Metal Fabrication

Associate in Occupational Studies

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This program prepares students for careers in metal fabrication and related manufacturing fields. The combination of laboratory and lecture sessions provide the theory and practical application of the metal fabrication trades.  Topics of study include Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, manual machining, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), 3D solid modeling, and manufacturing processes.  Students will also gain knowledge and experience in modern welding processes, including gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, shielded metal arc welding, as well as oxy-fuel processes and plasma cutting.  Upon completion of their training, students will be prepared to test for American Welding Society and New York State Department of Transportation welding certifications.

Students will demonstrate the following:

  • The ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings including welding symbols and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) 
  • The ability to fabricate a metal part/object from design to completed prototype
  • Basic proficiency with the following welding technologies: shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW).
  • The ability to cut and weld metal using the oxyacetylene process 
  • The ability to set-up and run a variety of classical machine tools 
  • The ability to program, set-up, and run a variety of CNC machines 
  • Knowledge of major metal manufacturing processes, to include: heat treatment, forging, casting, 3D printing
  • Basic proficiency in standard sheet metal fabrication procedures 
  • The ability to design a basic metal object using CAD software
  • Employability skills such as appropriate workplace behavior, interview skills, safety procedures, etc.
  • The ability to work in diverse groups to be productive and solve problems 
  • The ability to communicate using GD&T symbology to communicate to a diverse international audience
  • Basic proficiency with precision measurement tools and techniques
  • The ability to use mathematical skills in the workshop to solve relevant problems
  • The ability to articulate and communicate their thoughts orally, as well as in writing

Total Credit Hours: 64

First Semester

This course is an opportunity for students to develop the skills necessary to be successful in college. Students learn the importance of the faculty-student and advisor-advisee relationship, develop time management techniques, apply effective study skill techniques, recognize the implications of living in a diverse society, utilize college resources, and explore career and transfer requirements. Collaborative projects are included. Students matriculated in a degree program must take this course in their first term of study.

This course covers the theory, methods, and use of acetylene equipment to oxy-weld and cut in all positions. Welding supply fee required.

This course provides proficiency in oxy-acetylene welding procedures, including the theory and use of electric arc welding. Topics include welding ferrous and nonferrous metals in all positions, and the theory of pipe design and cutting. Welding supply fee required.

This course covers the theory and use of TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) and MIG (Gas Metallic Arc) welding, including non-ferrous and ferrous metals in all positions. Topics include plasma welding, cutting, and safety procedures. Prerequisite: MT170 Oxy-Acetylene Welding Procedures. Welding supply fee required.

This course continues with instruction of the principles and practices of gas arc (TIG) and gas metallic arc (MIG) welding on ferrous and non-ferrous metals and pipe. Topics include special arc cutting techniques such as air carbon arc, oxygen arc, underwater cutting, plasma cutting, along with theory and safety. Welding supply fee required. Prerequisite: MT174 Electric Arc Welding Procedures.

Second Semester

This course provides a fundamental knowledge and understanding of metallurgy as applied to welding. Topics include heat treating, physical testing, and metallography.

This course presents the American Welding Society standards. Topics include the standards of testing of welds, preparation of test samples, methods of inspection and quality control, and fundamentals and interpretations of the American Welding Society, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the American National Standards Institute welding codes. Welding supply fee required.

This course covers weldment design factors. Topics include the interpretation of trade drawings, as well as the specification and use of welding symbols. Welding supply fee required.

This course covers the design and fabrication of wrought iron and sculpture. Topics include the theory of blacksmithing and the use of the forge on various metals. Safety is stressed. Welding supply fee required.

This course introduces students to the knowledge and skills required for the fabrication of sheet metal products, with special attention paid to the needs of regional industry. Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) or "MIG" and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) or "TIG" welding processes will be used as well as specialized sheet metal fabrication equipment, to include shear, brake, English wheel, and pin roller. Welding supply fee required.

Third Semester

This course introduces fundamental concepts of machining. Topics include safety, blueprint reading, precision measurement tools, machining a work piece to drawing specification, use of manual machines (milling, lathe, etc.), proper tooling and work-holding methods, and how to determine sequential machining operations of complex parts.

This course introduces fundamental concepts of CNC milling centers. Topics include safety, blueprint reading, shop math, machining a work piece to drawing specification, introduction to CNC programming, set-up for milling machines, use of CNC milling machines, proper tooling and work-holding methods, and how to determine sequential machining operations of complex parts. Corequisite: MT291 Introduction to Machining.

This course introduces fundamental concepts of CNC Turning centers. Topics include safety, blueprint reading, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), machining a work piece to drawing specification, introduction to CAM programming software, use of CAD to create drawings, introduction to CNC programming for lathes, use of CNC lathe, proper tooling and work-holding methods, and how to determine sequential machining operations of complex parts. Corequisite: MT292 Introduction to CNC Milling.

This course introduces traditional processes used in manufacturing and methods of processing raw materials into manufactured components. Materials such as plastics, metals, composites, and elements of micro-fabrication and nano-fabrication are covered. Assembly methods include plastics joining, fasteners, and automation.

Fourth Semester

This course introduces advanced concepts of CNC Turning centers. Topics include safety, blueprint reading, live tools, C & Y axis programming, soft Jaws, machining a work piece to drawing specifications, CAM programming software, use of CAD to create drawings, manual programming for lathes, set-up of CNC lathe, proper tolling and work-holding methods and how to determine sequential machining operations of complex parts. Corequisite: MT294 Introduction to CNC Turning Centers.

This course introduces fundamental concepts of Multi-Axis CNC Turning and Milling centers. Topics include safety, blueprint reading, machining a work piece to drawing specification, CAM programming software, CNC programming for Multi-Axis lathes, CNC programming for 4 and 5 axis machining centers, use of CNC milling machines and lathes, proper tooling and work-holding methods, advanced machining setups and tolling for milling machines and lathes, and topics on CNC wire EDM machining. Corequisite: MT295 Advanced CNC Turning Centers.

In this capstone course students utilize and demonstrate the skills learned in the CNC/Machinist program. Students design, program, manufacture, and inspect the part they design, CAM and CAD software are utilized for design and programming purposes. The final project is manufactured and inspected to design specifications. Corequisite: MT296 Multi-Axis CNC Machining.

This course assists in making intelligent health-conscious decisions through topics such as wellness, aging, sexuality, drugs and alcohol, and communicable diseases. It introduces activities and skills for leading healthy lifestyles including fitness assessment, weight management, and exercise.