Computer Numerical Control Programmer

Effective: Fall 2022
Certificate of Achievement Program Map
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This program map from the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway to complete this program. Your pathway may vary depending on your transfer plans and also previous college credit, including AP Test scores, concurrent enrollment courses and high school articulated courses.

I'm ready to get started. What do I do next?

  1. Review this program map to get an overview of the required courses
  2. Meet with a counselor to develop your customized student education plan www.chabotcollege.edu/counseling
  3. Use DegreeWorks, an online student education planning tool, to track your progress toward graduation www.chabotcollege.edu / admissions / degreeworks
Program Description
This certificate provides specialized instruction to prepare you for a career as a computer numerical control (CNC) programmer. CNC programming can be an exciting and rewarding path for those who love to create and have an eye for detail. CNC programmers are heavily sought after by local and national manufacturers.

What can I do with this major?
This certification will prepare you for employment in the following lucrative and desirable jobs: machinist, machinist assistant, CNC operator, CNC set-up, CNC programmer, and Solidworks draftsperson. These occupations can be either an initial career path or a transitional path for existing machinists or industry employees.

Learning and Career Pathway
  • Industrial Technology & Automotive

Icon Key

= Critical Course = Prerequisite for Other Courses = Prerequisite Required = Required for Major GE = General Education

Semester 1

7 units

MTT 71A
Numerical Control Program I

4 units
Introduction to programming and operating three axis computer numerical controlled drilling and milling machines. Instruction includes the standard X-Y-Z Cartesian coordinate system, manual and automatic milling machine operation, absolute and incremental positioning, reading and writing g-code, and fabrication of basic and intermediate three axis drill and mill parts.
Course Details:
  1. Strongly Recommended: APPM 9760A
    2. or
  2. Strongly Recommended: MTT 60A
  3. Strongly Recommended: APPM 9774
    4. or
  4. Strongly Recommended: INDT 74

MTT 81A
SolidWorks for Machine Shops

3 units
This course will introduce you to the fundamentals of Solidworks design software as it pertains to machine shop use and requirements. Instruction includes: creation of basic solids models, assemblies, and drawings; managing Solidworks file types for export to 3D printers, laser cutters, or CAM software; part configurations; mold body creation; surfaces; jig and fixtures; and more. This course will also introduce students to the theory and operation of rapid prototyping tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and 3D scanners.
Course Details:
Terms Offered: Fall

Semester 2

7 units

MTT 71B
Numerical Control Program II

4 units
This course offers students advanced study in programming computer numerical control (CNC) mills. Students learn how to write programs that utilize 4th and 5th axis rotations in longhand format, utilize automated tool and fixture probing cycles, set up and operate parts using 4th and 5th axis CNC tooling, and how to use Mastercam computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software to safely and effective program complex parts using high speed machining, surfacing, and 4th and 5th axis operations. This course prepares students to work confidently in the emerging technologies that are defining the new standards of modern machining.
Course Details:
  1. Prerequisite: MTT 71A
    2. or
  2. Prerequisite: APPM 9771A
Terms Offered: Spring

MTT 81C
Mastercam

3 units
The fundamentals of the latest version of Mastercam CAD/CAM manufacturing software as it pertains to machine shop use and requirements. Instruction includes theory and laboratory practice on the use of the Mastercam software environment to create 2 1/2 and 3 axis, lathe, and wire edm tool paths. Instruction includes part drawing, dimensioning, importing electronic files (DXF, IGES, Sldprt, and Dwg), lathe and mill tool path construction, geometry and tool path transformations, tool path editing, and post processors.
Course Details:
  1. Strongly Recommended: MTT 71A
    2. or
  2. Strongly Recommended: APPM 9771A
Terms Offered: Spring

Semester 3

6 units

MTT 71C
Numerical Control Programming III

4 units
Basic programming and operating of two-axis and live tooling computer numerical controlled lathes. Instruction includes lathe programming using constant surface speeds, internal and external turning, live tool drilling, tapping, milling, sub spindle operation, and laboratory “first article” inspection reports.
Course Details:
  1. Prerequisite: MTT 71A
    2. or
  2. Prerequisite: APPM 9771A
  3. Strongly Recommended: INDT 74
    4. or
  4. Strongly Recommended: APPM 9774
Terms Offered: Fall

MTT 73A
Computer Numerical Control Individual Projects

2 units
Student directed design, development, and fabrication of selected Numerical Control projects for the machine tool technology major to develop special entry-level job skills. Student will develop their own procedure plans, load their own tools, and program machines to create custom parts, fixtures and assemblies. This course connects software skills with machine operation and inspection to offer the student a total immersion into the contemporary practices of machining.
Course Details:
  1. Prerequisite: MTT 71A
    2. or
  2. Prerequisite: APPM 9771A
Total Units: 20 units
This program map is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.