Computer Aided Manufacturing of Materials (CAM CNC Machining)

Program Overview

Computer Aided Manufacturing of Materials (CAM CNC Machining)

Course Overview

The purpose of this unit is to enable learners to develop an understanding of modern CAM and CNC machining systems, the importance of information links between CAD product data and manufacturing data, the role of process planning in manufacturing and the types of process planning available. This programme covers CNC machining using CAM technologies in areas such as 2.5D Milling including trochoidal milling, 3D roughing, 3D surface machining, 5-axis milling turning and mill/turn.

Entry Requirements

• International City and Guilds Certificate award (2565) or,
• National Craft Certificate in the following trades: Aircraft Mechanic, Electrician, Fitter, Heavy Vehicle Mechanic, Toolmaker, Metal Fabrication, Motor Mechanic or equivalent
• National Certificate in Engineering or,
• National Certificate in Technology or,
• Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Certified Manufacturing Technologist Level
• Experience in a Manufacturing Environment.

Course Content

• The use of automation in modern machining systems.
• The information links between Computer Aided Machining and manufacturing systems.
• Process planning for manufacture.
• How to produce CNC part-programs and transfer to the CNC controller.
• How to produce parts using CAD CAM software and CNC milling and turning machine.

Delivery

• The proposed delivery schedule is subject to change.
• Duration: 25 Weeks, 1 evening per week, 3 hours per evening
• Start Date: 15/09/2025
• Location: This programme will take place at the TUS Coonagh Campus in Limerick

Fees

• €1250 fees, payable to TUS.
• There is an additional City & Guilds International Examination and Registration Fee, which is approximately €250, and which is payable to the Exams Office mid-way through the programme.

Application Deadline

• Application Deadline: 3rd September 2025. Places are allocated on a first come first served basis. Course will be closed once the maximum number of applicants is reached. Courses run subject to viable numbers.

Program Outline

• Gain knowledge of the role of process planning in manufacturing and the types of process planning available.
• Learn about CNC machining using CAM technologies in areas such as 2.5D Milling, 3D roughing, 3D surface machining, 5-axis milling turning, and mill/turn.

Outline:

Content:

• Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) programming of CNC machines: Students will use industrial standard CAM software to program components for manufacture using CNC milling machines and turning centres.
• CNC tooling technology and quality standards: Students will develop a deeper understanding of current CNC tooling technology and quality standards.
• Tooling usage, speeds, feeds, operation sequencing, and machining strategies: Students will analyze tooling usage, speeds, feeds, operation sequencing, and machining strategies for greater machining efficiency.
• Machine preparation, work holding, and tooling selection and mounting: Students will learn about the preparation of the machine, selection and the preparing of the required methods of work holding, Selection and the correct mounting of tooling.
• Process planning for components: Students will create process plans for components.
• Program verification and data transfer: Students will document the verification of programs before post processing and transferring the data to the machine controller to manufacture a small number of the components.

Structure:

• The program is delivered part-time, with one evening per week for 25 weeks.
• Each evening session is 3 hours long, from 7pm to 10pm.

Course Schedule:

• The program runs on Tuesdays.

Modules:

• Module 1: The use of automation in modern machining systems.
• Module 3: Process planning for manufacture.
• Module 5: How to produce parts using CAD CAM software and CNC milling and turning machine.

Other:

• This Next Level Skillnet programme is cofounded by the Government of Ireland, the European Union, and network companies.
• The proposed delivery schedule is subject to change.
• The program has been approved for Next Level Skillnet ESF+ funding.
Eligible applicants can avail of up to 50% funding. To be eligible, a company must be paying the fees for their employee, and they should be a private company based in Ireland. Next Level Skillnet can also fund Sole Traders. Subject to terms and conditions.

€1000 fees, payable to TUS.