Machinists are an integral part of the manufacturing process.
Because the technology of machining is changing rapidly, machinists must learn to operate a wide range of machines. Some newer machines use lasers, water jets, or electrified wires to cut the piece of material—generally different types of metals, plastics, or woods. They use lathes, milling machines, and machining centers, to produce precision metal parts. Although they may produce large quantities of one part, they often produce one-of-a-kind items.
Machinists plan and carry out the operations needed to make products that meet precise specifications laid out by drafters, architects, engineers, and programmers, or mechanics who must fabricate a part or product. Salina Tech’s nine-month program and hands-on learning opportunities includes CNC machine, lathe, and milling process learning that creates competitive graduates for today’s machining industries.
Career Opportunities: Assembly Person, Machine Operator, Machinist, Tool and Die Maker, Tool Room Technician, Methods and Standards, Quality Control, CNC Operator, CNC Programmer, Management
| Machine Tool Technology Certificate | ||||
| First Semester | Credits | Second Semester | Credits | |
| ENV 102 Safety Orientation(OSHA 10) | 1 | MTT 210 Metallurgy | 1 | |
| MTT 105 Machine Tool Math | 3 | MTT 215 Machining II | 3 | |
| MTT 111 Bench Work | 1 | MTT 220 Machining III | 3 | |
| MTT 116 Print Reading | 3 | MTT 225 Machining IV | 3 | |
| MTT 122 Quality Control & Inspection | 1 | MTT 231 CNC Operations II | 3 | |
| MTT 140 Machining I | 3 | MTT235 Workplace Ethics | 2 | |
| MTT 135 Machine Tool Processes | 1 | TOTAL CREDITS: | 15 | |
| MTT 230 CNC Operations I | 3 | |||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 16 | TOTAL CERTIFICATE CREDITS | 31 | |
Admission Criteria
Associate of Applied Science Degree : 60 Credits
To complete the Associate of Applied Science Degree, a student must:
MTT 105 Machine Tool Math, 3 credits.
This course covers applications of Algebra, Analytic Geometry and Trigonometry to Machine Tool Technology.
ENV 102 Safety Orientation (OSHA 10), 1 credits.
During this course students are familiarized with a wide range of integrated devices, their characteristics and the circuits in which they are used. Students receive practical experience on integrated device characteristics, how they are used in the design of circuits and troubleshooting problems.
MTT235 Workplace Ethics, 2 credits
Students study human relations and professional development that exists in today's rapidly changing world so that they become better prepared for living and working in a complex society. Topics include human relations, job acquisition, job retention, job advancement and professional image skills.
MTT 111 Bench Work, 1 credit (Prerequisite: ENV 102 Safety Orientation (OSHA 10)
Students will be provided the opportunity to learn and practice benchwork skills such as filing, drilling, tapping, deburring and layout for projects. They will gain valuable practical experience in the use of various hand tools by producing basic benchwork projects. Topics will include safety, print reading, job planning, and quality control.
MTT 116 Print Reading, 3 credits
Students will learn to identify basic lines, views and abbreviations used in blueprints, interpret basic 3D sketches using orthographic projections and blueprints, determine dimensions of features of simple parts, sketch simple parts with dimensional measurements, determine dimensions of a multi-feature part, interpret GDT symbols, frames and datums.
MTT 122 Quality Control & Inspection, 1 credit
Students are introduced to the science of dimensional metrology and its applications to ensure form and function of machined parts and assemblies using semi-precision and precision measuring instruments.
MTT 210 Metallurgy, 1 credit
Students learn the metallurgical terms and definitions in an effort to understand the behavior and service of metals in industry. Characteristics during heating, cooling, shaping, forming, and the stress related to their mechanical properties are covered, as well as the theory behind alloys, heat treatment processes and wear resistance.
MTT 135 Machine Tool Processes, 1 credit (Prerequisite: ENV 102 Environmental Safety OSHA-10)
Students learn to conduct a job hazard analysis for a machine tool group, analyze blueprints to layout parts and materials, select hand tools and common machine shop, mechanical hardware for specific applications, prescribe cutting tools for assigned operations, calculate stock size to minimize drop, machine parts to specifications outlined in machine handbooks, summarize preparations for machining operations, and apply precautions to minimize hazards for work with lathes, mills, drills and grinders.
MTT 140 Machining I, 3 credits (Prerequisite: ENV 102, Environmental Safety (OSHA-10
Students will learn to conduct job hazard analysis for conventional mills and lathes, develop math skills for machine tool operations, perform preventive maintenance and housekeeping on conventional mills and lathes, select work holding devices for mills, lathes and other machine tools, calculate feeds and speeds, remove material using milling and turning processes, align milling head, use a vertical mill to center drill, drill and ream holes, change tools and tool holders on milling machines, and maintain saws and grinders.
MTT 215 Machining II, 3 credits (Prerequisite: MTT 140 Machining I)
Students learn to perform basic trigonometric functions, and perform other procedures such as I.D. boring and facing operations, planning a sequence for machining operations, aligning work pieces, use work holding devices, jigs and fixtures, performing threading operations on lathes, machining keyways on a vertical mill, inspecting and dressing grinding wheels, performing O.D. & I.D. tapering operations, machining parts using milling cutters and milling machines, and tapping holes on a vertical mill.
MTT 220 Machining III, 3 credits (Prerequisite: MTT 140 Machining I, MTT 215 Machining II)
The student focus for this course is machining parts using a variety of manual and/or CNC machine tools. Students learn to set up and operate the rotary table, dividing head and offset boring head on the vertical spindle milling machine. They also learn to explain and demonstrate OD and ID taper operations, set up and use steady rest and face plates, machine OD and ID acme threads, machine OD and ID pipe threads on the lathe, and perform OD and ID grooving and part off operations.
MTT 225 Machining IV, 3 credits (Prerequisite: MTT 140 Machining I, MTT 215 Machining II, MTT 220 Machining III)
The student focus for this course is machining parts using a variety of manual and/or CNC machine tools. Students learn to set up and perform tool post grinding applications on the engine lathe. They also set up and perform grinding operations on the horizontal reciprocating surface grinder. Additionally, students gain practical experience in advanced machine tool operations such as multiple fixture offsets, 3-D milling, 4-axis machining and problem solving of machining deficiencies.
MTT 230 CNC Operations I, 3 credits (Prerequisites: ENV 102 Environmental Safety OSHA-10)
Students will become acquainted with the history of Numerical Control (NC) and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines and will be introduced to a CNC machine used in the precision machining trades.
MTT 23I CNC Operations II, 3 credits (Prerequisites: ENV 102 Environmental Safety OSHA-10, MTT 230)
Students will become acquainted with the history of Numerical Control (NC) and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines and will be introduced to a CNC machine used in the precision machining trades. They will gain practical experience in the application of ―G‖ codes and ―M‖ Codes, writing CNC machine programs, and machine setup and operation.
The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) requires Salina Area Technical College to report about its graduates' gainful employment. In order to be eligible for funding under the Title IV programs, an educational program must lead to a certificate or degree (associate, bachelor's, graduate, or professional) or prepare students for "gainful employment in a recognized occupation" (GE Programs). Complete information on the GE Program requirements is available on the designated Gainful Employment Information Page that can be found at http://ifap.ed.gov/GainfulEmploymentInfo/.
| On-Time Completion Rates | |||
| Academic Year | Enrolled | Completed | On-time Completion Percentage |
| 2006-2007 | 7 | 7 | 100% |
| 2007-2008 | 6 | 5 | 83% |
| 2008-2009 | 7 | 4 | 57% |
| 2009-2010 | 16 | 10 | 63% |
| 2010-2011 | 12 | 7 | 58% |
| 2011-2012 | 14 | 8 | 57% |
| Academic Year | Placement Rates | |
| 2006-2007 | link to SATC Placement Rates | |
| 2007-2008 | link to SATC Placement Rates | |
| 2008-2009 | link to SATC Placement Rates | |
| 2009-2010 | link to SATC Placement Rates | |
| 2010-2011 | link to SATC Placement Rates | |
| 2011-2012 | Data for 2011-12 will be reported in 2013. | |
| Academic Year | Total # of Loans taken by Post-Secondary MTT students | Median Loan Debt |
| 2006-2007 | 5 | $0 |
| 2007-2008 | 5 | $0 |
| 2008-2009 | 4 | $0 |
| 2009-2010 | 12 | $1,000 |
| 2010-2011 | 3 | $5,500 |
| 2011-2012 | 9 | $5,500 |
Nature of Work
Machinists use machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, and machining centers, to produce precision metal parts. Although they may produce large quantities of one part, precision machinists often produce small batches or one-of-a-kind items. They use their knowledge of the working properties of metals and their skill with machine tools to plan and carry out the operations needed to make machined products that meet precise specifications.
Work environment
Today, most machine shops are relatively clean, well lit, and ventilated. Many computer-controlled machines are partially or totally enclosed, minimizing the exposure of workers to noise, debris, and the lubricants used to cool workpieces during machining. Nevertheless, working around machine tools presents certain dangers, and workers must follow safety precautions. Machinists wear protective equipment, such as safety glasses to shield against bits of flying metal and earplugs to dampen machinery noise. They also must exercise caution when handling hazardous coolants and lubricants, although many common water-based lubricants present little hazard. The job requires stamina because machinists stand most of the day and, at times, may need to lift moderately heavy workpieces. Modern factories use autoloaders and overhead cranes to reduce heavy lifting.
Many machinists work a 40-hour week. Evening and weekend shifts are becoming more common as companies extend hours of operation to make better use of expensive machines. However, this trend is somewhat offset by lights-out manufacturing that uses fewer machinists and the use of machine operators for less desirable shifts. Overtime is common during peak production periods.
Machinists held about 397,000 jobs in 2006. About 78 percent of machinists work in manufacturing industries, such as machine shops and machinery, motor vehicle and parts, aerospace products and parts, and other transportation equipment manufacturing. Maintenance machinists work in most industries that use production machinery.
Job Outlook
Although employment of machinists is projected to decline slowly, job prospects are expected to be good.
Employment change.
Employment of machinists is projected to decline slowly by 3 percent over the 2006-16 decade because of rising productivity among these workers and strong foreign competition in the manufacture of goods. Machinists will become more efficient as a result of the expanded use of and improvements in technologies such as CNC machine tools, autoloaders, and high-speed machining. This allows fewer machinists to accomplish the same amount of work. Technology is not expected to affect the employment of machinists as significantly as that of some other production workers, however, because machinists monitor and maintain many automated systems. Due to modern production techniques, employers prefer workers, such as machinists, who have a wide range of skills and are capable of performing almost any task in a machine shop.
Job prospects.
Despite the projected decline in employment, job opportunities for machinists should continue to be good as employers value the wide-ranging skills of these workers. Also, many young people with the necessary educational and personal qualifications needed to become machinists prefer to attend college or may not wish to enter production occupations. Therefore, the number of workers learning to be machinists is expected to be less than the number of job openings arising each year from the need to replace experienced machinists who retire or transfer to other occupations.
Employment levels in this occupation are influenced by economic cycles—as the demand for machined goods falls, machinists involved in production may be laid off or forced to work fewer hours. Employment of machinists involved in plant maintenance, however, often is more stable because proper maintenance and repair of costly equipment remains critical to manufacturing operations, even when production levels fall.
Earnings.
Median hourly wage-and-salary earnings of machinists were $16.71 in May 2006. The middle 50% earned between $13.14 and $20.82. The lowest 10% earned less than $10.29, while the top 10% earned more than $25.31. Median hourly wage-and-salary earnings in the manufacturing industries employing the largest number of machinists were:
Aerospace product and parts manufacturing $18.46
Motor Vehicle parts manufacturing $18.27
Metalworking machinery manufacturing $17.36
Machine Shops $16.24
KANSAS WAGE SURVEY 2007
Machinist (51-4041).
| Wages | |||
| Area | Employment | Mean Wage |
Median Wage |
| Kansas | 4,060 | $15.14 | $14.67 |
| Lawrence Metropolitan Area | 30 | $17.02 | $16.51 |
| Wichita Metropolitan Area | 1,370 | $15.40 | $14.68 |
| Topeka Metropolitan Area | 180 | $18.15 | $17.60 |
| Balance of Kansas (outside of metro areas) | 1,850 | $14.21 | $13.87 |
| Kansas City Metropolitan Area | 640 | $16.31 | $16.34 |
| Local Area 1 (Western Kansas) | 730 | $14.28 | $14.07 |
| Local Area 2 (Northeast Kansas) | 550 | $15.65 | $14.70 |
| Local Area 3 (Kansas City, Kansas Area) | 630 | $16.31 | $16.33 |
| Local Area 4 (South Central Kansas) | 1,530 | $15.46 | $14.87 |
| Local Area 5 (Southeast Kansas) | 590 | $13.56 | $12 |
Computer Controlled Machine Tool Operators (51-4011).
| Wages | |||
| Area | Employment | Mean Wage |
Median Wage |
| Kansas | 2,430 | $16.43 | $16.12 |
| Lawrence Metropolitan Area | 30 | $14.69 | $14.34 |
| Wichita Metropolitan Area | 930 | $17.14 | $16.53 |
| Balance of Kansas (outside of metro areas) | 950 | $14.94 | $14.67 |
| Kansas City Metropolitan Area | na | $18.02 | $18.89 |
| Local Area 1 (Western Kansas) | 370 | $15.70 | $16.01 |
| Local Area 2 (Northeast Kansas) | na | $14.16 | $14.09 |
| Local Area 3 (Kansas City, Kansas Area) | na | $18.39 | $19.15 |
| Local Area 4 (South Central Kansas) | 1,050 | $16.82 | $16.08 |
| Local Area 5 (Southeast Kansas) | 410 | $14.41 | $13.57 |
