Computer Integrated Manufacturing
Manufactured items are part of everyday life, yet most students have not been introduced to the high-tech, innovative nature of modern manufacturing. This course illuminates the opportunities related to understanding manufacturing. At the same time, it teaches students about manufacturing processes, product design, robotics, and automation. Students can earn a virtual manufacturing badge recognized by the National Manufacturing Badge system
Computer Integrated Manufacturing is one of the specialization courses in the PLTW Engineering program. The course deepens the skills and knowledge of an engineering student within the context of efficiently creating the products all around us. Students build upon their Computer Aided Design (CAD) experience through the use of Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software. CAM transforms a digital design into a program that a Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) mill uses to transform a block of raw material into a product designed by a student. Students learn and apply concepts related to integrating robotic systems such as Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) and robotic arms into manufacturing systems.
Throughout the course students learn about manufacturing processes and systems. This course culminates with a capstone project where students design, build, program, and present a manufacturing system model capable of creating a product.
College Credit
Students are able to gain college credit for each of the five PLTW courses. Students must earn a score of 7, 8 or 9 on the national exam given at the end of each course.
Students must also complete each course with and an average grade of 85%.
Course Studies
Unit 1: Principles of Manufacturing
History of Manufacturing
Control Systems Lesson
Cost of Manufacturing
Unit 2: Manufacturing Processes
Designing for Manufacturability
How We Make Things
Product Development
Unit 3: Elements of Automation
Introduction to Robotic Automation
Introduction to Automation Power
Robotic Programming and Usage
Unit 4: Integration of Manufacturing
CIM Systems
Integration of Manufacturing