Precision Machining Technology

Learn the art and technology behind toolmaking in the Precision Machining Technology program at NDSCS.

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Precision Machining Technology
Precision Machining Technology

The Precision Machining Technology program provides students experience in machining as it pertains to machining, toolmaking and mold making.

  • Type: Certificate, A.A.S. degree
  • Locations: Wahpeton
  • Cluster: Manufacturing, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics


» View Program Information & Admission Requirements

 

Introduction to Precision Machining Technology (Certificate)

This program provides education and training in CNC programming, CNC set-up and operation, production machining, mold making, die making, toolmaking, automated manufacturing, human relations, communications and other aspects of general education.

  • Type: Certificate
  • Locations: Wahpeton
  • Cluster: Manufacturing, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics


» View Program Information & Admission Requirements

Intermediate Precision Machining Technology (Certificate)

This program provides education and training in CNC programming, CNC set-up and operation, production machining, mold making, die making, toolmaking, automated manufacturing, human relations, communications and other aspects of general education.

  • Type: Certificate
  • Locations: Wahpeton
  • Cluster: Manufacturing, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics


» View Program Information & Admission Requirements

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In the NDSCS Precision Machining Technology program, you’ll learn about CNC programming, CNC set-up and operation, production machining, mold making, die making, toolmaking and automated manufacturing. 

A partnership with HAAS Automation, one of the largest CNC machine tool builders, ensures that you are learning and training on state-of-the art machining equipment.

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Precision Machining Technology Graduates from 2023-2024 Academic Year
Graduates Registered Avg. Beginning Annual Salary Reported High Annual Salary Placement Rate
4 $64605 75%

$50,000 investment in education

Group of people holding a giant donation check from Gene Haas Foundation.
10-23-2024

Article published by Bobbi Steffens at Wahpeton Daily News on October 22, 2024. 

 

There is a growing demand for precision machinists in the workforce. 

A local college has received grant funding to help reduce costs for students in that field of study. 

The Gene Haas Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to support the Precision Machining Technology department at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS). The funds will be used to award scholarships to current and future NDSCS Precision Machining Technology students. 

According to Academic Program Outreach Specialist at NDSCS Leslie Shirek, this year's grant follows a $50,000 grant from the Gene Haas Foundation in the fall of 2023. That grant resulted in scholarships for 10 first year Precision Machining Technology students. 

The Precision Machining Technology program provides students with vital skills in CNC programming, setup and operation, production machining, mold and die making, toolmaking, and automated manufacturing. 

“Students can utilize the scholarship dollars for tuition, tools, housing, or anything else to support their education,” said Precision Machining Technology Associate Professor/Program Coordinator Steve Johnson. “We are grateful for the Gene Haas Foundation's continued support of our program and our students. They are more for precision metalworking education than any other.” 

Three representatives from Productivity Inc. visited NDSCS to present the check on behalf of the Gene Haas Foundation. The Gene Haas Foundation was established in 1999, by Gene Haas, founder and owner of Haas Automation, Inc., to support the needs of the local community. 

Seeing a growing need for skilled manufacturing employees industry wide, the Foundation expanded its mission to include support for manufacturing training programs throughout North America and beyond. 

By providing scholarship grants, sponsoring individual and team CNC competitions, and partnering with the very best CNC training programs in the world, the Foundation helps expand the availability of high-quality manufacturing technology training worldwide. 

“Students are so appreciative of the financial support the Gene Haas Foundation provides them. The first ten students entering our Machining program obtain $2,500, automatically,” Shirek said. “They don’t need to apply for the scholarship, they merely need to register for classes and show up in the fall. The scholarship dollars continue on to our second year students and that is based on their GPA.” 

This important grant from the Gene Haas Foundation marks a substantial investment in the education and training of future machinists at NDSCS. It reflects the foundation’s dedication to fostering the development of highly skilled professionals in the machining industry. 

Precision machinists work with various tools and machines to create, modify, and repair precision parts and components. Their tasks typically include: 

  • CNC machining: Operating CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines to cut and shape materials like metal, plastic, and wood to exact specifications. 
  • Blueprint reading: Interpreting technical drawings and specifications to understand project requirements. 
  • Setup and calibration: Setting up machines, including selecting and installing tools, fixtures, and attachments, and calibrating equipment for precise operations. 
  • Quality control: Inspecting and measuring finished parts using tools like calipers, micrometers, and gauges to ensure they meet required tolerances and standards. 
  • Toolmaking: Designing and fabricating tools and fixtures used in the manufacturing process. 
  • Troubleshooting: Identifying and resolving issues with machines, tools, or processes to maintain production efficiency. 
  • Production machining: Producing high volumes of parts, often working in a production environment where precision and speed are critical. 
  • Collaboration: Working closely with engineers and other team members to refine designs and improve manufacturing processes. 

Overall, precision machinists play a crucial role in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing, ensuring high-quality components are produced accurately and efficiently. 

“It’s a great time to look into becoming a machinist. No problem finding a job, outstanding scholarships and low cost tuition,” Shirek said. “This past summer we had an extreme facelift to the Precision Machining Lab with updated floors, lights, electrical and more. Students will learn in a state of the art facility with an excellent student to faculty ratio and our incredible instructors.”

The Gene Haas Foundation donates millions of dollars every year to manufacturing education and the community. In 2022, the Gene Haas Foundation provided more than $27 million in grants, bringing the total since inception to more than $175 million.

Gene Haas Foundation awards grants to support NDSCS Precision Machining Technology students

full group of students and faculty receiving giant check
01-31-2024

The Gene Haas Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to support the Precision Machining Technology department at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS). The funds will be used to award scholarships to current and future NDSCS Precision Machining Technology students. Dave Chase, a representative from Productivity Inc., visited NDSCS to present the check on behalf of the Gene Haas Foundation.

This substantial grant follows a $36,000 grant NDSCS received from the Gene Haas Foundation in the fall of 2022, which resulted in scholarships for 11 Precision Machining Technology students.

The purpose of the Gene Haas Foundation is to build skills in the machining industry by providing scholarships for CNC Machine Technology students and NIMS Credentials. In 2022, the Gene Haas Foundation provided more than $27 million in grants to high school and post-secondary programs in the United States. The Gene Haas Foundation was founded in 1999 by Gene Haas, the owner of Haas Automation, Inc., America’s leading builder of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine tools.

The Precision Machining Technology program at NDSCS equips students with essential skills in CNC programming, CNC set-up and operation, production machining, mold making, die making, toolmaking and automated manufacturing. Additional information about the NDSCS Precision Machining Technology program can be found online at NDSCS.edu/Machining.

This significant grant from the Gene Haas Foundation represents a major investment in the education and training of future machinists at NDSCS. It is a testament to the foundation's commitment to supporting the development of highly skilled professionals in the machining industry.

For more information about the Gene Haas Foundation, please visit https://ghaasfoundation.org.

Photo Caption: NDSCS Precision Machining Technology students, faculty and administrators were on hand when Dave Chase, Productivity, Inc. Machine Tool Sales Representative, visited the department to present a check for $50,000.

Shayne, Cale, Zach, Ruari - SkillsUSA winners

NDSCS students earn national ranking at SkillsUSA Championships

06-27-2023
North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) students recently earned top awards at the National SkillsUSA Championships held during the National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta, Georgia. Four NDSCS students earned the national spotlight for their achievements.

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Gene Haas Foundation logo

Gene Haas Foundation continues to support NDSCS manufacturing students

12-08-2022
The Gene Haas Foundation (GHF) has awarded a $40,000 grant to support the Precision Machining Technology program at North Dakota State College of Science.

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Gene Haas Foundation logo

NDSCS receives $500,000 grant for Gene Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing

12-01-2022
North Dakota State College of Science has been awarded a $500,000 naming rights grant from the Gene Haas Foundation to upgrade Precision Machining Technology program facilities. Once complete, the newly named Gene Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing will strengthen NDSCS’ capacity to attract and educate the next generation of machinists to meet growing workforce needs.

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NDSCS Precision Machining Technology students, faculty and administrators were on hand when Dave Chase, Productivity, Inc. Machine Tool Sales Representative, visited the department to present a check for $36,000.

Gene Haas Foundation awards grants to support NDSCS Precision Machining Technology students

01-31-2022
The Gene Haas Foundation (GHF) has awarded a $36,000 grant to support the Precision Machining Technology department at the North Dakota State College of Science. The funds will be used to award scholarships to current and future NDSCS Precision Machining Technology students. Representatives from Productivity, Inc. visited to present the check on behalf of the Gene Haas Foundation. 

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Old Main

NDSCS Students Excel at North Dakota SkillsUSA Contest

05-09-2019
Students from NDSCS received a number of awards at the North Dakota SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference.

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NDSCS students earn awards at National SkillsUSA Championships

Old Main at night
09-07-2018

Three students from the North Dakota State College of Science earned medals at the national SkillsUSA Championships this summer.

  • Tanner Klein, a Powersports Technology student from Bismarck, N.D., earned a gold medal in the Power Equipment Technology category. This contest tested student skills in all areas of this technology, including two- and four-cycle engines and the related theories that go along with them, drive trains, hydraulics, wiring schematics and customer service.
  • Chandler Rheault, a Welding Technology student from Fargo, N.D., secured a silver medal in the Welding Sculpture category. Welding Sculpture contestants demonstrate their ability to develop a design and produce a welding sculpture of that design, as well as deliver a presentation regarding all aspects of the design creation.
  • John Heidt, a Precision Machining Technology student from Dickinson, N.D., received a bronze medal in the CNC Turning Specialist category. In this contest, contestants are assessed on their ability to write Computer Numeric Control (CNC) turning and milling programs, interpret prints, and measure/gage parts.

The SkillsUSA Championships took place as part of the SkillsUSA 54th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC), a showcase of career and technical education students. During the week, more than 6,300 career and technical education students competed hands-on in 102 different trade, technical and leadership fields.

NDSCS Students Excel at North Dakota SkillsUSA Contest

Old Main steeple
04-17-2018

Students from the North Dakota State College of Science received a number of awards at the North Dakota SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference, which was held at NDSCS earlier this month. By achieving gold medals at the state level, 14 of these students qualified to compete in their respective categories at the national SkillsUSA Championships, which will be held in Louisville, Ky. in June.

The NDSCS students who received gold, silver or bronze medals at the state competition include:

ALASKA
Fairbanks: 
Keegan Chapin, Automotive Service Technology, Bronze

MINNESOTA
Battle Lake: 
Caleb Bellig, Welding Fabrication, Gold
Cyrus: Eric Larson, Electrical Construction Wiring, Gold
Frazee: Ryan Bade, Collision Repair Technology, Gold
Moorhead: John Baumgardner, CNC Technician, Bronze
Sartell: Cole Mortiz, Welding, Gold
Spicer: Trey Johnson, Plumbing, Silver
Spring Grove: Mitch Anderson, Welding Fabrication, Gold

NORTH DAKOTA
Bismarck:
 Tanner Klein, Power Equipment Technology, Gold
Dickinson: John Heidt, CNC Turning Specialist, Gold; Shelby Kilwein, Diesel Equipment Technology, Silver; Caleb Krebs, Diesel Equipment Technology, Gold
Fargo: Chandler Rheault, Welding Sculpture, Gold; Rebecca Roberts, Welding Sculpture, Silver
Jamestown: Kyle Schumacher, Automotive Service Technology, Gold; Dylan Staloch, Automotive Refinishing Technology, Gold
Lisbon: Cassie Witte, Culinary Arts, Gold
Milnor: Taylor Busche, Plumbing, Gold
Minot: Mason Bahl, Welding, Silver; Henry Lemar, Automotive Service Technology, Silver
Napoleon: Jake Bakken, Plumbing, Bronze
Oakes: Brittney Harty, Culinary Arts, Silver
Rugby: Ethan Clements, Welding Fabrication, Gold
West Fargo: Joe Shook, CNC Milling Specialist, Bronze
Wahpeton: Austin Berger, Automotive Refinishing Technology, Silver
Walcott: Jordan Mead, Diesel Equipment Technology, Bronze
Williston: Steven Fixen, Electrical Construction Wiring, Silver

SOUTH DAKOTA
Aberdeen: 
Schyler Kumpf, Collision Repair Technology, Bronze