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CNC Machining and Tool-Making Technology

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Program Overview

The CNC Machining and Tool-Making Technology program prepares you for a variety of CNC careers.

During your first year, you will gain basic machining knowledge and skills using manual and CNC machines, computer-aided drafting (CAD) and computer-aided machining (CAM) programming, lathes, mills, and electrical-discharge machines (EDMs). After completing your first year, you can earn a diploma in CNC Machining Technology, a certificate as a CNC Machine Operator, or a certificate as a CNC Machine Set-Up Specialist.

During your second year, gain hands-on experience in tool-making, die building, mold making, jig and fixture building, tool room machining, and basic design skills. You are also introduced to manual and coordinate measuring machine (CMM) inspection. You will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree.

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

  • CNC Lab: Use the latest equipment in the industry as you learn and perfect your skills on various type of CNC and production manufacturing machines.

  • Virtual CNC: Practice and gain confidence in your programming skills of CNC machines, mills, and lathes of the most widely used brands.

Transfer Information

The University of Northern Iowa's Department of Applied Engineering and Technical Management has a variety of documented pathways between Hawkeye's CNC Machining and Tool-Making Technology AAS degree program and a bachelor degree at UNI. Check  out UNI's transfer guides for the following programs to learn more:

  • Automation Engineering Technology
  • Manufacturing Engineering Technology
  • Technology Management

If you plan to transfer, work closely with a program advisor to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.

At A Glance
Awards
  • Associate of Applied Science
  • Certificate
  • Diploma
Length of Study 4 months – 2 years
Program Start Fall
Tuition-Free Eligible

This program qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship and will pay up to 100% of your tuition.

Students must apply for, be awarded, and meet the ongoing eligibility requirements for the Last-Dollar Scholarship.
 

Video Overview

CNC Machining and Tool-Making Technology at Hawkeye Community College

The demand for CNC machinists is high. Hawkeye's CNC Machining and Tooling Technology program prepares students to succeed in the field by providing hands-on experience in the operation of precision machine tools; engine lathes, milling machines, grinders, drill presses, and computer-controlled electrical discharge machines (EDM).

See More Video

Hitting the Ground Running with CNC Machining and Tool-Making Technology: Featuring Ethan Oltrogge

Ethan Oltrogge says there's something inherently fascinating about working with computer numerical controls (CNC).

"I love running machines and just watching the way things work from start to finish," he said. "Making something from nothing is pretty big."

The Readlyn native graduates this spring with a degree in CNC Machining and Tool-Making Technology, and has no worries about finding work in a field with many openings.

"The job market is crazy right now," he said. "If you're willing to work, you're going to have a job."

Program Pathways

CNC Machine Operator Certificate

Program Details

Award Certificate
Credits 19
Program Start Fall
Number of Terms 1
Time to Complete 4 months
Admissions Application Select Academic Program:
CNC Machine Operator – Certificate
See Program Admission

Suggested Sequence of Study and Cost

Program Courses

Term 1
  • Applied Math
  • Basic Machine Theory
  • CNC Fundamentals
  • Introduction to CNC Programming I
  • Introduction to CNC Programming II
  • Machine Operations I
  • Machine Trade Printreading I

Next step: Continue to term 2 of the CNC Machine Set-Up Specialist certificate or graduate and enter the workforce.

CNC Machine Set-Up Specialist Certificate

Program Details

Award Certificate
Credits 38
Program Start Fall
Number of Terms 2
Time to Complete 9 months
Admissions Application Select Academic Program:
CNC Machining and Tool-Making Technology – AAS
See Program Admission

Suggested Sequence of Study and Cost

Program Courses

Term 1
  • Applied Math
  • Basic Machine Theory
  • CNC Fundamentals
  • Introduction to CNC Programming I
  • Introduction to CNC Programming II
  • Machine Operations I
  • Machine Trade Printreading I
Term 2
  • Advanced Machine Theory
  • CNC Operations
  • CNC Programming Theory II
  • Geometric Dimensioning Tolerancing
  • Machine Operations II

Next step: Continue to term 3 of the CNC Machining Technology diploma or graduate and enter the workforce.

CNC Machining Technology Diploma

Program Details

Award Diploma
Credits 47
Program Start Fall
Number of Terms 3
Time to Complete 1 year
Admissions Application Select Academic Program:
CNC Machining and Tool-Making Technology – AAS
See Program Admission

Suggested Sequence of Study and Cost

Program Courses

Term 1
  • Basic Machine Theory
  • CNC Fundamentals
  • Introduction to CNC Programming I
  • Introduction to CNC Programming II
  • Machine Operations I
  • Machine Trade Printreading I
Term 2
  • Advanced Machine Theory
  • CNC Operations
  • CNC Programming Theory II
  • Geometric Dimensioning Tolerancing
  • Machine Operations II
Term 3 — Summer
  • Computer Aided Machining
  • EDM Fundamentals
  • Hydraulic Jigs and Fixtures

See the Suggested Sequence of Study for the full list of courses, cost, and additional course details.

Next step: Continue to terms 4 and 5 of the CNC Machining and Tool-Making Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program or graduate and enter the workforce.

CNC Machining and Tool-Making Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree

Program Details

Award Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Credits 80
Program Start Fall
Number of Terms 5
Time to Complete 2 years
Admissions Application Select Academic Program:
CNC Machining and Tool-Making Technology – AAS
See Program Admission

Suggested Sequence of Study and Cost

Program Courses

Term 1
  • Basic Machine Theory
  • CNC Fundamentals
  • Introduction to CNC Programming I
  • Introduction to CNC Programming II
  • Machine Operations I
  • Machine Trade Printreading I
Term 2
  • Advanced Machine Theory
  • CNC Operations
  • CNC Programming Theory II
  • Geometric Dimensioning Tolerancing
  • Machine Operations II
Term 3 — Summer
  • Computer Aided Machining
  • EDM Fundamentals
  • Hydraulic Jigs and Fixtures
Term 4
  • Basic Diemaking
  • CAD Die Design
  • Tool Steel Welding and Heat Treatment
Term 5
  • CMM Inspection and SPC
  • Die Revision and Repair
  • Introduction to 3D Modeling
  • Moldmaking

See the Suggested Sequence of Study for the full list of courses, cost, and additional course details.

You have completed the CNC Machining and Tool-Making Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program.

Careers

Positions

Graduates find employment working in a variety of positions including:

  • Tool and die maker
  • CNC machinist
  • CNC machine operator
  • CNC set-up specialist

Example Careers and Average Wages
Entry Average Experienced
Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Operators $39,090 $49,030 $58,140
Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers $42,660 $58,590 $63,310
Machinists $39,450 $50,910 $59,640
Tool and Die Makers $40,340 $60,980 $65,110

Source: 2023 Iowa Wage Report, Iowa Workforce Development — Statewide Wages

Many graduates in this field work overtime. Overtime wages are not included in the above average wages.

Employers

The following is a partial list of employers who have hired graduates from this program:
Business Location
Accurate Gear and Machine, Inc. Waterloo, IA
Blackhawk Engineering, Inc. Cedar Falls, IA
Criterion Manufacturing Waterloo, IA
Geater Machining & Manufacturing, Co. Independence, IA
GMT Corporation Waverly, IA
Iowa Laser Technology Cedar Falls, IA
John Deere Waterloo, IA
Viking Pump, Inc. Cedar Falls, IA

Program Admission

Step #1: Apply at Hawkeye

  1. Apply for admission at Hawkeye.

  2. Send official transcripts to Admissions.

Step #2: Program Admittance Score Requirement

In order to be eligible for the CNC Machining and Tool-Making Technology program, all students must meet minimum score requirements in math and literacy. For appropriate college success course placement, work with your program advisor.

Minimum score requirements
ALEKS ACCUPLACER Next Generation ACCUPLACER Classic COMPASS ACT GPA
Math 6 240 Arithmetic
241 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS)		 40 Arithmetic 24 Pre-Algebra 14 2.00
Literacy 228 Reading or
229 Writing		 42 Reading or
42 Sentence Skills		 47 Reading or
20 Writing		 14 Reading or
14 English		 2.00

The ALEKS Placement Assessment can be taken online. ACCUPLACER Next Generation and ACT can be taken at Hawkeye. ACCUPLACER Classic and COMPASS are no longer offered, but if you've taken either in the past your test scores can be used for program admittance.

Step #3: Program Acceptance

Applicants successfully demonstrating college readiness criteria are eligible for acceptance.

Applicants falling short of successful demonstration of college readiness criteria will be accepted to a Pre-Program. As a pre-program student, you will begin with general education and prerequisite classes. An advisor will help you create an academic plan to meet your program admission requirements. Once you have completed your pre-program coursework contact Admissions.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Program Contacts
Admissions
Email Admissions 319-296-4000 Hawkeye Center 114
Academic/College Success Advisor
Natasha Ceaser Email Natasha Ceaser 319-296-4014 ext.1062 Bremer Hall 136C
Faculty Advisor
Last Names A – M
 Brent Blythe Email Brent Blythe 319-296-2329 ext.1391 Buchanan Hall 153D
Faculty Advisor
Last Names N – Z
 Chad Smith Email Chad Smith 319-296-2329 ext.1728 Buchanan Hall 153A

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