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Any schools that provide CNC and 3D printing lessons?

I am student currently enrolled in the Hawaii Job Corps program and was wondering if there are any recommended education outlets or schools regarding 3D printing and CNC programming . I would like to study this after my graduation from my program.
#engineering #education

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Richard’s Answer

Well, I have no idea... but that doesn't stop me from googling it.

A CNC machinist would want to integrate machinist training, tech design and solid modelling, then CNC training

Now if you want to do the design and layout for, say, a manufacturing plant than some heavy Mech Engineering background and industrial process is a way to go . This trains you integrate those quirky machines together with people and process.

you can get certified in CNC programming if you want to take a prototype and setup a tool path to do it a million times, or perhaps get that thang to understand converted solid models or whatnot.

NC only runs when a machinist tells it to... so maybe start with that ( "Machinist training" ) I pulled up a list of universities that offer that with some engineering technology programs

https://learn.org/search/find.html?c1=282&c2=293&c3=3057&q=ALL&zip=&state=ALL&schoolType=noPreference&sf=1&xtra=cpgId-824

I used to work on "vision systems" very early in my career that used cameras to guide the robots that machined or welded stuff... thats pretty hard core engineering though.

The National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) certifies metalworking and includes CNC certification

Rochester Institute of Technology is one of the highest rated in machining technology certification

Im going to compile more... so check back!

Rich "uneducated guess" Wolf

Richard recommends the following next steps:

You in an excellent program, lets get these folks working for you! Ask yourself WHY CNC etc interest you. Think what is more detailed to guide yourself. 1) TRADE (Machinist , Technician , Designer etc ) 2) ACADEMIC (engineering, science, etc ) 3) BOTH ( engineering technology)
Ok now thing 1) designing (robotics) 2) encorporating ( industrial design or application ) 3) using (machinist , process tech ) 4) other ( maintanance, support, software, modeller whatnot) whatnot ) then extend the question ... 1) prototyping (one at a time ) 2) mass producing ( a million at a time ) 3) Parametric ( a little of both ) 4) visualizing ( "looks good IS good") A forensic reconstruction artist uses 3D models to produce a face from a skull with a 3D printer ... maybe that would be cool!
Check in with your job corps counseler ... look up ads and see what the jobs would require, contact some places and ask for a shadow day. A career as children's toy prototyper has different training than a ICBM missle designer ( ....well lets hope so , anyway!)
Come back and ask more sepcifc questions! Rethink "success" in terms of travel, environment, family and be specific about goals. Chances are if your interest is in a specific job erea, there is someone here that can advise and inspire!
EXPLORE ! you can learn all the elements with a $400 Lego Mindtorms set in a club (the easy way ) or after you turn on a CNC machine and it starts throwing flaming chunks of titanium at you ( the hard way ) ... Iether way you learn so win-win.. up to you ...Get to know your tools... modelling, machining, robotice elements , and process ! dont be overwhelms... takle one at a time and show the world your committed! Job Corps has a shadow program and can get you a visit with some pro's
Thank you comment icon Thank you for answering my question, I appreciate it! I will check back for your findings. ~Micah M. Micah
Thank you comment icon I like this question and suggest that a few paragraphs of commentary is not going to launch your goals to a stellar career. So Im going to add some suggested steps, and invite you to "re-ask" the question in a more career specific sense, once exploring a few specific fields that may interest you. The utmost goal is to get the question into a form that we can draw in a expert to answer and guide you. SO come back to the checklist for a few optional steps to think through and lets get you the answer you need, buddy! Richard Wolf
Thank you comment icon I found this posted as a question and wanted to add it to the thread! Hello, Mr. Wolf! Its me, Micah again getting back to you. I appreciate your answers/suggestions for me. As a matter of fact, I love tinkering with Lego parts! I will consider taking up the advanced training option or try to join the military to propel my career later on. But at home experimentation on a small scale can go a long way. The great thing about Lego parts and the Lego Technic pieces is that they are modular in design with near infinite possibilities of projects, and who knows? I might build a Lego 3-D printer (maybe...)! As for my Job Corps advanced training, I'll be sure to keep in mind to request a Shadow Day on the mainland. Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Thank you comment icon Thanks for response. The lego "mindstorms" sounds like the kit you would want to work with. It has lessons and projects broken down to introduce all elements of motors, sensors, programming, etc . Even college students use these kits to build skills. Joining a FIRST roup is a big plus as you get access to these kits and can start team and networking with local kids like yourself! Richard Wolf
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Michael’s Answer

I would recommend getting involved with a local maker space that has 3d printers and cnc's available for use. This will help you get experience with them and direct how you want to pursue your studies related to 3d printing and cnc's. You can also find several 3d printers for < $200 usd that will give you some great experience.
Some related occupations that are related to cnc's and 3d printers are:
Mechanical engineering: This will interest you if you are most interested in the physical construction of it.
Software engineering: CNC's and 3d printers use software to tell the machine the correct coordinates to move to and how much material to extrude or remove.
Material science: There is a ton of cool science behind the plastics and resins used by 3d printers to create objects.

I chose sw engineering as my occupation and have loved my decision. Regardless of what path you choose you can always spend time learning beyond that narrow focus. I love 3d printing as a hobby and youtube and online forums have helped me tremendously.
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I would start with learning a CAD software like solidworks, onshape or fusion 360. Which has student or free version of it:

https://www.onshape.com/products/free

https://www.autodesk.com/campaigns/fusion-360-for-hobbyists

Which are very self explanatory and helps you to learn the modelling, which also teaches you how to make 3D printable models.
Once you get yourself comfortable with modelling part try to buy an affordable 3D printer like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Comgrow-Creality-Ender-Aluminum-220x220x250mm/dp/B07BR3F9N6/ref=sr_1_4?crid=UDNWO9WARJQI&keywords=3d+printer&qid=1582157771&sprefix=3d+%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-4


or

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J9QGP7S/ref=sspa_dk_detail_5?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07J9QGP7S&pd_rd_w=3GJvz&pf_rd_p=45a72588-80f7-4414-9851-786f6c16d42b&pd_rd_wg=U8HCl&pf_rd_r=VK0MSS98ZEZW9W1NPWB0&pd_rd_r=91aa87bc-6211-4d58-943e-7f8bc341cd50&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyQlJWRFVSMzE2TTJPJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTMwMjExMlZIWEJXRkxGNk42TCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjAzODQ2MVFWUVNaRFFZMDNZSiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=


This will make your basics much stronger to pursue a education in manufacturing world. I would recommend looking into community colleges which are offering courses in 3D printing or CNC close by you. The classes taught in community colleges are very hands on and gives you a better understanding of the practical part of it.

There are also many online courses on 3rd printing and CNC machining on online learning platforms like Coursera and Udemy they are very resourceful too.

I 3rd printed parts for my prototypes by learning through the process i outlined above.
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Darcy’s Answer

We do this at my school, Heritage Oaks Private Educ. In Yorba Linda California!
Thank you comment icon Also google online for videos on these subjects... Darcy Calvillo, Ed.D, MBA
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