Advanced Manufacturing Technology

In this course, students explore the Gateway Technical College community. They examine college resources and services, investigate skills that lead to academic success, and identify strategies for achieving educational and personal goals.

In this course, learners are introduced to basic concepts of industrial computer-controlled systems. The learner explores various types of programming using robots and PLC and participates in lab experiments designed to introduce programming principles, electronic inputs and outputs (analog nd digital), and communication between system components including Ethernet protocols. Upon completion of the course, learners will be able to explain how the control processes are utilized to automate manufacturing facilities.

In this course, learners are introduced to microprocessor controlled electromechanical systems. The learner examines how individual components work, and how they are integrated into simple systems. Upon completion of the course, learners will understand what technicians do in the workplace and how industry utilizes Mechatronics in advanced manufacturing.

This course is intended to develop analytic reasoning and the ability to solve quantitative problems. Topics to be covered may include: construction & interpretation of graphs; descriptive statistics; geometry & spatial visualizations; math of finance; functions and modeling; probability; and logic. Appropriate use of units and dimensions, estimates, mathematical notation, and available technology will be emphasized throughout the course.

This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research, and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.

Industrial electrical hardware such as motors and controls are studied. Industrial electrical control circuits are developed and wired. Troubleshooting techniques are used to correct problems in wiring or controls. Motor starters, industrial control relays, timers, proximity switches, and electric eyes are studied, including proper selection and wiring techniques. Ladder logic and wiring diagrams are examined and drawn. This course is for an individual that already has a basic understanding of electricity.

In this course, learners build foundation skills needed to read and interpret industrial prints. These skills, used to interpret industrial prints, are presented in a logical order: title blocks, change blocks, shop notes, symbols, lines, orthographic views, section views, auxiliary views, pictorial views, and assembly views. Learners interpret part geometric dimensions and tolerances using basic math skills. Upon completion of the course, learners will be able to read, interpret, and apply drawing content to advanced industrial equipment.

In this course, learners are introduced to programming techniques for industrial robots. The learner examines teach pendant programming including I/O, routines, decision making, six frames of positional operation, and robot communication. Upon completion of the course, learners will be able to operate and program industrial robots commonly used in Industry 4.0.

In this course, learners are introduced to theoretical and practical topics of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The learner investigates the range of sensor and actuator devices available, ways in which they communicate and compute, methods for getting information to and from IIoT-enabled devices, and ways of visualizing and processing data acquired from the IIoT. Upon completion, learners will utilize hardware and software to construct a sensor network within an existing system and utilize industry standard tools to visual the acquired data.

In this course, learners examine the fundamentals of electrical AC/DC/Servo/Stepper motors and motor controls. Learners will examine electrical safety work practices and apply NFPA 70 and NEC safety codes to various situations. Motor control devices and components (motor drives, relays, timers, counters, motor contactors, overloads) including electromechanical and solid state equipment will be presented. Learners will operate motors using PLCs. Upon completion of the course, learners will apply ladder logic, wiring diagrams, and PLCs to advanced manufacturing machines.

In this course, students develop programming skills for PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and HMI (Human Machine Interfaces). Students create PLC programs in various languages such as Ladder Diagram (LD), Structured Text (ST), Function Block Diagram (FBD), Sequential Function Chart (SFC). Students create visual HMI programs for manufacturing systems. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to create PLC and HMI applications for the manufacturing environment.

In this course, students explore advanced programming techniques for industrial robots. They examine interfacing peripheral devices such as programmable logic controllers, industrial sensors, and human-machine interfaces to a robot. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to apply advanced programming techniques to industrial robots.

In this course, learners explore skills and tools necessary to fully participate in a lean, continuous improvement manufacturing environment. These include standardized work instructions, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), mistake-proofing, changeover reduction, ergonomics, root cause analysis, Six Sigma, and quality management. Learners are introduced to basic statistical tools and fundamental concepts needed to improve and control industrial processes. Upon completion of the course, learners will be able to use statistical tools to improve processes, define problems, set priorities, predict outcomes, and identifiy causes of quality problems.

In this course, learners will utilize 2D cameras, lighting systems and smart sensors in machine applications to provide imaging-based automatic inspection and analysis for such applications as automatic inspection, process control, and robot guidance. Learners will use vision systems to: sort good and bad parts; identify, position and orient objects images for robot guidance and orientation using edge detection; blob detection; pattern recognition; image acquisition; and bar code and QR code recognition. Learners will integrate smart sensors into PLC machine applications. Upon completion of this course learners will apply camera and smart sensors into a machine process application.

In this course, learners develop machine process automation control systems with temperature, pressure, flow, and level controls. Learners investigate the utilization of PID loops in PLC program design. Learners program a PLC using vision, smart sensors, Servos, motor controls, and analog IO. Learners develop PLC programs including Human Machine Interface (HMI) with displays for machine input and output data. Upon completion of the course, learners will be able to build a PLC motion project for basic machine process automation control systems.

In this course, students explore how members of a team contribute to the success of project execution. They investigate work measurement analysis tools and the planning and layout of a manufacturing operation. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to recommend improvements to the manufacturing process.

This course introduces students to some of the major theories and topics of psychology, including the physiological basis of behavior, personality and learning theories, memory, states of consciousness, stress, research methods, intelligence, human development, psychopathology, and social behavior.

In this course, students examine networks and protocols used in advanced manufacturing systems. They investigate hardware components, data transmission systems, communication lines, data sets, and interface protocols. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to analyze networking systems for advanced manufacturing.

An introductory course which describes, analyzes, and critiques factors which influence the overall performance of the economic system. Topics include supply-demand analysis, national income determination models, fiscal and monetary policy, money, financial institutions, the federal reserve system, unemployment, poverty, international trade, economic growth, inflation, and environmental deterioration. The links between economic problems, theory, and public policy are emphasized.

This course explores the fundamentals of effective oral presentation to small and large groups. Topic selection, audience analysis, methods of organization, research, structuring evidence and support, delivery techniques, and other essential elements of speaking successfully, including the listening process, form the basis of the course.

Students use Solidworks software to create solid models of various machine components. They also convert solid parts into conventional 2-D orthographic drawings which include sections, auxiliary views, and dimensions. Students create assembly drawings and configurations of various parts.

This course covers the basic mechanical skills needed by a technician. Skills covered include the use and care of hand tools and small power tools, drilling, tapping, removal of broken bolts, studs, and helicoil insertion. Basic measuring tools and techniques are also covered. Other topics include type and use of fasteners, lubricants and adhesives used in repair, and assembly of automated machines.

The fundamental principles and physical laws governing fluid power and pneumatics are studied. The operation of the various control valves and actuators will be explored through a combination of theory and practical lab exercises.

In this course, learners examine the fundamental skills of machining processes for a career in Advanced Manufacturing Technology. Lathes, mills, and grinders will be the primary machines explored. An overview of machining processes is presented. Setup and operation, manual lathes and mills, CNC lathes and mills, basic programming using G and M codes, and tooling required for lathes and mills will be presented. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to develop a machining process plan.

In this course, students design a complex integrated automation system. They use industrial robotics, programmable logic controllers, pneumatics/hydraulics, and sensors to develop the system. Upon successful completion, students will be able to design, program, troubleshoot, and improve a functional industrial automation system.

In this course, learners examine the relationship between the properties and processes of various materials used in advanced industrial equipment. The properties include: mechanical strength, chemistry, and basic material characteristic. The processes include: modern manufacturing techniques, fabricating, casting, metallic finishes, plating and chip removal. Upon completion of the course, learners will be able to match materials and processes used in the manufacture of equipment.