-
Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM)Specialized Course, PLTW Pathway to EngineeringTCD is a PLTW Certified School
U.S. manufacturers need your creativity and
technological savvy – lead the way!Manufacturing in the U.S. is facing a critical shortage of engineers and technicians. A whole generation is retiring and there are not enough qualified young people to replace them. Contrary to headlines, the U.S. is a world leader in precision manufacturing and innovation. Today's manufacturing is complex and high tech, requiring problem-solvers with good STEM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). Will you be part of the solution?See the trailer for "Metal & Flesh" -- showing how American manufacturing is taking the industry to the next level of COOL!
What will my classes be like?Learn up close how things are made. Is the process for making a water bottle the same as a musical instrument? How are assembly lines designed and automated? Through your growing knowledge of the history, principles, and processes of manufacturing, you will design and build your own automated manufacturing system, factoring in safety, quality, cost, and efficiency. Use technologies in your projects that have revolutionized manufacturing: computer modeling, Computer Numeric Control (CNC) technology, Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software, robotics, and flexible manufacturing systems.Examples of Advanced Manufacturing Careers -- what do they do?
Manufacturing outlook
From The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Manufacturing in the greater Chicago area experienced the second-largest employment gain (2.8 percent) of any industry, with only professional and business services reporting greater expansion at 3.7 percent.
From Choose DuPage
The manufacturing sector of the economy in DuPage County is the fifth most important employment sector, featuring the fourth highest wages and benefits.
From The Conference Board (an independent, global business and research association)
Reports an increase from just over 82,000 job openings in 2009 to over 208,000 in
August 2012.
"Metal and Flesh" -- Engineering and manufacturing take prosthetics to a whole new level!
CURRICULUM TOPICS
This is not a comprehensive list of all available skills and goals, but given to show the scope of the curriculum. Computer Integrated Manufacturing is a high school level course that is appropriate for students interested in manufacturing and automation. It is recommended that students are concurrently enrolled in college preparatory mathematics and science courses.The course of study includes:
- Computer Modeling
- Programmable Machining using CNCs and
- Robotics in Manufacturing
- Principles of Manufacturing
- Manufacturing Processes
- Elements of Automation
- Integration of Manufacturing Elements
CIM is one of the specialized courses in TCD's PLTW Pathway to Engineering course sequence. Students who have successfully completed the foundation courses Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) and Principles of Engineering (POE) at TCD or their high school can easily transition to this course. For maximum recognition or credit from PLTW-affiliated colleges and universities, it is recommended that a student successfully complete the two foundation courses, one specialized course, and the capstone course. Some affiliate give recognition or credit on a course by course basis. For more information click here.Additional PLTW course information:
Pathway to Engineering -- OverviewCivil Engineering & Architecture (CEA) -- specialized courseEngineering Design & Development (EDD) -- capstone course
Coming in 2014-2015Aerospace Engineering (AE) -- specialized course
Biotechnical Engineering (BE) -- specialized course -
