Associate of Applied Science

Metals Technology is designed to prepare students as entry-level technicians in many areas, including automotive machining, tool and die making, mold making, job shop machinist, gun-smithing, lay-out and inspection welding, new construction welder, and fabrication. Students will study machining processes and procedures, properties of metals, blueprint reading, and inspection techniques. Welding skills (including practical, theoretical, and technical training) are taught using oxyacetylene, manual stick electrode, semiautomatic Mig, Tig (Heliarc), dualshield Mig, and various additional processes. Miller Electric has chosen Helena College as one of its regional training centers. Therefore, students will receive training on the latest state-of-the-art equipment in Mig, Tig (Heliarc), and Stick Electrode. Students will work from blueprints, follow exact specifications, and apply practical shop math to accomplish the required tasks. Much of the lab time in both areas will be used for shop project work.

An educational background in mechanical drawing, shop math, welding, and mechanical welding is helpful. Students are required to have a basic set of tools upon entrance to the program as outlined in the Equipment and Tools section of this program.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Practice industry standards for safety and compliance.
• Demonstrate competency in reading and interpreting blueprints per industry standards.
• Demonstrate competency in operating machine shop equipment: lathes, mills, grinders, and drills.
• Successfully demonstrate ability write a procedure sheet and manufacture a part to completion in the lab.
• Apply mathematical concepts used in industry.
• Demonstrate proper applications for different cutting processes and equipment.
• Demonstrate proper applications for different welding processes, codes and procedures.
• Demonstrate entry level industry welding skills upon program completion.

Note: Students may begin their instruction in the two-year Metals Technology program in either machining or welding, depending on the space available. Students are required to have a basic set of tools upon entrance to the program as outlined in the Equipment and Tools section of this program.

Requirements

Plan of Study Grid

Semester 1		Credits
M 111	Technical Mathematics 1	3
WLDG 107	Industrial Safety for Welding (Fall only) 2	2
WLDG 112	Cutting Processes (Fall only)	3
WLDG 135	GMAW Theory and Practical Ap (Fall only)	5
WLDG 181	SMAW Theory and Practical App (Fall only)	5
	Credits	18
Semester 2
WLDG 137	Blueprint Read, Layout/Beg Fab (Spring only)	7
WLDG 141	GTAW Theory and Prac App (Spring only)	4
WLDG 151	Shop Practices (Spring only)	4
COMX 106	Comm in a Dynamic Workplace (Spring only)	3
	Credits	18
Semester 3
MCH 130	Machine Shop (Fall only)	3
MCH 132	Introduction to Engine Lathes (Fall only) 2	5
MCH 134	Introduction to Mills (Fall only) 2	5
MCH 240	Metallurgy (Fall only)	2
	Credits	15
Semester 4
MCH 136	Advanced Lathes (Spring only)	5
MCH 137	Advanced Mills (Spring only)	5
MCH 139	Grinding Applications (Spring only)	2
MCH 245	Shop Practices (Spring only)	2
DDSN 132	MasterCam Solids (Spring only)	2
	Credits	16
	Total Credits	67

¹

M 111 is the mathematics class recommended for students in the skilled trades programs, but other higher mathematics classes may be substituted.

²

Students must earn a C- or higher in order to successfully complete a course. To advance, all previous semester classes must be passed with a C- or higher.

Equipment and Tool Ordering Procedure

Students do not purchase tools through the College. Tool costs vary depending on the vendor; approximates are average costs. Tools may take several weeks to arrive, and vendors will not deliver without full payment. A commitment sheet in writing from your vendor on the latest possible delivery date is advised before ordering.

Tool vouchers may be available for students who are eligible and have completed all requirements for enough financial aid to cover all tuition, fees, and the cost of tools. Tool vouchers may be obtained through Student Accounts.

Refer to the CNC Machining & Manual Machining or Industrial Welding & Metal Fabrication Equipment and Tool lists.