Drafting

We prepare you with skills in drafting, mathematics and related scientific and engineering areas. You’ll learn drafting and design methods with computer-aided drafting (CAD), which is used in engineering, manufacturing and architectural industries.

Work with a counselor to develop the right educational path, because coursework differs for students looking to just complete the associate’s degree program and those wanting to continue on to earn a bachelor’s degree.

 

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Drafting and Engineering Technology

 

Degrees and Certificates

Drafting Technician: Mechanical

The mechanical drafting technician program provides the fundamental knowledge and skills in CAD modeling and drafting. The curriculum is designed for students seeking employment in the following fields: mechanical design, manufacturing, aerospace, civil, structural steel, technical illustration, tool design, piping, sheet metal layout, and other related industries.

The mechanical drafting technician program includes basic 2D CAD using AutoCAD, feature based solid modeling, design and drafting using SolidWorks and a course in manufacturing principles including CNC programming using MasterCAM. This curriculum prepares students for employment as entry level CAD operators, draftsmen, designers in all of the fields listed above.

Drafting Technician: Architectural

The architectural drafting technician curriculum prepares students for employment as entry level architectural drafting aids, building designer of residences, detailer, designer, and CAD operators. Graduates of the program may find work in offices of architects, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, and other related industries.

The architectural drafting technician students enroll in math, physics, physical science, art and technical drafting, of which two semesters are devoted to residential planning, perspective, and 3-D model construction. The skills and knowledge gained in this program prepare qualified students for work in offices of architects, structural and mechanical engineers, and related industries, as engineering aides or technicians.

CAD/CAM Operator Certificate

This is a ‘mini-certificate’ that gives students an intermediate goal to achieve and a tool to help get entry level employment. The Computer-Aided Drafting/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) certificate shows that students have learned to operate current industry-standard software most commonly used in mechanical design and manufacturing. This includes 2D AuoCAD and 3D modeling/drafting using SolidWorks, as well as using models designed in these programs as the basis for CNC tool-path generation for part fabrication using MasterCAM. Students will also have a fundamental understanding of drafting practices and standards and material removal manufacturing processes.

 

Engineering Technology Associate Degree

The Engineering Technology Associate Degree program prepares students for employment in technical fields or to transfer to university engineering technology programs. By completing the degree or certificate requirements, students acquire a foundation in the principles of engineering, engineering design, computer-aided design, electronics, manufacturing processes, manufacturing automation, and the application of math and science in technical fields. This program is tightly linked to our mechanical drafting program and many students choose to do both. Students planning to transfer to 4-year programs are also encouraged to take related courses in our Engineering program ENGIN30 and ENGIN50.

Careers in engineering technology involve high level technical work in the creation, manufacture, production, utilization, and distribution of industrial materials, products and processes. Engineering technicians/technologists serve as members of the engineering team and engage in the management, design, production, assembly, quality control and sales activities in their respective fields.

Graduates accept jobs with titles such as CAD and design technicians, engineering aides, engineering technicians, CNC programmers, plant maintenance personnel, designers/draftspersons, production assistants, project managers, sales engineers, consultants, design/production assistant, manufacturing support and lab technicians/technologists within many disciplines of engineering technology.
With additional experience, promotion to positions such as industrial supervisors, machine and tool designers, technical buyers, production expeditors, and cost estimators is possible.

Engineering Technology Certificate of Achievement

The Engineering Technology Certificate of Achievement provides students the fundamental skills needed for employment in technical positions in the design and manufacturing workplace. By completing the certificate requirements, students acquire a foundation in math, chemistry, physics, drafting, computer-aided design (CAD), engineering principles and design, manufacturing processes, and electronics, and can apply the associated concepts and tools in technical fields. Engineering technicians can expect to find employment as key members of an engineering/production team and be involved in the product development/production cycle at virtually any stage from research and development to quality assurance to customer support or technical sales.

2+2+2 Program

The engineering technology program is designed as a 2+2+2 program that provides students pathways from High School to Chaffey College to careers or to 4-year engineering technology programs. Students are provided with the opportunity to get Chaffey college credit for core drafting and engineering technology courses by taking Project-Lead-the-Way and drafting classes in their high schools.
Specific articulation agreements are in place between Chaffey College and local high schools. Articulation agreements are also in place for most of our courses that can be transferred to the engineering technology programs at Cal Poly Pomona and CSU Long Beach. 

Engineering Technology Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon the successful completion of this degree, students should be able to:

1. Effectively express information regarding engineering technology activities and topics through speaking, writing, producing engineering drawings and diagrams, using digital media and other appropriate modes of communication/expression.
2. Apply the knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of engineering technology.
3. Function competently in a laboratory setting, which includes working effectively in teams, making measurements, operating technical equipment, critically examining and properly reporting experimental results, and reflecting on their potential for process improvement.
4. Utilize principles of mathematics and applied science to perform technical calculations and solve technical problems of the types commonly encountered in engineering technology careers.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of and a commitment to address professional and ethical responsibilities including a respect for diversity.
6. Engage in self-directed life-long learning, especially concerning maintenance and improvement of technical skills.
7. Demonstrate academic skills that prepare them to participate in all domains of society: civically, economically, and politically.

Engineering Technology Certificate Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon the successful completion of this certificate, students should be able to:

1. Effectively express information regarding engineering technology activities and topics through speaking, writing, producing engineering drawings and diagrams, using digital media and other appropriate modes of communication/expression.
2. Apply the knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of engineering technology.
3. Function competently in a laboratory setting, which includes working effectively in teams, making measurements, operating technical equipment, critically examining and properly reporting experimental results, and reflecting on their potential for process improvement.
4. Utilize principles of mathematics and applied science to perform technical calculations and solve technical problems of the types commonly encountered in engineering technology careers.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of and a commitment to address professional and ethical responsibilities including a respect for diversity.
6. Engage in self-directed life-long learning, especially concerning maintenance and improvement of technical skills.

 

Drafting Course Descriptions

20 Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (4) [Cx]
(CSU) 
Hours: 48-54 lecture; 48-54 laboratory. Grading: Letter grade only.
Advisory: Completion of Computer Information Systems 4 or Windows experience. Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) technology, terminology, and application, using an industry-standard program. Topics include drawing creation, detailing and dimensioning, management of drawing files, management of the user environment, producing hardcopy output of drawings, and introduction to parametric sketching. Emphasis on two-dimensional working drawings. Coursework will be completed using the AutoCAD CAD design software.

21 Mechanical Design I (3) [Cx]
(CSU) 
Hours: 16-18 lecture; 96-108 laboratory. Grading: Letter grade only.
Prerequisite: Drafting 20 or one year of high school drafting using AutoCAD, and Engineering Technology 10 or one year of high school drafting using SolidWorks or a similar feature-based modeling software.

Production of engineering drawings using primary orthographic views, section views, detail views and auxiliary views. Detailing of drawing views including dimension, notes/labels and drawing formats. Assignments will be done using the SolidWorks CAD modeling system

41 Computer-Aided Drafting and Design: Mechanical (4)
(CSU) 
Hours: 32-36 lecture; 96-108 laboratory. Grading: Letter grade only.
Prerequisite: Engineering Technology 10. Advisory: Completion of Drafting 21.

Advanced drawing techniques using the computer, with focus on mechanical applications. Advanced documentation/design practices including ASME Y14.5 form and positional tolerancing, tolerance stacking/analysis and Six Sigma tolerancing practices. Additional topics include the creation of symbol libraries, bills of material, customizing menus, and other forms of interface automation. Assignments will be done using the SolidWorks CAD modeling system

43 Advanced CAD Modeling and Applications (3)
(CSU) 
Hours: 32-36 lecture; 48-54 laboratory. Grading: Letter grade only.
Prerequisite: Engineering Technology 10.

Advanced concepts and development of three-dimensional visualization skills. Techniques for part and assembly modeling using a feature-based parametric CAD solid modeler. Technique for producing industry standard orthographic projection drawings from three-dimensional solid models. Assignments will be done using the SolidWorks CAD modeling system.

50 Architectural Design I (3) [Cx]
(CSU) 
Hours: 32-36 lecture; 48-54 laboratory
Grading: Letter grade only.
Prerequisite: Drafting 20 or one year of high school drafting.

Theory and methods of architectural drawings, incorporating the fundamentals of good residential design. Topics include: line conventions, projection representation, dimensions, layout and traffic pattern accommodation, and the impact of building codes and UBC and FHA regulations. Student drawings will reflect the integration of topics concepts and the various plans needed for a complete set of working drawings, including a plot plan, foundation plan, floor plan, sections, details, and stairs. Coursework will be completed using AutoCAD and REVIT software.

51 Architectural Design II (3) [Cx]
(CSU) 
Hours: 32-36 lecture; 48-54 laboratory. Grading: Letter grade only.
Prerequisite: Drafting 50.

Design issues associated with more complex buildings and settings, including the impact of zoning, local codes, and challenging sites. Topics include: multiple story structures, split levels, complicated roof and foundation design, exterior embellishments, Title 24 and AHDA compliance issues, heat loss and gain, energy costs calculation, and environmental impact. Students’ projects include presentation elevation perspectives and model construction for design study, presentation, and promotion. Coursework will be completed using the REVIT software.

53 Architectural Applications of CAD (4)
(CSU) 
Hours: 32-36 lecture; 96-108 laboratory. Grading: Letter grade only.
Prerequisite: Drafting 51.

In-depth use of parametric three-dimensional for Building Information Modeling (BIM), building design and production of working drawings using Revit Architecture software. This will build upon the skills developed in Drafting 51 and will include creating and modifying three-dimensional topography and building mass objects, parametric building walls with floor and roof slabs, creating floor reflected ceiling plans, generating building elevations and sections, and creating professional quality renderings. Coursework will be completed using the REVIT software.

78 Advanced Design Applications (4) [Cx]
(CSU) 
Hours: 32-36 lecture; 96-108 laboratory. Grading: Letter grade only.
Prerequisite: Engineering Technology 10, or 1 year experience using SolidWorks or a similar feature-based modeling software.

Advanced modeling/drawing of machine parts in the various stages of manufacturing with required back-up items such as jigs, fixtures, weldments, tooling, molds, and dies. Assignments will be done using the SolidWorks CAD modeling system.

Engineering Technology Course Descriptions

10 Introduction to Engineering Design (4) [Cx]
(CSU; UC)
Hours: 48-54 lecture; 48-54 laboratory.
Grading: Letter grade only.

Survey of the design process as applied to engineering and related fields, with emphasis on 3-D computer modeling software used in industry. Additional topics include design sketching, visualization, geometric relationships, assembly modeling, and model documentation. Assignments will be done using the SolidWorks CAD modeling system.
0924.00*

12 Principles of Engineering (4) [Cx]
(CSU; UC)
Hours: 48-54 lecture; 48-54 laboratory.
Grading: Letter grade only.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 425.

Exploration of technology systems and engineering processes that demonstrate the benefits of math, science, and technology. Topics include the design process, communication and documentation, engineering systems, statics, properties of materials,
quality assurance, materials testing, and engineering for reliability. 0924.00*

14 Electronics for Engineering Technologists I (3)
(CSU)
Hours: 32-36 lecture; 48-54 laboratory.
Grading: Letter grade only.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 425.
Advisory: Completion of Engineering Technology 12

Introduction to the application of electronics in engineering technology. Course covers DC circuit theory, including system of units, resistive circuits, inductors, capacitors, impedance, and Ohm's Law. Emphasis is on the application of Kirchhoff's Laws and Thevenin's and Norton's Theorems to DC circuits, Mesh and Nodal analysis, RL and RC transients, and Maximum Power Transfer. 0924.00*

16 Computer Integrated Manufacturing - CNC Material Removal (3)
(CSU)
Hours: 32-36 lecture; 48-54 laboratory.
Grading: Letter grade only.
Prerequisite: Engineering Technology 10, or Drafting 43, or one year of high school CAD/Engineering courses using feature-based modeling software such as AutoDesk Inventor or Solidworks, or demonstrated performance with feature-based modeling software.

An overview of automated manufacturing concepts using designs created with industry standard modeling software, material removal manufacturing processes, machine tool operations, industrial practices, tool motion, CNC programming, simulations, and prototyping. Physical examples of designs using computer-based numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools are produced. Assignments will be done using the MasterCAM CNC programming system. 0924.00*

 

Technology in Drafting and Engineering Technology Labs

Application Software

Our labs are equipped with the latest versions of the design and manufacturing software most commonly in use in industry today. These include:

• Autodesk AutoCAD - general design drafting
• AutoDesk REVIT - Architectural design and drafting
• SolidWorks - Mechanical/Civil design and drafting
• MasterCAM - Manufacturing CNC toolpath generation and programming

Computer Hardware

Our labs all have up-to-date computers with expanded memory and graphics to handle the demands of the applications software in use in our classes. Each student workstation includes a dual-screen configuration that enables the use of the application software seamlessly with other tools such as web based and multi-media learning resources.

3D Printers

All of our classes have access to several different 3D printers.

• Z-Corp Z-310 powder 3D printer
• Dimension Elite 1000 ABS plastic 3D printer
• MakerBot PLM plastic 3D printer
• 3D Scanner
• Students also have access to 3D scanning capabilities.

CNC Machines

Our manufacturing automation lab includes several CNC machines including:

• Haas 3-axis mill
• Intelitek ProLight 100 3-Axis CNC mill
• Intelitek Benchmill 6000 3-Axis CNC mill
• Bolton CNC lathe
• CNC Plasma Cutter

Industrial Robot

• Scorbot-ER 4u Industrial Robot

Injection Molding Press

We are currently in the process of installing a Morgan plastic injection molding press used to test mold and molded part designs.

 

Careers in Engineering Technology

From BLS.GOV 2015 Nationwide Data

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians
 
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians operate and maintain equipment used in developing, testing, and producing new aircraft and spacecraft. Increasingly, these workers are using computer-based modeling and simulation tools and processes in their work.
Associate's degree
$66,180

Electro-mechanical Technicians 
Electro-mechanical technicians combine knowledge of mechanical technology with knowledge of electrical and electronic circuits. They operate, test, and maintain unmanned, automated, robotic, or electromechanical equipment.
Associate's degree
$53,340

Civil Engineering Technicians 
Civil engineering technicians help civil engineers to plan, design, and build highways, bridges, utilities, and other infrastructure projects. They also help to plan, design, and build commercial, industrial, residential, and land development projects.
Associate's degree
$49,260

Industrial Engineering Technicians 
Industrial engineering technicians help industrial engineers implement designs to use personnel, materials, and machines effectively in factories, stores, healthcare organizations, repair shops, and offices. They prepare machinery and equipment layouts, plan workflows, conduct statistical production studies, and analyze production costs.
Associate's degree
$53,780

Mechanical Engineering Technicians 
Mechanical engineering technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture mechanical devices, including tools, engines, and machines. They may make sketches and rough layouts, record and analyze data, make calculations and estimates, and report their findings.
Associate's degree
$53,910

Drafters 
Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings. Most workers specialize in architectural, civil, electrical, or mechanical drafting and use technical drawings to help design everything from microchips to skyscrapers.
Associate's degree
$52,720

Other related careers

 

Related Chaffey College Resources 

Admissions and Records Office - High School Partnership Program

Career Center

Career Technical Education

Career Transitions - High School/ROP to Chaffey College

Counseling Department

Disability Programs and Services

Language Success Center

Math Success Center

Multidisciplinary Success Center

Transfer Center

Veterans Services Center

 

Related External Resources

AIA - American Institute of Architects
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is a professional organization for architects in the United States. Located in Washington, D.C., the AIA offers education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach to support the architecture profession and improve its public image. The AIA also works with other members of the design and construction team to help coordinate the building industry.

 

AIAA - American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the professional society for the field of aerospace engineering. The AIAA was founded in 1963 from the merger of two earlier societies: the American Rocket Society (ARS), founded in 1930 as the American Interplanetary Society (AIS), and the Institute of Aerospace Sciences (IAS), founded in 1932 as the Institute of Aeronautical Sciences.

 

ANSI - American National Standards Institute
The Institute oversees the creation, promulgation and use of thousands of norms and guidelines that directly impact businesses in nearly every sector: from acoustical devices to construction equipment, from dairy and livestock production to energy distribution, and many more. ANSI is also actively engaged in accrediting programs that assess conformance to standards - including globally-recognized cross-sector programs such as the ISO 9000 (quality) and ISO 14000 (environmental) management systems.

 

ASCE - American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is a professional body founded in 1852 to represent members of the civil engineering profession worldwide. It is the oldest national engineering society in the United States. ASCE's vision is to have engineers positioned as global leaders who strive toward building a better quality of life. Its world headquarters is in Reston, Virginia.

 

ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is a professional body, specifically an engineering society, focused on mechanical engineering. The ASME was founded in 1880 by Alexander Lyman Holley, Henry Rossiter Worthington, John Edison Sweet and Matthias N. Forney in response to numerous steam boiler pressure vessel failures. The organization is known for setting codes and standards for mechanical devices. The ASME conducts one of the world's largest technical publishing operations through its ASME Press, holds numerous technical conferences and hundreds of professional development courses each year, and sponsors numerous outreach and educational programs.

 

ASID - American Society of Interior Designers
Founded in 1975, the American Society of Interior Designers is the oldest, largest and leading professional organization for interior designers. While the Society celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2005, the rich, vibrant history of the organization goes back further--much further--to the founding of its predecessor organizations, the American Institute of Interior Designers (AID) and the National Society of Interior Designers (NSID).

 

IEEE - Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
A non-profit organization, IEEE is the world's leading professional association for the advancement of technology. The IEEE name was originally an acronym for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. Today, the organization's scope of interest has expanded into so many related fields, that it is simply referred to by the letters I-E-E-E (pronounced Eye-triple-E).

 

IIE - Institute of Industrial Engineers
IIE is the world’s largest professional society dedicated solely to the support of the industrial engineering profession and individuals involved with improving quality and productivity. Founded in 1948, IIE is an international, nonprofit association that provides leadership for the application, education, training, research, and development of industrial engineering.

 

MAES - The Society of Mexican American Engineers and Scientists
MAES was founded in 1974 to increase the number of Mexican Americans and other Hispanics in the technical and scientific fields. By projecting the positive image of its members and their accomplishments, MAES helps to improve the perception of Mexican Americans. By providing a networking and nurturing environment, members are able to develop and hone their leadership, communication, management, and technical skills while improving the educational state of America.

 

PLTW - Project Lead the Way
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is a United States based Not-for-Profit Career and Technology Education curriculum development organization that promotes engineering and engineering technology courses in K-12 schools.
PLTW implements an idea that was originally developed by Richard Blais in the 1980s while he was the chairman of the Technology Department of an upstate New York school district. PLTW provides course material to middle and secondary schools in the United States. The organization is focused on a the curricula of Mathematics, Science, Biotechnology and Engineering. The Courses include IED (Introduction to Engineering Design) and POE (Principles of Engineering).

 

SAE - Society of Automotive Engineers
SAE International (SAE) is a professional organization for mobility engineering professionals in the aerospace, automotive, and commercial vehicle industries. The Society is a standards development organization for the engineering of powered vehicles of all kinds, including cars, trucks, boats, aircraft, and others. Membership is open to the public for those particularly interested in Human Factors and Ergonomic Standards.[1]

 

SME - Society of Manufacturing Engineers
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the world's leading professional society advancing manufacturing knowledge and influencing more than half a million manufacturing practitioners annually.
Through its communities, publications, expositions and professional development resources, SME promotes an increased awareness of manufacturing engineering and keeps manufacturing professionals up to date on leading trends and technologies. Headquartered in Michigan, the Society has members in more than 70 countries and represents manufacturing practitioners across all industries

 

SPE - Society of Plastics Engineers
The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) is an international organization dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and education for all plastics professionals.
The SPE was founded in 1942. Today it is home to more than 20,000 plastics professionals in the United States, and more than 70 countries around the world.

 

SWE - Society of Women Engineers
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE), founded in 1950, is a not-for-profit educational and service organization. SWE is the driving force that establishes engineering as a highly desirable career aspiration for women. SWE empowers women to succeed and advance in those aspirations and be recognized for their life-changing contributions and achievements as engineers and leaders.