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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

An articulation agreement allows you to transfer your CNC Machining and Tool-Making Technology coursework to the Manufacturing Technology and Technology Management programs at the University of Northern Iowa.

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.

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).

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Program Pathways

CNC Machine Operator Certificate

Program Details

Award Certificate
Credits 19
Program Start Fall
Number of Terms 1
Time to Complete 4 months

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

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

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

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 $31,600 $41,500 $46,500
Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers $39,300 $52,300 $58,800
Machinists $32,300 $42,700 $48,000
Tool and Die Makers $41,400 $52,700 $58,300

Source: 2021 Iowa Wage Report, Iowa Workforce Development

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
Hawkeye Tool and Die Jesup, IA
Iowa Laser Technology Cedar Falls, IA
John Deere Waterloo, IA
Viking Pump, Inc. Cedar Falls, IA

Admissions Requirements

Step #1: Apply at Hawkeye

  1. Apply for admission at Hawkeye.

  2. Send official transcripts to Admissions.

Step #2: Demonstrate College Readiness

In order to be eligible for the CNC Machining and Tool-Making Technology program, all students must meet minimum score requirements and/or successfully complete the required college success courses in English, reading, and math with a C- grade or higher at Hawkeye Community College or comparable courses at another accredited college. For appropriate college success course placement, work with your program advisor.

Minimum score requirements
ACCUPLACER COMPASS ACT ACCUPLACER Next Generation GPA
Math 40 Arithmetic 24 Pre-Algebra 14 240 Arithmetic
241 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics		 2.00
Reading 58 69 16 239 2.50
Writing 42 Sentence Skills 20 13 229 1.00

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

Contact Us
Admissions Email Admissions 319-296-4000 Hawkeye Center 114
Academic/College Success Advisor Natasha Ceasar Email Natasha Ceasar
Schedule an appointment with Natasha Ceaser		 319-296-2329 ext.1062 Buchanan Hall 126
Program Advisor Brent Blythe Email Brent Blythe 319-296-2329 ext.1391 Buchanan Hall 153D
Program Advisor Chad Smith Email Chad Smith 319-296-2329 ext.1728 Buchanan Hall 153A
Administrative Assistant Connie Smith Email Connie Smith 319-296-4009 Buchanan Hall 128
Dean Dave Grunklee Email Dave Grunklee 319-296-4042 Butler Hall 131A

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