CNC Machining & Tool-Making Technology AAS Degree

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CNC Machining and Tool-Making
CNC Machining & Tool-Making Technology AAS Degree

Master Machining Skills

Explore the exciting world of CNC careers in our Machining and Tool-Making Technology program. Learn machining, CAD/CAM, and advanced tool-making skills in year one. Progress to cutting-edge design and tool-making in year two for hands-on expertise.

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CNC Machining & Tool-Making Technology AAS Degree at a Glance

Award

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree

Length of Study

2 years

Course Format

Face-to-Face

Classes Meet

Daytime

Program Start

Fall

See all CNC options at Hawkeye

Your CNC Machining Career

Graduates find employment working in a variety of positions including:

Tool and die maker
CNC machinist
CNC machine operator
CNC programmers

80%

Of Advanced Manufacturing Uses CNC

95%

Of Medical Device Parts Made by CNC

80%

Of Auto Parts Made by CNC

80%

Of Musical Instruments Made by CNC

Succeed at Hawkeye

Graduate Spotlight Ramail Hodzic

While at Hawkeye, Ramail Hodzic not only built up his CNC skills, but also his confidence. After graduation, he was prepared to continue his education and study manufacturing engineering.

Play Finding the right path to a career in CNC Machining and Tool-Making. Featuring Ramail Hodzic

Graduate Spotlight Ethan Oltrogge

“I love running CNC machines and just watching the way things work from start to finish. Making something from nothing is pretty big.”

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

Program Overview

CNC Fundamentals
CNC Programming
Machine Operations
Machine Trade Print Reading
Advanced Machine Theory
Geometric Dimensioning Tolerancing
Computer Aided Machining
EDM Fundamentals
Hydraulic Jigs and Fixtures
CAD Die Design
Tool Steel Welding and Heat Treatment
Die Revision and Repair
Moldmaking

CNC Lab: Train on the latest industry equipment as you build and sharpen your skills on a wide range of CNC and production manufacturing machines.

You’ll start on manual machines to learn the fundamentals of machining. This hands-on experience helps you understand how the equipment feels and sounds, which is essential for catching problems early and developing strong troubleshooting skills. With this foundation, you’ll be better prepared and more confident as you advance to precision machining

Design with Mastercam: You will work with Mastercam, a machining software where you will learn 2D milling. You'll write the instructions to tell the machine what to do.

EDM Training: You'll get specialized training in Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM), learning basic programming and running parts.

Jigs & Fixtures Build Project: You'll spend eight weeks learning to build jigs and fixtures that hold parts in place. As a final challenge, you'll work as a team to build a hydraulic fixture.

3D Modeling: Develop the skills to design parts using AutoCAD Inventor software and other digital tools.

Precision Inspection: Learn how to operate a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) to inspect machined parts and properly use inspection data in the Statistical Process Control method to ensure quality.

Dies and Mold-Making: Read blueprints, plan the build, and perform die revision and repair. You'll also master tool steel welding and heat treatment to ensure your finished tools are hard enough for heavy factory use.

Semester 1

Basic Machine Theory
CNC Fundamentals
Introduction to CNC Programming I
Introduction to CNC Programming II
Machine Operations I
Machine Trade Printreading I

Semester 2

Advanced Machine Theory
CNC Operations
CNC Programming Theory II
Geometric Dimensioning Tolerancing
Machine Operations II
Written Communication in the Workplace or
Composition I

Semester 3 — Summer

Computer Aided Machining
EDM Fundamentals
Hydraulic Jigs and Fixtures

Semester 4

Basic Diemaking
CAD Die Design
Fundamentals of Oral Communication
Tool Steel Welding and Heat Treatment

Semester 5

CMM Inspection and SPC
Die Revision and Repair
Human and Work Relations or
Introduction to Psychology or

Introduction to Sociology
Introduction to 3D Modeling
Moldmaking

Explore Courses, Details, and Costs

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

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

This is a partial list of employers who hire CNC graduates:

Criterion Manufacturing, Waterloo, IA
Geater Machining & Manufacturing, Co., Independence, IA
GMT Corporation, Waverly, IA
John Deere, Waterloo, IA
PEM - Power Engineering & Manufacturing, Waterloo, IA
TDS Automation, Waverly, IA
Viking Pump, Inc., Cedar Falls, IA

Explore Courses, Details, and Costs

How to Get Started

It’s simple! Complete these steps:

Check the status of your application at any time by logging into your admissions account.

Program Admission Requirements

To enroll in this program, you’ll need to meet the 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

You can take the ALEKS Placement Assessment online. If you prefer, you can take the ACCUPLACER Next Generation or ACT at Hawkeye. While ACCUPLACER Classic and COMPASS aren’t offered anymore, you can still use your scores from those tests if you took them before for program admission.

If you don’t meet the minimum score requirements, you can take success courses instead. Talk to your academic advisor to help you find the right courses to get started.

If you meet the assessment score requirements, you can be accepted into the program.

If you don't meet these requirements, you’ll be accepted into a Pre-Program. As a pre-program student, you’ll start by taking general education and prerequisite classes. Your academic advisor will help you make a plan to meet the program requirements. After finishing your pre-program courses, contact Admissions to let them know.