Advanced Manufacturing Technology

The Advanced Manufacturing Technology program is first in the State of Texas to gain accreditation through the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) is the nation’s only ANSI accredited developer of precision manufacturing skill standards and competency assessments. NIMS certifies an individual's skills against standards and accredits programs that meet their quality requirements. NIMS stakeholders represent over 6,000 American companies.

The Precision Manufacturing Certificate program provides an environment to develop technical skills that are highly marketable to the area's industries. Most of the courses are set up to simulate actual working environments.

Technical coursework begins in the first semester in order to develop a common skill base for the program. During their first semester a student will gain the knowledge necessary to interpret industrial prints, operate machine tools, and utilize software to program Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machines.

Manufacturing Technician

Occupational Skills Award

The Occupational Skills Award (OSA) was created for students interested in a career as a manufacturing technician. The curriculum provides training on basic blueprint reading, machine shop, and precision tools and measurements commonly used in the manufacturing industry. This OSA will advance student's knowledge of the basic manufacturing industry skills needed to work in the field.

Mechatronics Technician

Occupational Skills Award

This Occupational Skills Award (OSA) prepares students for industrial maintenance and light repair. This program provides training on robotic fundamentals, basic circuits and fluid power. This OSA will advance student's knowledge of basic industrial maintenance skills needed for real world experience.

Precision Manufacturing Technology

Certificate

This curriculum offers training on a variety of advanced machining technology commonly used in machine shops and focuses on developing practical machining skills. Classroom analysis of various jobs and machine operations increases the student's capabilities as a machinist. General mathematics and communications skills are included to prepare students to work with technical advances in the machining industry.

Students are eligible to take the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) certification exams, which are administered at South Texas College by certified faculty. Upon completion, this specialty will allow the student to continue in the Advanced Manufacturing Technology's two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree program or permit the student to work in a highly rewarding career field.

Precision Manufacturing Technology

Associate of Applied Science

This degree is designed to provide students with the opportunity for hands-on experience necessary for employment as a machine operator, with a focus on computer enhanced manufacturing processes. Through the integration of mathematics, metallurgy, programmable machinery, shop skills, and computer-assisted machining techniques, students can acquire the necessary skills for employment in an industrial environment. Graduates are eligible to take the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) certification exams, which are administered at South Texas College by certified faculty.

Technical coursework includes: machine tool operation, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) programming and operation, parametric solid modeling, and material testing. Specialty coursework includes: Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), tool and fixture design, and multi-axis machine programming.

Robotics & Mechatronics Technology

Certificate

This specialization is a blend of mechanics and electronics. Mechatronics implements techniques in robotics, controls theory, computing architecture and electronics technology. This program will prepare students with the hands-on training they need to work in this industry. Graduates may find employment as technicians assisting engineers.

Program Learning Outcomes

Precision Manufacturing Technology Certificate

Students will be able to interpret the fundamentals of Cartesian coordinates, the G & M code system, and how they apply to CNC machining and setup.
The student will be able to properly interpret prints by understanding dimensions, tolerances, sectional views, orthographic projections, and auxiliary views.
The student will be able to evaluate shop and personal safety hazards common to the workplace, machine workpieces using the vertical mill and lathes equipment.

Precision Manufacturing Technology Associate of Applied Science

Students will be able to utilize the proper tools and procedures to operate and set up a trainer plastic injection molding machine.
Students will be able to utilize advanced machining procedures to design and build special tools.
Students will be able to complete a design project using CAD/CAM software and advanced machining techniques.
The student will be able to perform machining operations according to specifications and given tolerances.
Students will apply Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software in conjunction with CNC machinery to produce machined components.

Robotics & Mechatronics Technology Certificate

Students will demonstrate knowledge of numbering systems, tags, switches, timers, counters, relay and ladder logic used in a programmable logic controllers.
Students will demonstrate knowledge of basic fluid power theory, component operation and demonstrate fluid power circuits using electrical and manual controls.
Students will use teach pendants to program robotic arm, identify different types of robot control systems, and end-of-arm tooling.

Advisory Committee Members