Drafting and Engineering Graphics Technology

Program Contact:
Perry Carmichael
Phone: (541) 917-4774
Email: perry.carmichael@linnbenton.edu

Faculty:
Perry Carmichael
David Kidd
Phil Clark
Lew Barton
Lee Spayd

Staff:
Ric Costin

Overview:
The two-year Engineering Graphics Technology program is a technical curriculum designed to assist students in acquiring basic attitudes, skills and knowledge necessary to successfully enter drafting occupations. The first year of study provides a sound general background, while the second year provides more specific coverage of major occupational areas, such as civil, mechanical, electronic, architectural and technical illustration.

Skilled CAD operators find careers within civil engineering, mechanical engineering, architecture, construction, manufacturing, 3D Graphics and many other exciting fields. This career is often an entry point into design, engineering, management and other related areas with salary increases commensurate with skills.

All Engineering Graphics students planning to complete the program within a two-year period are advised, as minimal requirements, should have a ninth-grade reading level and be prepared to register for MTH95. Mathematics are important in this program. Students are required to complete MTH 111 College Algebra, as well as several engineering courses that require math skills. Students may take general education courses at night, but most technical courses are offered only during the day. Students may attend on a part-time basis or start in the fall with little difficulty. Students starting winter, spring or summer terms may encounter some difficulty in scheduling sequence courses with prerequisites. Many of the technical courses must be taken in a sequential order beginning fall term.

Classes are held in well-equipped classrooms and laboratories. Computer Aided Drafting work stations are used in all courses. Current industry-standard versions of Autodesk series software and Solidworks are used in engineering graphics classes.

The lab is outfitted with a 3D rapid prototyping printer. The printer takes an STL file of a 3D solid model and will print the model as a solid object. The process is additive, adding layer upon layer of material to make a part. Typical print times are a couple hours. Think of the process as a hot glue gun that is computer controlled. THe 3D printer is used to sumulate a manufacturing experience in class, design through production. Students use the 3D printer to make anything from hanging Christmas decorations to robots.

Night classes offer training regarding the basic and advanced use of AutoCAD. Classes are designed for people who are seeking CAD skills or updating present CAD skills. Basic classes are offered Fall and Spring Terms with an advanced class Winter term. Students need hand-drafting skills or equivalent  and  functional Windows XP skills to enter this class.