30 North LaSalle Street
Suite 2400
Chicago, Illinois 60602
312-263-0456
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Machinists Are Highly Skilled A machinist is involved in the production of nearly every product that is manufactured. Qualified machine tool technicians are needed to program, set up, operate, and supervise precision machine tools. Machine tool graduates also can become toolmakers who produce various jigs, fixtures, punches and dies, molds or other specialized tooling and machines.Exposed to the Latest Technology Lake Area Technical Institute has made a heavy investment in the latest technology to prepare graduates for employment in the world of high-tech manufacturing. The equipment includes 23 computer controlled machines such as vertical milling machines, vertical machining centers, CNC lathes, CNC wire and sinker EDM's and various CAD CAM software packages. Graduates receive training on 11 different types of machine controllers. Field trips are arranged during a student’s training to visit companies using computerized numerical controlled machines and plants employing toolmakers and moldmakers.Physical Strength not Necessary Students in this program need good eyesight, excellent eye-hand coordination, a high level of mechanical aptitude, imagination, math skills, computer skills, and the ability to work alone or as part of a team. Physical strength and size are not required. A machinist must be capable of reading and interpreting blueprints, which have the specifications necessary for the manufacture of specified parts. In addition, a machinist must be able to perform the necessary operations in the correct order to produce the specified product accurately and quickly. Much of the newer equipment is programmed by computer so a modern machinist needs computer skills.Training Overview The training introduces the student to blueprint reading, machine trades math, precision measuring, and shop safety. The training advances to cutting tool geometry, manual milling, and manual turning. The student will machine several projects to develop skills utilizing the various machining techniques. In the second year, CNC concepts are expanded while the student learns how to produce fixtures, punches and dies, and molds.Employment Possibilities South Dakota, as well as the entire nation, has an unmet need for trained machinists. There are machinists employed in virtually every town. Machinists work in welding shops, maintenance departments for companies, cities, etc. Others work as CNC programmers and toolmakers. Graduates of the Machine Tool Technology program will find employment as machine set-up personnel, maintenance technicians, general machinists, apprentice tool-and-die-makers, apprentice moldmakers, and CNC operators/programmers.Recommended Background Courses Although not required, the following courses would be beneficial to this course of study prior to attending Lake Area Technical Institute: Math, Algebra, Computer, Communications, and English. |
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Manufacturing Engineers 3D Printing New in 2005-06 is our state of the art 3D Printer. Machine Tool Videos
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230 11th Street NE - PO Box 730 - Watertown, South Dakota - 57201
General Information: (605) 882-LATI or 1-800-657-4344
Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission