Go to nashuacc.edu/programs for even more details about this and other NCC programs and certificates.
Mechanical Design Technology responds to industry needs for trained individuals who can follow the design process from inspiration to the final production design of manufactured products. The Mechanical Design Technology program prepares specialists who are capable of integrating all the steps of the design process.
The mechanical designer requires knowledge in many areas including Computer Aided Drafting and Design, Machine Shop, Robotics, and Machine Components.
Foundation courses will provide knowledge of physics, mathematics, machine shop practices, machine theory and automation programming. Subsequent courses build upon this basic knowledge to develop applications related to modern machine design.
To prepare students for the rapid pace of technological changes in the workplace, the Mechanical Design Technology program seeks to develop long-term sustainable design and problem- solving capabilities.
While manufacturing has had its struggles in recent years, demand is expected to be strong for mechanical designers as companies emphasize high-quality and safe products that are easy to use. High technology products in medicine, transportation, and other fields, and growing global competition among businesses are expected to keep designers busy.
Upon the completion of the degree in Mechanical Design Technology, graduates will be able to:
- Evaluate and apply information technology effectively.
- Generate engineering drawings that conform to industry standards.
- Create three dimensional CAD models and assemblies that meet specific design criteria.
- Use three dimensional CAD models for strength and motion analysis, animation, machining and rapid prototyping processes.
- Evaluate and specify economical and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and materials for product development.
- Produce complete and comprehensive drawing packages as well as understand Engineering Change Order procedures.
- Develop, design and manufacture a socially responsible industrial product.
- Demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills to meet design and production deadlines.
- Perform basic automation programming, fluid power, machining, and electronics related tasks in a production or test environment.
In addition, the graduate will be able to demonstrate competency in the general education outcomes.
- Have a high school degree or equivalent
- Have command of the English language
- Have reading comprehension skills sufficient to read and comprehend service literature
- Have communication skills sufficient to prepare required reports
- Be able to understand and follow both written and oral instructions
- Be able to complete requirements for college level classes
- Have sufficient vision to distinguish colors and information from a computer screen (adaptive equipment acceptable)
- Have sufficient hearing to distinguish various sounds and noises (adaptive equipment acceptable)
- Have the ability to stand for extended periods of time and physical strength to lift parts and equipment required for the program.
- Have sufficient fine motor dexterity to perform manual skills related to Mechanical Design Technology
- Be able to work in a variety of environments including but not limited to engineering, laboratory, and electronic machining.