IMTL150 Machine Shop III Theory

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: IMTL130 and IMTL131, each with a grade of "C" or better. Concurrent enrollment in IMTL151 or instructor consent is required.

This is a theory course that provides basic instruction in machine tools and operations that are used by machinists in industrial settings. The focus is on cutting fluids, abrasives, surface grinding, cylindrical grinding and ceramic, diamond and carbide tooling for manual and CNC milling and turning applications. Additional operations using the engine lathe and the milling machines are introduced. Applications of the "Machinery's Handbook" are continued.

Additional Course Fee: $5.00

IMTL151 Machine Shop III Lab

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: IMTL130 and IMTL131, each with a grade of "C" or better. Concurrent enrollment in IMTL150 or instructor consent is required.

This is a lab course with instruction in basic operations of machine tools expected by the machinist working in industry. Topics addressed are the operation of the surface grinder, cylindrical grinder and heat treating processes with additional skill building instruction in the operation of the engine lathe and milling machines. Carbide tooling standards and applications are integrated into lab exercises. There is additional application of the "Machinery's Handbook" in the process.

Additional Course Fee: $80.00

IMTL152 Welding Processes and Procedures

Credits 2Spring

Registration Requirement: Successful completion of fall and/or winter terms of the IMTL Welding curriculum with a grade of "C" or better; or instructor consent.

The emphasis of this course is on various welding applications, procedures and interpretation of American Welding Society D1.1 Structural Steel Welding Code. Instruction is designed to prepare students for welder certification in accord with AWS Code specifications. Students formulate and write a unique welding procedure specification based on data collected from interviews with local welding and fabrication industry employers.

Additional Course Fee: $10.00

IMTL153 CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Machining

Credits 4Spring

Registration Requirement: IMTL136 with a grade of "C" or better or instructor consent.

This is a continuation course with focus on teaching the student to set up and operate CNC machine tools for milling and turning applications. The student will set up and operate all CNC machines in the shop. This includes the reading and interpreting of CNC code; editing programs; and program prove out procedures.

Additional Course Fee: $65.00

IMTL155 Industrial Safety

Credits 3Winter/Spring

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into an Integrated Metals program.

This course is a comprehensive study of safety issues in the modern metals manufacturing environment. Topics include hazardous materials/waste, fire safety, crane and forklift safety, biohazards and blood-borne pathogens, materials safety, MSDS forms, personal protective equipment (PPE), personal safety in lifting and work environment, machine safety and general shop safety.

IMTL157 Introduction to Computer-Aided Design for Machinists

Credits 2Winter

Registration Requirement: Acceptance into the Integrated Metals program.

This course teaches the basics of computer aided design (CAD) using CAD software. Students create drawings and drawing exchange files using CAD commands. Emphasis is placed on developing accuracy and correct drawing procedures. This course relates the design of parts to part manufacturing.

Additional Course Fee: $20.00

IMTL160 Fabrication Practices Theory

Credits 2Spring

Registration Requirement: IMTL120 and IMTL121, each with a grade of "C" or better; or IMTL140 and IMTL141, each with a grade or "C" or better; or instructor consent. Concurrent enrollment in IMTL161 is required.

This class will present techniques of fabrication practices and processes. Students will receive instruction in the use of hand and power tools, assembly and use of jigs, fixtures and templates. Procedures for equipment maintenance will be presented. The student will be instructed in the use of blueprints, layout of material, measurement, fitting of metal parts, joint design, weld construction and shop safety. Key elements of working metals at elevated temperatures will be presented.

Additional Course Fee: $25.00

IMTL161 Fabrication Practices Lab

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: IMTL120 and IMTL121, each with a grade of "C" or better; or IMTL140 and IMTL141, each with a grade of "C" or better; or instructor consent. Concurrent enrollment in IMTL160 is required.

The student will put to practical use tools, layout principles and blueprints related to fabrication of metal parts.

Additional Course Fee: $90.00

IMTL163 Welding Certification Preparation Lab

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: IMTL120 and IMTL121, each with a grade of "C" or better; or IMTL140 and IMTL141, each with a grade of "C" or better; or instructor consent.

This course includes welding of various metals using several welding processes. Emphasis is on lab practice sufficient to obtain Welder Certification(s) using one or more welding processes in one or more welding positions according to American Welding Society (AWS) code standards. Students must pass at least one guided bend test as required for Welder certification.

Additional Course Fee: $90.00

IMTL171 Welding Certificate Program Lab I

Credit 1Fall

Registration Requirement: Concurrent enrollment in IMTL121 is required.

This course is intended to increase a student's skill level and improve technique in the application of SMAW (stick), GMAW (MIG), FCAW (flux cored) and GTAW (TIG) welding processes.

Additional Course Fee: $30.00

IMTL172 Welding Certificate Program Lab II

Credit 1Winter

Registration Requirement: Concurrent enrollment in IMTL141 is required.

This course is intended to increase a student's skill level and improve technique in the application of SMAW (stick), GMAW (MIG), FCAW, GTAW (TIG) welding processes and Certification Preparation Lab.

Additional Course Fee: $30.00

IMTL173 Welding Certificate Program Lab III

Credit 1Spring

Registration Requirement: Concurrent enrollment in IMTL163 is recommended.

This course is intended to increase a student's skill level and improve technique in the application of SMAW (stick), GMAW (MIG), FCAW (flux cored) and GTAW (TIG) welding processes.

Additional Course Fee: $30.00

IMTL215 Inspection and Measurement

Credit 1Fall

Registration Requirement: IMTL116 or IMTL116B, and second-year student in Integrated Metals or Machine Tool Technology program; industrial experience in a machine shop; or instructor consent.

This course provides instruction in precision measurement methods, gauge use and capability, as well as data collection. Included are methods used in quality assurance systems in the modern manufacturing facility or machine shop. Hands-on applications of principles are presented in this course. Also addressed in this coursed are introductory topics relevant to ISO-9000 certification.

Additional Course Fee: $25.00

IMTL236 Quality Control: Statistical Methods

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: None. Second-year student standing in Integrated Metals or Machine Tool Technology, or industrial experience is recommended.

This course introduces the student to theories in quality control using statistical methods. The main focus is on theory, purpose and application of statistical process control (SPC) and gauge capability studies. Additional instruction in principles of Total Quality Management (TQM) is addressed.

Additional Course Fee: $5.00

IMTL257 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: IMTL114 or IMTL114C, and second-year standing in Integrated Metals or Machine Tool Technology program; or instructor consent.

Students study how to read and interpret the quality concepts as applied through the use of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GDT) as related to ASME and ISO standards. The emphasis is on applications of GDT for manufacturing processes as well as inspection and measurement techniques. Students will also be prepared to sit for the ASME Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Professional Certification exam at the Technologist level.

Additional Course Fee: $20.00

MFG212 CAM (Computer-Assisted Machining) Concepts I

Credits 4Spring

Registration Requirement: MFG216 with a grade of "C" or better, machine shop experience, Mechanical Engineering Technology major or instructor consent.

An introduction to computer-assisted CNC programming using MasterCam software. The student will learn the organization of software and how to create and edit tool application data files; create and edit part geometry elements; and create CNC machine code from database.

Additional Course Fee: $75.00

MFG213 Integrated Machine Shop I Theory

Credits 2Fall

Registration Requirement: IMTL153 with a grade of "C" or better; or instructor consent.

This is an advanced theory course in machine tool operations. Topics covered relate to both manual and CNC machine tools. Concepts covered include use of soft jaws in turning; milling; multiple operation set-ups on both CNC and manual machines. This includes use of multiple part set-ups. This course will also develop use of the "Machinery's Handbook."

Additional Course Fee: $5.00

MFG214 Integrated Machine Shop I Lab

Credits 3Fall

Registration Requirement: IMTL153 with a grade of "C" or better; or instructor consent.

This is an advanced lab course where the student develops skills in CNC and manual machining. Students use soft jaws for turning and milling production style parts. Skill development focuses on internal boring and special milling setups. Data from the "Machinery's Handbook" continues to be applied.

Additional Course Fee: $80.00

MFG216 CNC/CAM (Computer Numerical Control/Computer Assisted Machining)

Credits 4Fall

Registration Requirement: IMTL153 with a grade of "C" or better, machine shop experience or instructor consent.

This course continues the introduction of the student to CNC machine tools. The student studies process planning, setup and programming of CNC machine tools for milling and turning applications. This includes the basic application of CNC coordinate systems for milling and turning and how CNC programs are organized and developed. Students continue in the application of cutting tools and tooling systems for CNC operations and are also introduced to CAM programming software with industry standard CAM software.

Additional Course Fee: $15.00

MFG217 Modern Manufacturing Concepts

Credits 3Fall

Registration Requirement: IMTL150 and IMTL151; or instructor consent.

This is an advanced theory course that explores current trends in 21st-century manufacturing. Topics related to Lean manufacturing concepts and total quality improvement, as well as process improvement are explored in-depth.

Additional Course Fee: $5.00

MFG232 Integrated Machine Shop II Lab

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: MFG214 and second-year Machine Tool Technology student; or instructor consent.

This is a continuation of an advanced lab course where students continue to develop skills in CNC and manual machining. Students continue skill development in turning and milling production style parts. Skill development focuses on special milling setups, turning operations and tooling applications. Data from the "Machinery's Handbook" continues to be applied.

Additional Course Fee: $80.00

MFG234 Advanced Manufacturing Processes

Credits 3Winter

Registration Requirement: IMTL150 and IMTL151; or instructor consent.

This is an advanced theory course in machine tool operations. The topics explored include non-traditional and special processes that are an important part of the 21st-century production environment. This includes exploration in EDM (Electromagnetic Discharge Machining), stamping, cold forming, forging, casting, injection mold, deep-drilling operations, jig and fixture design and applications and an exploration into hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

Additional Course Fee: $5.00

MFG251 Applied Machine Shop Lab

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: MFG232 or instructor consent.

This is a lab course in which students develop through group planning and discussion a manufacturing project utilizing the knowledge and skills acquired. Special emphasis is placed on the application of all machining processes learned through the program.

Additional Course Fee: $80.00

MFG254 Manufacturing Economics and Job Prep

Credits 3Spring

Registration Requirement: IMTL150 and IMTL151; or instructor consent.

This course prepares students for entry into the workforce. The topics covered relate to the economic factors that go into the manufacturing process. Students explore the direct and indirect costs of doing business and the tools used to estimate manufacturing costs. Students also receive instruction in resume development and job search techniques.

Additional Course Fee: $5.00