Precision Machining
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Skilled craftspeople are behind the machines that make industry work. Machinists use precision tools to create metal parts used everywhere from airplanes to medical devices. Refine your skill set in FRCC's Center for Integrated Manufacturing where you'll have access to industry-leading technology and an experiential-focused education. Take classes full-time or on nights and weekends to jumpstart a rewarding career in this high-demand field.
Why Study Machining at Front Range Community College?
Colorado companies need machinists, but they can't find enough people with the skills to take those jobs. You'll get the hands-on training to claim one of those spots at FRCC's Center for Integrated Manufacturing (CIM).
As a machinist, you'll work with your hands to craft critical components. But you'll also visualize 3-D solutions to determine the best way to make those parts. In FRCC's cutting-edge Center for Integrated Manufacturing, you'll learn to use CAD/CAM software to design parts and operate high-tech machine tools to make them. Through your studies in the CIM, you'll rely on the same equipment used at the companies where you may eventually work.
If you like building things, using your hands and solving problems, a machining career may fit your future.
Eric van der Heide, alumnus
Degree Details
Precision Machining Technology AAS
Program Location: Boulder County (Center for Integrated Manufacturing)
Total Credits: 60 credits
Building on our precision machining technology certificate, this degree prepares you for entry-level positions in machining and manufacturing. You explore lathe turning and milling operations. You'll as be introduced to:
- Computer numerical control (CNC) turning and milling operations
- Computer-aided design/computer-aided machining (CAD/CAM) for 2-axis machining
- Lathe programming
- CNC systems
- Metrology proficiencies
This is a full-time program, with classes in the first and second semesters being organized in 7.5 week blocks.
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Manual Machining Certificate
Program Location: Boulder County (Center for Integrated Manufacturing)
Total Credits: 16 credits (1 semester)
You'll learn to work with lathes and mills—the heart of a machinist's trade—in this certificate program. Experts will teach you about safety procedures, bench tools, layout tools, power equipment, precision measurement, and hand tools. You'll learn to read blueprints, as well as interpret symbols, notes, dimensions, and tolerances.
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CNC Machining Certificate
Program Location: Boulder County (Center for Integrated Manufacturing)
Total Credits: 18 credits (2 semesters)
As a CNC machinist, you'll program automated lathes and mills to make parts. Faculty with industry experience will teach you skills in computer-aided design/computer-aided machining (CAD/CAM) for 2-axis machining, 3-axis wireframe and surface modeling, lathe programming, and direct numerical control (DNC) systems.
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Precision Machining Technology Certificate
Program Location: Boulder County (Center for Integrated Manufacturing)
Total Credits: 34 credits (3 semesters)
You'll earn this certificate once you successfully complete the Manual Machining and CNC Machining certificates. This full-time program will prepare you for an entry-level job in machining and manufacturing.
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Fast-Track Machining Training
Program Location: Boulder County (Center for Integrated Manufacturing)
Total Credits: N/A (non-credit classes)
We've collaborated with dozens of Northern Colorado manufacturers to develop accelerated classes that give you new skills, fast. These part-time, non-credit classes can introduce you to the field or teach advanced techniques.
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Machinists in Colorado are in demand: By some estimates, manufacturers in the state will need to boost their workforce by 30% by the end of the decade. The training you get at FRCC will prepare you for work as a tool and die maker, CNC operator, or machine builder. Many of our grads find jobs in the aerospace, automotive, medical products or computer industries, to name just a few.
Under One Roof
To see the latest in precision machining, optics technology, automation and electronics engineering tech, you could spend days visiting factories—or just head to FRCC's Center for Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), home to our state-of-the-art manufacturing programs.
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