Precision Machining

L1 Precision Machining (92730)

Level 1 Precision Machining is the first of three levels designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in
manufacturing or engineering by learning how to operate and program metalworking machines to produce complex,
highly detailed parts. The following are examples of fields students might choose to pursue following program
completion: manufacturing/production, machinery maintenance & repair, production/manufacturing/process
engineering, machinist/tool & die maker, prototype development, machine design, CNC programmer, etc. Many of the
skills students learn in this program can be applied in a wide variety of career areas, an added bonus in tough economic
times. Students will learn to operate various lathes, mills, drills, saws and grinders to produce accurate parts according to
blueprint dimensions. Students will also gain exposure to CNC machining and other metalworking processes (on a
limited basis) such as welding, forging and foundry operations. Students will constantly utilize reference materials and
formulas to solve practical problems in the shop. Students will apply a variety of complex, precise tools to measure parts
down to one ten-thousandth of an inch! Program completion will require students to make certain parts to specifications
developed by the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS), as well as to take proctored online exams through
NIMS. These are nationally recognized, industrial credentials, earned while in high school.

L2 Precision Machining (92740)

Level 2 will focus on more advanced operation of machine tools toward the completion of NIMS credentials. Students
will use CAD-CAM software (Solidworks, AutoCAD, & Fusion 360) and gain more experience with CNC machine
tools. At this level students will be comfortable with most of the machines in the shop and are encouraged to create
complex projects, mechanisms, jigs and fixtures, etc.

L3 Precision Machining (92750)

Level 3 will focus on completing more NIMS credentials and when possible, preparing students for a particular field of
interest, since the curriculum can be applied to so many different industries. Students showing a particular interest in a
field of study will be encouraged to apply the curricular goals of the program toward applications common to that
industry in preparation for employment. Our Advisory Committee has expressed a great deal of interest in recruiting
qualified students for positions of local employment within the manufacturing industry. Opportunities for jobshadowing, apprenticeships and earning college credit in exchange for NIMS credentials can be a reality for those who
strive to achieve the most from this program.