Manufacturing and Process Technology

manufacturing@bigbend.edu

The Manufacturing program provides students a broad range of career and academic options. Students can select direct entry into the workforce in areas such as manufacturing, processing, and facility operations by customizing their program elective courses.  

 

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

MPT 104: Introduction to Electricity

Credits 5

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to electrical systems, covering essential concepts, safety practices, and hands-on labs to develop practical skills. Students will learn about electrical safety principles, basic electrical concepts, DC and AC circuits, magnetism, electromagnetism, electrical power generation, residential systems, troubleshooting techniques, and introduction to the National Electric Code (NEC). Hands-on labs and activities complement theoretical learning, ensuring students gain both knowledge and practical experience in electrical systems.

Students enrolling in this class must meet the following Math requirements:

Completion of MATH 94, MAP 117 (5 credits), or Placement in MATH 98/99, or higher level. 

MPT 120: Intro to CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing)

Credits 5

This is an introductory course to Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) where students will learn the foundational knowledge in Computer Aided Design (CAD) and creation of G-Code for Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) equipment. This course covers skills that can be applied across a wide range of industries, and it is the first class in preparing for industry-recognized certifications using CAD and CAM software.

MPT 125: 2.5 Axis Milling

Credits 5

This is a Computer Aided Manufacturing course designed for students building upon the foundational skills learned in MPT 120 – Intro to CAM.  Students will be able to demonstrate their CAM skills and be able to validate their skills through completion of the industry-recognized CAM 2.5 Axis Milling certification using CAM software.

MPT 130: CNC Turning

Credits 5

This is a Computer Aided Manufacturing course designed for students building upon the foundational skills learned in MPT 120: Intro to CAM and concepts learned in MPT 125: 2.5 Axis Milling. Students will learn the basics of model prep, setup, programming, and export of 2-axis CNC lathe toolpaths. Students will be able to demonstrate their CNC Turning skills and validate their skills through manufacture of a turning project using CAM software, machine simulation, and CNC turning machines.

MPT 135: Introduction to Additive Manufacturing

Credits 3

This course is intended to provide students with an understanding of the principles and applications of additive manufacturing. The course will introduce students to the basic concepts of additive manufacturing, including the various types of technologies, their applications, materials, software used, and industry trends. Students will learn how to design, prepare, and print 3D objects using a range of additive manufacturing technologies. Prerequisite: MPT 120 or instructor permission

MPT 140: Introduction to Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition)

Credits 3

This course provides an introduction to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, and Digital Manufacturing in Industry 4.0, which are revolutionizing the way industries operate. Students will learn about the fundamental principles and concepts of IIoT and SCADA, including their architectures, security, data acquisition, communication networks, protocols, data analytics, visualization, applications, and future trends. Through hands-on exercises students will gain practical skills and knowledge that they can apply to real-world situations. By the end of this course, students will have a solid understanding of the IIoT and SCADA systems, their potential applications, and the impact of emerging technologies on these systems.

MPT 145: Intro to Coordinate Metrology

Credits 5

This course is designed to provide students an understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles and coordinate measurement systems using digital inspection tools and software. The course will cover the basic concepts of GD&T, including geometric tolerances, datums, size tolerances, positional tolerances, profile tolerances, orientation tolerances, and form tolerances. Students will learn how to interpret GD&T symbols and specifications on engineering drawings and apply GD&T concepts. The course will also cover computer-aided inspection and metrology techniques and how to apply them to verify and validate parts’ GD&T features. By the end of the course, students will have a working knowledge of GD&T principles, coordinate measurement systems and how to apply them effectively in engineering and manufacturing settings. 

MPT 170: Introduction to Boiler and Refrigeration Systems

Credits 5

This course provides an in-depth introduction to the principles, components, and operation of boiler and refrigeration systems. Students will explore the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics as they apply to these essential mechanical systems. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the design, maintenance, and operation of both boilers and refrigeration systems.

 

MPT 210: Introduction to Industrial Robotics

Credits 5

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of industrial robotics, including robot anatomy, programming, and operation.  Students will gain theoretical knowledge through lectures and readings, and practical experience through offline simulation software and hands-on labs with actual robots.

Students enrolling in this class must meet the following Math requirements:

Completion of MATH 94, MAP 117 (5 credits), or Placement in MATH 98/99, or higher level. 

 

MPT 220: CAM for 3-Axis Milling

Credits 5

This class is number four in a series intended to help students gain skills in CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) and preparation for an industry recognized certification. In this course, students will learn to create, optimize, and apply 3-axis toolpaths for manufacturing by analyzing a part for manufacture, identifying areas that require 3-axis toolpaths and identifying requirements to hold the part during final machining. Students will explore 3-axis tools to quickly remove unneeded material from rounded edges and angled faces. Students will then validate the toolpaths with simulation, create the supporting documentation, and code needed to control a 3-axis CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled ) machine. Finally, students will bring their project into the physical world by running their program on a 3-axis CNC machine.  

MPT 225: CAM for Multi-Axis Milling

Credits 5

This class is number five in a series intended to help students gain skills in CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) and prepare for an industry recognized certification. In this course, students will identify combinations of axes and how to create a CAM program for multi-axis machines. Students will review best practices to prepare an initial design for manufacture, set up a tool library and machine definition, create a digital twin of the physical manufacturing environment, and explore both multi-axis positioning and simultaneous multi-axis toolpaths.

MPT 230: Cobot-Enabled CNC Machining

Credits 3

This course is designed for students who have already taken a CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) and Robotics classes and are interested in learning how to integrate Collaborative Robots (Cobots) with CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) machines for efficient and safe manufacturing processes. Students will learn about the advantages of using Cobots in CNC machining and programming Cobots to aid CNC machining operations. This course will also cover maintenance and troubleshooting for Cobots and CNC machines. By the end of the course, students will have the skills and knowledge to effectively use Cobots with CNC machines for manufacturing applications.