Assabet Valley

Advanced Manufacturing exploratory is geared towards exposing students to the many career opportunities and college options that are available from the skills that are gained in this program. The student is introduced to shop safety, manual machining, computer numerical controls for CNC manufacturing, computer aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) as well as mechanical / robotic systems and 3D rapid prototyping technologies. Students will have hands-on training using industry software such as MasterCam (www.mastercam.com) and SolidWorks (www.solidworks.com) and produce projects using industry standard equipment. 

Grade 9 shop and related lab theory classes build solid fundamental practices essential to the duties of a machinist. Students continue to explore the career options in the manufacturing and engineering fields. Students learn industry based software and the use of basic hand tools, measuring tools and manual machine tools. Students begin with blueprint interpretation and design using SolidWorks software and shop projects. Students are trained on the five most commonly used machine tools: milling machines, lathes, saws, grinders and drilling machines. Instruction includes related lab theory, shop demonstrations, hands on practice, quizzes and tests to determine competency levels.

Shop safety, math, quality control and manufacturing processes are taught through related theory and shop projects. Students will manufacture hand tools that are commonly used in the trade, such as punches and a milling cutter holder. Students are also put to the task of engineering and manufacturing components to complete shop specific challenges and projects.  

Grade 10 students will build upon the foundation of freshman year and expand their knowledge of machine set-up, operation and engineering design and manufacturing. Related theory will also include metallurgy, work holding, blue print reading, tool geometry, shop math, tap and drill calculations, work ethic and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) fundamentals. Students will learn team work and engineering practices though selected challenges to construct group projects. As a sophomore, students will design using SolidWorks software and will work from their own blueprints to manufacture the components necessary to complete these challenges. Students will be given the opportunity to compete in nationally recognized competitions, such as SkillsUSA.

Students produce projects that will expose them to different types of materials such as plastics, polycarbonates, stainless steels, tool steels, aluminum, etc. Projects will progress toward being produced in CNC machines where students will be introduced to CNC programming and MasterCam software fundamentals. Instruction includes related lab theory, shop demonstrations, hands on practice, quizzes and tests to determine competency levels.  

Grade 11 will focus on developing CNC skills and expand their Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CADCAM) skills using MasterCam and SolidWorks software. Shop projects will also teach CNC operations & G-Code programming, CNC machine set-up procedures, inspection procedures, blueprint interpretation, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), advanced manual machining practices and set-ups for proficiency of job ready skills as a machinist. Modules on engineering of machine design, electro-mechanical and automated systems, will also be a component of related theory. Students are instructed and encouraged to collect and produce an electronic portfolio and research career and college options available upon graduation. Juniors will have the option to compete in SkillsUSA competitions.

   

Shop projects will provide hands-on practice and include engineering, designing, manufacturing and the assembly. Students will also build a steam engine and other projects to reinforce classroom theory lessons and acquire necessary trade skills. Instruction includes related lab theory, shop demonstrations, hands on practice, quizzes and tests to determine competency levels.

Grade 12 shop and related lab theory work will emphasis proficient practices using MasterCam Milling, SolidWorks, CNC set-up & G-Code programming, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), inspection procedures, blueprint Interpretation as well as MasterCam Turning fundamentals. Senior project requirements will be reviewed and a study guide will be provided. Students are instructed and encouraged to collect and produce an electronic portfolio to submit with college applications or present during job interviews.

Shop projects will involve engineering, design, manufacturing and the assembly practices. Seniors will have the option to compete in SkillsUSA competitions. Senior’s have an option of an approved independent study as a major project that is based from their personal interest and the project meets the criteria for advanced skills achievement. Students will use CNC Machining practices, proper inspection techniques and advanced manual machining practices. Instruction will include related lab theory, shop demonstrations, hands on practice, quizzes and tests to determine skill and theory proficiency.