Academic Catalogs

MACH A033N: Computerized Numerical Control Programming-Mastercam 1 Noncredit

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Eff Term Fall 2026
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 02/25/2026
Top Code 095630 - Machining and Machine Tools (CTE)
Units 0 Total Units (Lecture Units 0;  Lab/Other Units 0)
Hours 72 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 45; Lab Hours 27)
Total Outside of Class Hours 90
Total Student Learning Hours 162
Course Credit Status Noncredit (N)
Material Fee No
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable Yes; Repeat Limit 99
Open Entry/Open Exit No
Grading Policy P/NP/SP Non-Credit (D), 
  • Letter Non-Credit (L)

Course Description

In this noncredit course, students will receive hands-on training in the use of Mastercam Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) programming software. The basics of two-dimensional part programming, including geometry development, milling, drilling, tapping, pocketing, and more will be explored. ADVISORY: CHT A100, CIS A100, or MACH A130, or MACH A030N, or instructor permission. Transfer Credit: Not Transferable.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Demonstrate entry level skills in programming CNC machine tools using a PC.
  2. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the basic machining procedures performed through Mastercam.

Course Objectives

  • 1. Develop entry level skills at programming CNC machine tools using a microcomputer.
  • 2. Have a working knowledge of the basic machining operations performed through Mastercam.
  • 3. Develop skill at creating simple part geometry on the computer.
  • 4. Develop skill at driving cutting tools on the computer.
  • 5. Develop skill at editing and processing machine language files generated by Mastercam.
  • 6. Develop a working knowledge of the process of cutter path regeneration.
  • 7. Develop a working knowledge of the techniques of cutter library use.
  • 8. Develop skill at merging different Mastercam files into one.

Lecture Content

  1. Introduction and overview of Mastercam and computer assisted parts programming
  2. Course requirements
  3. How Mastercam works
    1. Main menu
    2. Toolbar
    3. Secondary menu
    4. Prompt area
    5. File types
  4. Geometry construction
    1. Z depth
    2. Color
    3. Levels
    4. Construction planes
    5. Geometry planes
    6. Views
    7. Two-dimensional versus three-dimensional construction
    8. Points, lines, arcs, rectangles, fillet, splines, curves, chamfers
  5. Modifying geometry
    1. Break
    2. Trim
    3. Join
    4. X Form
    5. Rotate
    6. Translate
    7. Mirror
    8. Extend
  6. Special 2-d features
    1. Bolt circles
    2. Polar features
    3. Letters
  7. Basic surfaces
    1. Ruled
    2. Revolved
    3. Draft
    4. Swept
    5. Fillet
    6. Loft Trim / Extend / Offset surfaces
  8. Tool path
    1. Drill
    2. Contour
    3. Rough 
    4. Finish
    5. Pocket
    6. Flowline
  9. Parameters
    1. Milling
    2. Drilling
    3. Turning
    4. Pocketin
  10. Post processors
    1. Doc files
  11. Fine tuning and editing

Lab Content

  1. Introduction and overview of Mastercam and computer assisted parts programming
  2. Course requirements
  3. How Mastercam works
    1. Main menu
    2. Toolbar
    3. Secondary menu
    4. Prompt area
    5. File types
  4. Geometry construction
    1. Z depth
    2. Color
    3. Levels
    4. Construction planes
    5. Geometry planes
    6. Views
    7. Two-dimensional versus three-dimensional construction
    8. Points, lines, arcs, rectangles, fillet, splines, curves, chamfers
  5. Modifying geometry
    1. Break
    2. Trim
    3. Join
    4. X Form
    5. Rotate
    6. Translate
    7. Mirror
    8. Extend
  6. Special 2-d features
    1. Bolt circles
    2. Polar features
    3. Letters
  7. Basic surfaces
    1. Ruled
    2. Revolved
    3. Draft
    4. Swept
    5. Fillet
    6. Loft Trim / Extend / Offset surfaces
  8. Tool path
    1. Drill
    2. Contour
    3. Rough 
    4. Finish
    5. Pocket
    6. Flowline
  9. Parameters
    1. Milling
    2. Drilling
    3. Turning
    4. Pocketin
  10. Post processors
    1. Doc files
  11. Fine tuning and editing

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Enhanced NC Lab (NC2)
  • Enhanced NC Lect (NC1)
  • Live Online Enhanced NC Lab (NCA)
  • Live Online Enhanced NC Lect (NC9)

Instructional Techniques

Lecture and demonstration using the computer and software.  Supervised and guided lab activities on the computer using Mastercam.

Reading Assignments

Students will spend two hours a week reading instructor's handouts and notes.

Writing Assignments

Demonstrate the proper use of MasterCam and run programs on the machine two a week.

Out-of-class Assignments

Students will work on programming assignments two hours a week.

Methods of Student Evaluation

  • Final Exam
  • Short Quizzes
  • Essay Examinations

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Quizzes; part programs; part designs; final exam

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Proficiency demonstration in the performance of the instructional objectives

Resources Subscreen

  • Software: . MasterCam 2025. 2025 MasterCam ().

Eligible Discipline(s)

  • Machine tool technology (tool and die making): Any bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience, or any associate degree and six years of professional experience.