[tommay248]

Ok so I just graduated from Uconn with a degree in Sociology. I now work for my dad, we do computerized machining. He wants me to take some engineering classes, i.e CAD/CNC type stuff. He wants me to essentially be able to quote jobs by just looking at a blueprint as he does. Now, inorder to do so, I understand I must learn how the CNC's ( MIlling and Lathe) work so I can understand the programs/toolpaths etc.. Now my question is what classes should I take? I do not want to go full out graduate school for engineering but I would like to take some classes. Also, I live in CT which really limits my options, would online classes do the trick? I like hands on learning, I do learn at work slightly but formal classes would be much better. Anyone suggestions?

Thanks-TM

[canucklion]

All you need to know is E=MC^2.

[krote345]

Mastercam X classes might help you a lot. It's the program that we use to convert our CAD models into CNC programs for our machines. Which shop do you work for? Aerospace?

[tommay248]

we subcontract frrom Pratt & Whitney, J&J, Medtronics, Abbott Spine.. mostly medical but some aerospace for the government. It's called Tomz Corporation in Berlin.
-TM

[E92-Lighting]

take some cnc or cad classes at your community college, i already gave up engineering even tho i graduated from a top engineering school

[tommay248]

yeah i am looking but seeing nothing really that can help me... which is strange because i thought it would be a fairly popular category

[krote345]

With the exception of occasional Mastercam classes, our machinists are trained 100% on the job. The hands-on experience is much better than any outside class that you can attend. They just start out with small, easy parts and work their way to more complex ones when they prove their capability.

I still recommend the Mastercam classes. They will at least give you a good foundation of understanding how parts are machined and what tools take which kinds of cuts. Otherwise, I don't think you can really get adequate CNC experience without actually working in a machine shop.

[tommay248]

yeah i hear ya, I have been working here since I have been pretty young, I am 23 now. Finally moved into the office, I have worked on CNC and Lathe but minimal experience, and although I really do not want to go back to school full time, I may just have to get my hands dirty

[tommay248]

where are you working btw? What do you guys do?

[krote345]

Mach 1 Engineering (www.mach1engineering.com)

We design and manufacture replacement turbine parts and also do general contract engineering work. We're in Windsor Locks, CT.

[krote345]

Originally Posted by damadama

Take a materials processing course through a mechanical engineering program. Also look into a course on engineering sketching (these are usually introductory and easy ass classes)

You will probably be so freaking lost by the end of the materials processing course though. When they get into deriving cutting force for this cutting speed blah blah blah they go back to alot of engineering fundementals that might fly over your head...

Not to discredit your advice, but in my experience, the materials processing courses were only helpful at their most basic level. When you get into the crazy feed/speed calculations it's all worthless. Any good shop programmer will just cut the metal and if it doesn't smoke/warp/vibrate, you're good. Precision metal parts are not always predictable through calculation as forgings/castings vary significantly from one material lot to the next. One part may bend one way and the next might bend another using the same CNC program. In short, I don't think the theory behind it is worth it's salt. Again, not intending to be rude, just my professional opinion.

[tommay248]

Man I wish there was an easy approach haha

[TurboFan]

My degree is in Mechanical Engineering, and if I'd suck it up I'd have a masters in EE. That said, I don't think you're going to learn what you desire in a 4 yr engineering school. I'd look more toward a trade school or mfg. training classes.

[Sh0cker]

Originally Posted by TurboFan

My degree is in Mechanical Engineering, and if I'd suck it up I'd have a masters in EE. That said, I don't think you're going to learn what you desire in a 4 yr engineering school. I'd look more toward a trade school or mfg. training classes.

Agreed, I have a master's in ME but they don't teach what you want to know except in some electives. I'm thinking you don't care about theory, just want practical instruction.

Maybe as the mfr of your CNC machines if they offer courses or recommend courses?

[krote345]

Originally Posted by User Name

Agreed, I have a master's in ME but they don't teach what you want to know except in some electives. I'm thinking you don't care about theory, just want practical instruction.

Maybe as the mfr of your CNC machines if they offer courses or recommend courses?

Good idea!