Mechanical Design Technology Associate Degree

Employment Potential

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

• Detailer: produces detailed drawings of parts of machines from supplied information on CAD, and make drawing changes to comply with Engineering Change Notices (ECN’s)/ Engineering Change Requests (ECR’s).
• Mechanical Design Technician: applies knowledge of mechanical engineering technology to design, develop, and test new or revised machinery; assists in component selection and sizing of machine members; has duties split between design and drafting and may specialize in a specific type of machine or product. Most work is performed on a computer.
• Mechanical Drafter: has the principal duty of preparing working drawings of machinery and mechanical devices using CAD systems to draft detail and assembly drawings indicating dimensions and tolerances, materials, surface finishes, joining requirements, and other engineering data.

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

• Mechanical Designer (Product Designer)
• Lead Designer
• Project Engineer
• Technical Sales/Service Representative

Requirements for Program Entry

• Completed application.
• High school transcript or equivalent. (For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.)
• To be admitted to this program, learners must achieve a prior cumulative high school or college grade point average of 2.6 or higher OR a satisfactory academic skills assessment score. College grade point average must be based on 15 credits or more. To learn more about starting this program, please contact an academic advisor at (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.
• A high school background in mathematics, science and industrial education.
• High school algebra or equivalent.
• Familiar with Microsoft Word and File Management.

Curriculum

Curriculum: Students following the study plan below will complete the Mechanical Design Technology associate degree in the number of semesters shown.

First Semester

10-890-101

College 101

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-890-101 COLLEGE 101 ...Students will utilize digital tools and resources to assess, explore, practice, apply, and evaluate both employability and learning skills. By establishing NWTC cultural values as hallmarks of success in academic, career, and personal settings the course encourages reflective, personalized development of a growth mindset and emphasizes the importance of making wise choices. To maximize the return on investment, students should take this course in their first semester as it identifies key expectations (hidden rules) of higher learning and professional employment.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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10-606-111

Mechanical Design-Exploring

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-606-111 MECHANICAL DESIGN EXPLORING ...philosophy/organization/procedure of the Mechanical Design Technology Program, brief overview of the engineering profession by involvement in a design project to illustrate basic concepts/methods of machine design.

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-606-116

CAD-Intro

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-606-116 CAD (COMPUTER AIDED DRAFTING)-INTRODUCTION ...CAD terminology, drawing preliminaries, basic inquiry and setting commands, layer setting and manipulation, basic drawing and display commands, basic edit commands, and plotting, using AutoCAD software.

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-606-160

Solidworks Fundamentals

1

10-606-160 SOLIDWORKS FUNDAMENTALS ...introduces terminology; software operation and interface layout. It also exposes the student to creating basic models, assemblies & using the drawing environment.

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10-804-113

College Technical Math 1A

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-804-113 COLLEGE TECHNICAL MATH 1A ...topics include solving linear equations; graphing; percent; proportions; measurement systems; computational geometry; and right triangle trigonometry. Emphasis will be on the application of skills to technical problems. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Arithmetic score greater/equal to 250 AND Rdg score greater/equal to 250; OR TABE A 9/10 Math greater/equal to 12.7 AND Rdg greater/equal to 8.8; OR TABE 11/12 Math greater/equal to 780 AND Rdg greater/equal to 573; OR ACT Math score greater/equal to 15 AND ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory courses-contact an academic advisor 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-103-131

Micro: Excel-Intro

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-103-131 MICRO: EXCEL-INTRODUCTION ...creating a worksheet, enhancing worksheet appearance, moving and copying data, using formulas and functions, creating charts and using clip art. Windows experience improves success; consider 10-103-111, Windows/Computer Basics.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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10-606-119

Sketching-Technical

2

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-606-119 SKETCHING-TECHNICAL ...graphically describe objects with and without a CAD system; understand and demonstrate the fundamental components of an engineering drawing: geometric construction, orthographic projection, section views, dimensioning & tolerancing. (Prerequisite: Accepted into Mechanical Design Technology program or Mechanical CAD Certificate; Corequisite: 10-606-116, CAD-Intro.)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-606-211

Mech AutoCAD Fundamentals

2

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-606-211 MECHANICAL AUTOCAD FUNDAMENTALS ...fully dimensioned orthographic mechanical drawings; section and asuxiliary views, mechanical assembly drawings, advanced layer management. (Prerequisite: 10-606-116, CAD-Intro with a "C" or better; Corequisite: 10-606-119, Sketching, Technical)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-801-136

English Composition 1

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-801-136 ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 ...learners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: High school GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 260; OR "preparatory course(s)", contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-606-106

SolidWorks Intermediate

2

10-606-106 SOLIDWORKS INTERMEDIATE ...introduces using intermediate features such as patterns, revolve, and sweep. Students learn how to measure center of gravity on assemblies and to create completely dimensioned orthographic drawings. (Prerequisite: 10-606-160, SolidWorks Fundamentals)

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Semester Total

17

Second Semester

10-614-204

Additive Manufacturing

1

10-614-204 ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING ...basics of rapid prototyping including preparation of SolidWorks models and fundamentals of operating a 3D printer. (Prerequisite: 10-606-210; SW Fund, Assemblies, Dwgs)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-442-153

Prototype Metal Fabrication

2

10-442-153 PROTOTYPE METAL FABRICATION...ferrous and non-ferrous metals, oxyacetylene gas, tungsten arc, gas metal arc, and metal fabrication.

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-606-128

Fabrication Design

2

10-606-128 FABRICATION DESIGN ...focuses on creating fully dimensioned and detailed fabricated parts. Different fabrication techniques and how to create mechanical detail prints so parts can be fabricated properly is also covered. Students will also learn Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, tolerance stacking, dimension placement, and calculating and creating sheet metal drawing flat patterns, as well as threads and fasteners. (Prerequisites: 10-606-106, SolidWorks Intermediate; 10-606-211, Mechanical AutoCAD)

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10-614-136

3D Modeling with Inventor

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-614-136 3D MODELING WITH INVENTOR ...develop the knowledge and skills, to create Solid Models using Autodesk Inventor; creating and editing 3D drawings; rapid prototyping; manipulating data. (Prerequisites: 10-606-116 - CAD-Intro; 10-606-160, SolidWorks Fundamentals.)

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10-804-114

College Technical Math 1B

2

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-804-114 COLLEGE TECHNICAL MATH 1B ...topics include: performing operations on polynomials; solving quadratic and rational equations; formula rearrangement; solving systems of equations; and oblique triangle trigonometry. Emphasis will be on the application of skills to technical problems. (Prerequisite: 10-804-113, Tech Math 1A with grade C or better)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-606-213

CAD-Auxiliary & Flat Pattern

2

10-606-213 CAD - AUXILIARY AND FLAT PATTERN ...primary and successive auxiliary views, 2D flat pattern developments. (Prerequisite: 10-606-211, Mech AutoCAD Fund)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-806-154

General Physics 1

4

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-806-154 GENERAL PHYSICS 1 ...applications/theory of basic physics principles: problem-solving, laboratory investigation, and applications including unit conversion and analysis, vectors, translational and rotational kinematics/dynamics, heat/temperature, and harmonic motion and waves. (Prereq: 2.6 GPA & Alg 2 or equiv w/C or better; OR Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 263, Arith greater/equal to 250, & QRAS greater/equal to 250; OR ACT Reading greater/equal to 17 & Math greater/equal to 21; OR Coll Tech Math 1A OR Int Alg w/C or better)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-606-129

Assembly Design

2

10-606-129 ASSEMBLY DESIGN ...introduces the creation of assembly drawings including a complete set of detailed prints along with drawings that show how a mechanism will be assembled. Students also create a set of prints for welding multiple parts together and will take part in “top-down engineering” activities to and be responsible for all aspects of a mechanical design project. Project management and scheduling will also be introduced as it relates to mechanical design, group dynamics, creating complete bill of materials including fabricated and purchased parts, along with multiple other aspects of project management. A final Design “binder” will be created and presented. (Prerequisite: 10-606-128, Fabrication Design)

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Semester Total

16

Third Semester

10-606-138

Statics

2

10-606-138 STATICS ...principles of statics, force analysis, moments, resultant and equilibrant forces, coplanar force systems, analysis of trusses and frames. (Prerequisites: 10-804-114, College Technical Math 1B; 10-806-154, General Physics 1)

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10-606-216

SolidWorks Advanced

2

10-606-216 SOLIDWORKS ADVANCED ...sheet metal parts, sheet metal drawings, weldment parts, weldment drawings, equations, configurations, assemblies, assembly drawings, lofting and surfacing. (Prerequisite: 10-606-210 SW Fund, Assemblies, Dwgs)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-664-100

Automation 1: Control Logic

1

10-664-100 AUTOMATION 1: CONTROL LOGIC ...electric motor control components such as switches, relays, starters, transformers; and safely mount and install motor and motor control components and perform related wiring and troubleshooting of motor control circuits.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-801-196

Oral/Interpersonal Comm

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-801-196 ORAL/INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION ...this course focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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10-420-173

Mechanical Design-CNC

2

10-420-173 MECHANICAL DESIGN - CNC ...2 axis CNC, 3 axis CNC and importing files. (Prerequisite: 10-606-210, SW Fund, Assemblies, Dwgs; 10-606-211, Mech AutoCAD Fundamentals)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-606-148

Materials-Strength

3

10-606-148 MATERIALS-STRENGTH ...effect of static loads on materials; stresses; properties; bolted, riveted, and welded joints; center of gravity; centroids; inertia; simple beams; torsion; shafts, couplings, and keys; combined stresses and columns. (Prerequisite: 10-606-138, Statics)

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10-606-168

Large Model Management

1

10-606-168 LARGE MODEL MANAGEMENT ...building large assemblies from SolidWorks, Inventor, and 3D Point Cloud data. Utilizing assembly/sub-assembly structure. Exposure to CAD file management and work flows using AutoDesk Vault. Using the large assemblies to create factory layouts. Exposure to NavisWorks and AutoDesk Plant Design. (Prerequisite: 10606-160, SolidWorks Fundamentals; 10-614-136, 3D Modeling with Inventor.)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-809-172

Intro to Diversity Studies

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-809-172 INTRO TO DIVERSITY STUDIES...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. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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Semester Total

17

Fourth Semester

10-606-141

Design Problems

3

10-606-141 DESIGN PROBLEMS ...data gathering, mathematics, document standard practices, project management and teamwork. [Prerequisites: 10-606-135, Machine Members-Strength; 10-606-103, 2D CAD Adv; (10-606-216, Solidworks Advanced OR 10-606-160, SolidWorks Sheet Metal AND 10-606-166, SolidWorks Loft & Surface)]

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-606-145

Kinematics

2

10-606-145 KINEMATICS ...studies the motion of a mechanism without regard to the forces that cause the motion. Motion characteristics are then examined by utilizing skeleton diagrams and graphical techniques. The creation and application of kinematic (skeleton) diagrams is covered. Those diagrams are then used to graphically and analytically convert from angular velocities to linear velocities and vice versa. (Prerequisites: 10-606-211, Mechanical AutoCAD; 10-806-154, General Physics 1)

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10-606-215

SolidWorks Simulation

2

10-606-215 SOLIDWORKS SIMULATION ...stress analysis utilizing the SolidWorks software. Material selection and assembly motion simulation. (Prerequisite: 10-606-210 SW Fund, Assemblies, Dwgs; 10-606-135, Machine Members-Strength)

Course Typically Offered: Spring

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10-623-170

Engineering Materials - Intro

3

10-623-170 ENGINEERING MATERIALS - INTRO ...exposure to engineering materials, their properties, and behavior. Topics will include: material types, material testing, mechanical properties, heat treatment and materials selection. (Corequisites: 10-804-197, College Algebra & Trig w Apps OR 10-804-195, College Algebra w Apps AND 10-804-196, Trigonometry w Apps OR 10-804-113 Tech Math 1A)

Course Typically Offered: Fall

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10-620-100

Fluids 1: Basic Pneumatics

1

10-620-100 FLUIDS 1: BASIC PNEUMATICS ...what fluid power is, differentiate between hydraulics and pneumatics, implement basic pneumatic circuits, utilize schematics, apply Pascal's Law, define properties of fluids, implement airflow control and hydraulics cylinder circuits.

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-809-198

Intro to Psychology

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

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. (Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 2.6 or greater OR satisfactory reading and writing assessment scores OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing 1 with "B" or better OR Corequisite: 10-831-102, English Comp Prep)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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10-620-101

Fluids 2: Basic Hydraulics

1

10-620-101 FLUIDS 2: BASIC HYDRAULICS ...hydraulic pumps, basic hydraulics actuator circuits, hydraulic schematics, apply Pascal's Law, summarize the effects of fluids friction, define properties of hydraulic energy, design hydraulic circuits with directional control valves. (Corequisite: 10-620-100, Fluids 1: Basic Pneumatics)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-606-146

Cams & Gears

1

10-606-146 CAMS & GEARS ...introduces the concept of transmitting motion from one rotating shaft to another by the use and study of gear, belt, and chain drives. Students will also learn to identify different gear, belt, and chain types and the best application for each along with calculating gear train values. Also covered will be Cam design using a 3D modeler program, including identifying the characteristics and displacements of different motion types via different motion schemes, as well as constructing displacement diagrams of various motion schemes. (Prerequisites: 10-606-145, Kinematics)

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Semester Total

16

Total Credits

66

Curriculum Note: The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program requirements, but must be passed with a C or better.

Students considering pursuing a four-year degree should take Intermediate Algebra w/Apps, 10-804-118, in place of 10-804-113, College Tech Math 1A and 10-804-196, Trigonometry w/Apps in place of 10-804-114, College Tech Math 1B.

Program Outcomes

• Prepare detail and assembly drawings for the documentation of mechanical components and products.
• Create CAD geometry, parts, and assemblies.
• Design Mechanical components and products.
• Analyze Mechanical Engineering Problems.
• Select purchased parts.
• Operate word processing and spreadsheet programs.
• Understand application of electromechanical devices and servos.
• Participate as a member of a manufacturing team.
• Work in an organized manner, documenting work performed.

Start here. Finish at a four-year.

NWTC transfer programs are offered through collaborative agreements with our four-year college and university partners. See where your associate degree credits will transfer >> EXCLUDEEND

Study Abroad Opportunities

The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses. To find out more about which of your program courses may offer an opportunity during this academic year, contact your academic advisor or visit nwtc.edu/studyabroad.