This program provides training that prepares students to set up and operate machining equipment, handle inspection devices, analyze production problems, and move into the supervision of machining. Students obtain a strong background in machining, engineering graphics, computers (CAD/CAM/CNC), quality control/quality assurance, material handling and processing, and leadership skills. The program provides a balance between practical training in manufacturing processes and technical education in manufacturing analysis, planning, and control with a supporting emphasis on communications, mathematics, science, and business.

The Associate in Applied Science Degree in Advanced Manufacturing is designed to provide learners with growth and development in a variety of manufacturing processes, expose them to materials and methods of production, make them aware of quality systems and tools and introduce them to the tool and die making. This degree is designed to enable individuals the opportunity to continually expand and upgrade their applied skills as well as to maintain a thorough mastery of evolving manufacturing technologies. Protective shop clothing and eye protection supplies are required for the program and will be purchased by the student.

The Plastic Technology AAS degree is designed to provide the student with skills in many of the critical facets of plastic manufacturing. The program includes the study of the most widely used thermoplastic processes with an emphasis on injection molding and the most frequently used thermoplastic materials. Topics covered include thermoplastic process troubleshooting, plastic materials and applications, mold/part design, quality improvement programs, process controls, CAD, and metal finishing. The combined educational background will give the student an opportunity to meet the many needs of today’s plastic manufacturing industry. This includes employment as a mold or part designer, process technician, or entry-level plastic process engineer.

Ranger College offers a degree in machining, which is designed to teach how to set up and operate machine tools to manufacture, modify, or repair parts that conform to a set of specifications, commonly known as blueprints.

Engineering Technology applies engineering theories in the real world and focuses on application and implementation through hands-on training to develop product, manufacturing, and construction designs.

The Plastics Engineering Technology option in the Advanced Manufacturing Associate of Applied Science program provides training in the plastics industry, including theory and hands-on applications. Students are given practical instruction applicable to materials, processing, and design engineering.

Students in the AMT program are sponsored and selected by TX FAME companies.

The AAS in Applied Technical Management allows a student to complete a Welding diploma and continue to earn an AAS degree. In addition to the skills and knowledge obtained in the diploma program, the student will obtain degree-level general education knowledge and business-related skills and knowledge.

Precision Manufacturing and Machining Technology is an instructional program that prepares individuals to manufacture metal parts on machines such as lathes, grinders, drill presses, milling machines, and Computer Numerical Control equipment.

The following Pathway is recommended for students pursuing an Associate in Applied Science degree in Manufacturing Technology.

The Manufacturing Technology: Machine Tool specialization is designed to provide students with fundamental procedures for intermediate and advanced milling machine maintenance, operation, and safety procedures in manufacturing.

Provides the knowledge and skills leading to immediate employment in the field of engineering technologies and manufacturing-related fields.

The face of manufacturing has changed and Craven Community College is at the forefront of today’s advanced manufacturing processes. Our Manufacturing Technology degree introduces students to the principles and practices of manufacturing in today’s global marketplace. Students will be exposed to valuable high-tech equipment, technology, and concepts applicable in a variety of advanced manufacturing industries such as plastics, metals, composites, furniture, textiles, and electronics. The Manufacturing Technology program provides students with real-world knowledge and understanding of manufacturing management practices, manufacturing materials and processes, research and development, and quality assurance. Coursework will include machining set-ups and operations processes, blueprint reading, Computer-Aided Drafting/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM), Computer Numerical Control (CNC) principles, perform operations on lathes, milling machines, CNC punch, and brake press, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) operation, and various computerized production techniques. Additional emphasis is placed on shop safety and the safe operation of equipment.

The Manufacturing Process Operations certificate introduces the basic principles and practices of manufacturing processes and procedures in today’s contemporary environment.

Manufacturing industries require skilled production operators and technicians with up-to-date, 21st-century skills. Industries that make products from metal, plastics, wood, and other materials and those producing solar panels, biofuels, energy, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, semiconductors, and a host of other traditional and green products, need employees capable of running and servicing sophisticated machinery.