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Machining Technology

Earn your two-year degree or certificates in machining technology at Chemeketa.

topics Technology

Skills & InterestProblem Solving

CareersTechnology

  • A student works at the controls of a CNC machine as a instructor supervises.
  • Students work on grinding wheels in the machining lab
  • A student works in the machining lab as a faculty member supervises.

Why choose Machining Technology?

Before anything gets built, someone has to develop plans for how to do it and have the skills to finish the job. Chemeketa can prepare you for a career in Computer-Aided Manufacturing with an Associate of Applied Science degree or certificate of completion.

Considering a Machining Technology degree or certificate? Have questions about the program? Interested in touring the program facilities? Contact the Program Chair today!

It is highly recommended that you meet with the Program Chair for advising before enrolling in the program.

What will you learn?

As a student, you will learn introductory to advanced manufacturing skills: manual machine operation, using computers as tools in engineering and design, inspection, industrial mechanical design, and CNC (computer numerical control) programming and operation of mills and lathes.

What will you do?

After completing the Associate of Applied Science degree, you will be able to –

  • Use effective communication skills as a team member
  • Program CNC machine tools at the machine control level
  • Perform advanced set-ups and operations using manual and/or computer numerical controlled (CNC) equipment to produce accurately sized parts
  • Create parametric solid models and generate CNC code through CAM software to manufacture parts on CNC machine tools
  • Design and build fixtures and tooling for manufacture production purposes to meet customer specifications
  • Determine optimal production process planning to meet customer requirements
  • Select and optimize available machines and equipment to meet product process requirements
  • Calculate power requirements, select drive and system components, and design criteria for mechanical systems

Those skills can pave the way for high-wage employment in engineering, machining, mechanical design or as a CNC equipment programmer or laboratory technician.

  • Criminal Background Check & Drug Testing

    Although Chemeketa's program does not require background checks or drug testing. you might want to familiarize yourself with how future employers might use these procedures. Whether you are hired or promoted for a job may depend on the information revealed in a background check. Job applicants and existing employees as well as volunteers may be asked to submit to background checks. For some jobs, screening is required by federal or state law. The current emphasis on security and safety has dramatically increased the number of employment background checks conducted. For more information, visit privacyrights.org.

  • Required Tool List

    Students are expected to have their required tools by the start of classes.

    This tool list has been compiled by the Machining Technology program with the help of MSC Industrial Supply. You are not required to purchase your tools at MSC; however, they work with suppliers to provide you with entry level tools at fair prices.

    For a printable copy of this tool list, click Machining Tool List

    ITEMMSC Part #
    Starret 6" Flex steel ruler 06316988
    12' tape measure 04614350
    Starrett Drill Point Gage 86401858
    60 degree Center Gage 86413879
    General Pocket Scriber 76498880
    Mitutoyo Screw Thread Pitch Gage 06243034
    Standard Allen Wrench set 36742534
    Metric Allen Wrench Set 36742559
    Starrett Edge Finder 86425246
    Mitutoyo Test Indicator w/Mag Base 67294488 
    Mitutoyo Dial Indicator 06255590 
    12" 4R 4pc Combo Square Set 64004633 
    Best Test Dial Indicator 09989757 
    Indicol Mount for Dial Indicator 06451512 
    Mitutoyo 8" dial caliper 84477819 
    Mitutoyo 0"-3" Vernier Micrometer Set 06231872 
    Kennedy 8 Drawer Roller Cabinet 00677823 
    10" Nicholson Angle File 80765019 
    10" Nicholson Bastard File 80755317 
    Proto Center Punches 85245702 
    Proto 3/8 Prick Punch 84965151 
    Proto 1/2 Cold Chisel 85245256 
    Safety Glasses, clear or semi tint only  
    Leather, closed-toe work boots   

    NOTE: This is a basic tool list that will be adequate for lab work in classes on campus. It is highly recommended that quality brand name tools are obtained. Cooperative Work Experience sites may require and/or recommend additional tools that are more specific to that work site.

Program Options

  • CAM FUNDAMENTALS CERTIFICATE

    Learn the fundamentals of advanced machining while completing an internship at a local manufacturing company.

    The CAM Fundamentals Certificate offers training in the knowledge and skills used by employees in manufacturing and related occupations. The certificate includes courses in manufacturing materials, interpretation of engineering drawings, measuring practices, layout work, and basic set-up and operation of computer controlled mills and lathes. This certificate may qualify graduates for an entry position in a variety of manufacturing-related jobs.

    See Course Sequences for more information.

  • CNC OPERATOR CERTIFICATE

    The CNC Operator Certificate emphasizes the setup and operation of computer-controlled machines. The certificate includes courses in manual programming (“G code”) for both mills and lathes. You may qualify to work as a CNC machine tool operator or in a variety of manufacturing-related jobs.

    After you complete this certificate, you will be able to –

    • Use effective communication skills as a team member
    • Apply basic and precision industry standard measurement practices
    • Set up and operate Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machine tools and program CNC machine tools at the machine control level to produce accurately sized parts
    • Apply cutting speeds and feeds to materials used in machining and manufacturing

    See Course Sequences for more information.

  • Machining Technologies Associate of Applied Science

    The Machining Technologies Associate of Applied Science program offers training in using computers as tools in engineering, drafting, machine tool inspection and industrial mechanical design. Graduates use computers on the job for drafting, design and programming, and operating Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tools.

    See Course Sequences for more information.

Learn more about Chemeketa's Machining program.