• Course Description

    Precision Machining is an introductory course in manufacturing processes associated with metal fabrication. The course begins with students learning to work safely with common hand tools and power equipment found in industry, such as the drill press, horizontal bandsaw, metal lathe, vertical mill, welding equipment, and CNC plasma cutter. Students will master print reading, measurement and layout, and most importantly safety. Students will study physical characteristics of common metal types and explore how these properties affect the design of a project. Machine proficiency will be demonstrated through the design and construction of numerous projects, including a metal tool box, a 3-D welded object, and a project of the student’s own design. All projects are the student’s to keep. There will be a set fee to cover the costs of the predefined projects and students will calculate a bill of materials for their final project.

    Grade Level(s): 9th-12th Grades

    Related Priority Standards (State &/or National):  Skilled Technical Sciences Curriculum Map (DESE)

    Essential Questions

    • How can metal be used and shaped for specific purposes?

    Enduring Understandings/Big Ideas

    • Metal can be shaped and formed with a variety of processes and tools for practical and creative purposes.
    • Tools and machines have specific purposes.
    • There is a safe and correct way to use every tool and machine.

    Course-Level Scope & Sequence (Units &/or Skills)

    Unit 1: Safety

    The course begins with an introduction to safe practices and attitudes appropriate to the shop and industry. This includes general safety and
    well as the safe and correct use of all tools and machines students have access to.  As a result of the unit, students will be able to:

    • tate and demonstrate knowledge of shop safety rules and practices
    • Explain and demonstrate the correct and safe procedure for using each tool and machine in the shop
    • Perform work in a responsible manner (is respectful of others and their work and makes sure that work areas remain clean and organized)

    Unit 2: General Metalworking Skills

    In this unit, students will gain experience with typical job processes, procedures, and sequences. They will also be introduced to the basic
    properties and characteristics of different metals.  Print materials, precise measuring and layout, and hand tools can be used to fabricate products out of sheet metal.  As a result of the unit, students will be able to:

    • Understand the purpose and capabilities of the tools and machines available in the shop
    • Be able to identify the correct tool or machine for a given process
    • Perform precise measurements
    • Use print reading and measurement to layout materials
    • Correctly and safely use sheet metal tools (squaring shear, box and pan break, drill press)
    • Assemble machined sheet metal to fabricate a product

    Unit 3: Manual Machining

    In this unit, students will learn how to correctly set up and operate the mill and the lathe to machine metal parts. As a result of the unit, students will be able to:

    • Identify the parts of a lathe and a mill
    • Describe and demonstrate correct use of the lathe and a mill
    • Correctly and safely use the lathe and the mill to machine materials to within a given tolerance
    • Explain how tool speed and feed-rate affect the finish of materials and durability of the machine
    • Use the lathe to demonstrate mastery of the following processes: facing, parallel turning, tapering, parting, knurling, drilling
    • Use the mill to demonstrate mastery of the following processes: face milling, end milling, profiling, drilling, and milling a slot

    Unit 4: Computer Aided Manufacturing

    In this unit, students will learn how to correctly set up and operate CNC (computer numerical control) tools to machine metal parts. The mass production and higher precision capabilities of CAM versus manual manufacturing will also be covered.  As a result of the unit, students will be able to:

    • Identify the parts and describe the operating processes of a plasma cutter and CAM mill
    • Use software to design for and operate the plasma cutter and show correct use of tool paths
    • Write programming code (utilizing G & M code) that will enable a CAM mill to machine metal parts.

    Unit 5: Fastening

    In this unit, students will learn about various tools and processes used to fasten metal parts – these will include welding, riveting, bolting, and threaded connections. As a result of the unit, students will be able to:

    • Select the appropriate fastener or fastening process for a given material and design process
    • Prepare materials and fasten them using mechanical fasteners (rivets, bolted connections, and threaded connections) and the necessary tools.
    • Identify the parts of ARC and MIG welding tools
    • Describe and demonstrate correct use of ARC and MIG welding
    • Correctly and safely perform the following welding processes: tee joint, butt joint, lap joint, corner joint, and edge joint

    Date Last Revised/Approved:  2016