Prototype & Design Program Code 106142

Employment Potential

A graduate of this program will have the potential for employment in the following areas:

Product Development: develops and designs new products through the use of prototypes.

Prototype Model Builder: provides research and development on new products, works with molding, and makes models for all types of industries, such as toy and automobile manufacturers, so that the prototype will look like the finished product before production begins.

Engineering Design: translates engineering data and vendor information into scale prototypes or CAD models for use with Rapid Prototyping Processes. Usually employed in design and development of new products or systems.

Architectural Model Builder: translates, to scale, all architectural drawings using plot plans, elevations, sections, and details to construct three dimensional models using a wide variety of materials and processes.

Legal Model Builder: creates models that help win court cases by allowing a judge and jury to see a three-dimensional representation of the scene of an accident, injury, or crime.

Props and Special Effects Model Builder: makes models for the movie, television, and stage play industries.

Pattern and Mold Maker: fabricates wood, plastic, or metal patterns and molds for casting parts.

With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find other opportunities for employment.

. Mechanical Prototype Designer
. Model Shop Supervisor
. Computer Numerical Control Machinery Programmer/Operator
. Rapid Prototyping Operator
. Architectural Designer/Model Builder
. Freelance Model Builder

Program Outcomes

. Develop planning strategies necessary to translate two-dimensional information into a three- dimensional prototype.
. Use critical thinking and problem solving techniques in the construction of a prototype.
. Create a variety of computer aided drawings using AutoCAD, Solidworks and Inventor.
. Create programs to be used on CNC (computer numerical control) milling machines using Surf CAM software.
. Construct 3D models using a variety of rapid prototyping processes.
. Produce highly detailed and accurate parts using the laser machining center.
. Fabricate silicone rubber molds and rigid molds suitable for casting.
. Build patterns and molds to be used for vacuum forming.
. Create jigs and fixtures necessary for special machining operations.
. Select and apply a variety of industrial finishes on various materials.
. Effectively estimate the time and cost to design and fabricate a prototype.
. Manage computer files and utilize a variety of technically related software.
. Work efficiently as a part of a team, or independently.
. Safely operate all hand tools, metalworking, and woodworking equipment typically used in a professional model shop.
. Effectively select appropriate materials and adhesives and understand their properties.

Requirements for Program Entry

. Completed application.
. High school transcript or equivalent. (For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.)
. High school background in mathematics and science.
. High school algebra or equivalent.
. As a requirement for program entry, an Academic Skills Assessment (Accuplacer) with appropriate benchmark scores is necessary. Program Benchmarks are: Reading Comprehension: 55; Arithmetic: 34; Sentence Skills: 60. However, we recommend a student receive the following scores to be successful in this program. Reading Comprehension: 79; Arithmetic: 70; Sentence Skills: 76. Remediation options are available to reach recommended scores. Equivalent assessment scores are acceptable. To learn more about these assessments and program benchmark scores, please contact a Counselor (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.

Curriculum

The Prototype and Design Associate Degree is a two-year, four-semester program. Upon graduation, a student will have completed 68 credits.

FIRST SEMESTER

SECOND SEMESTER

THIRD SEMESTER

FOURTH SEMESTER

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

These courses provide an opportunity for students to develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding required for employment in this field.

10-420-151 PROTOTYPE MACHINE TOOL ...introduction to machine shop fundamentals using precision measuring instruments; performing machine tool operations on a metal lathe, vertical and horizontal milling machines and surface grinders; and basic foundry applications.

10-442-153 PROTOTYPE METAL FABRICATION...ferrous and non-ferrous metals, oxyacetylene gas, tungston arc, gas metal arc, and metal fabrication. (Corequisite: 10-606-122, CAD Fab & Assembly; OR 10-614-122, Prototype Design)

10-606-113 CAD (COMPUTER AIDED DRAFTING) ...computer aided drafting using AutoCAD software focusing on template settings; creating and manipulating layers; basic drawing, editing, and inquiry commands; blocks and attributes; and plotting. (Corequisite: 10-607-119, Civil Drafting Technology OR 10-606-119, Technical Sketching OR 10-614-113, 2D Essentials)

10-614-113 2D ESSENTIALS ... an introduction to technical communication, annotation, geometric construction, model, orthographic and pictorial, section and auxiliary views and dimensioning. Knowledge integral to Model Building.

10-614-122 PROTOTYPE DESIGN ...creation of advanced mechanical and architectural computer aided drawings using AutoCAD, Solidworks, and Surf CAM software to produce 2 axis and 3 axis parts on a CNC milling machine. (Prerequisites: 10-606-113, CAD; 10-614-152, Prototyping-Introduction to; Corequisite: 10-614-124, Design Visualization)

10-614-124 DESIGN VISUALIZATION ...planning and construction stages of product models and architectural models focusing on fabrication methods, material selection, CNC machining, painting and finishing techniques, and model photography. (Prerequisites: 10-614-152, Prototyping-Introduction to; 10-606-113, CAD; Corequisite: 10-614-122, Prototype Design)

10-614-134 ENGINEERING MODELS ...engineering/design modeling, power and hand tools, materials and techniques; job responsibilities and relations with other disciplines; constructing engineering/design models; basic mold making; and Rapid Prototyping model processes. (Corequisite: 10-614-152, Prototyping-Introduction to)

10-614-136 MODELING 3D-CAD ...solid modeling (3D drawing) using AutoCAD, Solidworks, and Inventor Software; and 3D solid models/drawings; rapid prototyping; importing and exporting of data. (Prerequisite: 10-606-113, CAD)

10-614-138 CNC MACHINING-ADVANCED ...create two and three dimensional drawings, and tool paths using SurfCAM software. Parts will be machined on the CNC milling machine using materials typically used in the model building industry. (Prerequisites: 10-614-122, Prototype Design; 10-614-124, Design Visualization)

10-614-139 PROTOTYPE & DESIGN INTERNSHIP ...an introduction to model building, safety, tools, materials, flexible mold making, casting, limited run production, techniques and practices as on-the-job training.

10-614-143 PROTOTYPING SOLUTIONS ADVANCED ...an introduction to Product and Prototype modeling, safety, tools, materials, plastics, reinforcement, composites, flexible mold making, casting, limited run production, techniques and practices. (Prerequisite: 10-614-152, Prototyping-Introduction to)

10-614-150 VISUAL EFFECTS MODELING ...create foam latex masks from a clay sculpture that could be used as special effects in the entertainment industry. Learn to animate masks and props using radio control. (Prerequisite: 10-614-152, Prototyping-Introduction to)

10-614-152 PROTOTYPING-INTRODUCTION TO ...introduction to 3D model building using a variety of materials, machine processes, and fabrication techniques including CNC milling with an emphasis on accuracy, professionalism, and working within specified tolerances.

10-614-174 MODELS-MACHINE ...working models, preliminary through final prototype; plastic mechanisms, motions, characteristics, combinations, mechanical advantages, fits, clearances, threads, gears, levers, cams, motors, fasteners, and methods. (Prerequisite: 10-614-152, Prototyping-Introduction to)

10-614-176 MODEL FINISHING ...use a variety of methods to apply finishes most commonly used in the prototype profession. Finishes will be applied using airbrushes and different types of spray guns. The types of finishes used will be various automotive and industrial finishes. A three dimensional museum quality diorama will also be fabricated.

10-801-196 ORAL/INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION ...the communication process, perception and self-concept, language, listening, nonverbal communication, interpersonal relationships, communication in groups and public communication; prepare and deliver an oral presentation. 3 cr.

10-804-110 ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA WITH APPLICATIONS ...traditional algebra topics with applications. Learners develop algebraic problem solving techniques needed for technical problem solving and for more advanced algebraic studies. Topics include linear equations, exponents, polynomials, rational expressions, and roots and radicals. Successful completion of this course prepares learners to succeed in technical mathematics courses. (Prerequisite: Recommendation: Accuplacer Arithmetic Test = 65, OR Accuplacer Algebra Test = 33) 3 cr.

10-801-195 WRITTEN COMMUNICATION ...the nature and scope of academic and business writing. Develops writing skills which include pre-writing, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Also develops critical reading and thinking skills through the analysis of a variety of written documents. 3 cr.

10-804-118 INTERM ALGEBRA WITH APPLICATIONS ...algebra content with applications. Topics include properties of real numbers, order of operations, algebraic solution for linear equations and inequalities, operations with polynomial and rational expressions, operations with rational exponents and radicals, algebra of inverse, logarithmic and exponential functions. (Prerequisites: Recommendation: Accuplacer Algebra Test = 61 OR Accuplacer (College Level Math) = 40 OR Completion of 10-804-110, Elementary Algebra w Apps OR 10-804-120, Math-Tech Algebra with grade "C" or better). 4 cr.

10-809-172 RACE ETHNIC & DIVERSITY ...basic American values of justice and equality by teaching vocabulary, history of immigration/conquest, transcultural communication, legal liability, multicultural majority/minority relations, ageism, sexism, gender, sexual orientation, the disabled/ADA. 3 cr.

10-809-166 INTRO TO ETHICS: THEORY & APP ...basic understanding of theoretical foundations of ethical thought; analyze/compare relevant issues using diverse ethical perspectives; critically evaluate individual, social/professional standards of behavior--applying a systematic decision-making process. 3 cr.

10-809-198 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY ...survey of theoretical foundations of human behavior such as sensation and perception, motivation, emotions, learning, personality, psychological disorders, therapy, stress, and human diversity in personal, social and vocational settings. 3 cr.