Automotive Manufacturing Technology (AUT)

An introduction to automotive manufacturing concepts is the focus of this course. This course reviews the history of automotive manufacturing and discusses the automotive manufacturing processes for various automotive assembly and sub-assembly plants. It outlines the historical development of automotive manufacturing in Alabama. Finally, the electromechanical systems and body components of a typical vehicle will be examined.

This course will introduce students to manufacturing fundamentals. It introduces various tools and techniques typically used in Lean manufacturing. It also will provide Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification instruction. OSHA standards will include electrical, Lock Out/Tag Out, hazardous communications, personal protective equipment, machine guarding, and walking and working surfaces.

This course provides the students with terms and definitions, theory of orthographic projection, and other information required to interpret drawings used in the manufacturing and industrial trade areas. Topics include multiview projection, pictorial drawings, dimensions and notes, lines and symbols, tolerances, industrial applications, scales and quality requirements. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret blueprint drawings used in the manufacturing and industrial trades. This course may be tailored to meet specific local industry needs.

This course provides instruction in concepts and theories for the operation of robotic servomotors and power systems used with industrial robotic equipment. Emphasis is on the application of the computer to control power systems to perform work. Student competencies include understanding of the functions of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical power system components, ability to read and interpret circuitry for proper troubleshooting and ability to perform preventative maintenance.

This course covers the theory and operation of DC motors single and three phase AC motors and the labs will reinforce this knowledge. Emphasis is placed on the various types of single and three phase motors, wiring diagrams, starting devices, and practical application in the lab.

This course provides an introduction to hydraulics/pneumatics. Topics include hydraulic pumps, pneumatic compressors work and system components such as valves, filters, regulators, actuators, accumulators, and lubricators. The lab enables students to test, troubleshoot and repair hydraulic pumps, pneumatic compressors work and system components such as valves, filters, regulators, actuators, accumulators, and lubricators. Upon completion, students will be able to apply principles of hydraulic/pneumatics.

This course emphasizes the fundamental principles for air conditioning and refrigeration. Instruction is provided in the theory and principles of refrigeration and heat transfer, HVAC/R system components, common, and specialty tools for HVAC/R, and application of the concepts of basic compression refrigeration. Upon completion, students should identify system components and understand their functions, identify and use common and specialty HVAC/R tools, and maintain components of a basic compression refrigeration system.

This course provides an introduction to the common types of Manufacturing Systems and Manufacturing Support Systems, Production Operations, Facilities, Product/Production Relationships, while highlighting the philosophy of Lean Manufacturing and Just-in-Time (JIT) Manufacturing. This includes an introduction to Production Performance indicators including Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Morale (SQCDM). Automated techniques covering robotics, automated inspection, material handling, and logistics/ID systems will be examined. Common types of Manufacturing Systems (single station, assembly lines, automated production lines, automated assembly lines, cellular, and flexible manufacturing) will be studied. Coverage of Manufacturing Support Systems will include an overview of product design, process planning, and production planning/control. Students will be prepared to analyze production processes resulting in operational standards, including cycle time analysis to meet tact times.

This course covers the basic principles of print reading and sketching. Topics include multi-view drawings; interpretation of conventional lines; and dimensions, notes, and thread notations. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret basic drawings, visualize parts, and make pictorial sketches. This course is aligned with NIMS certification standards.

This course provides an understanding of joint types; weld joint positions, and multi-positional weld techniques. Students will learn sound methods of fabrication, metallurgy, welding of dissimilar metals, and techniques in SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW. Upon completion of this course, students will know the safety concerns with respect to material welding and possess the knowledge and understanding to select the correct weld type and technique for job specific applications.

This course provides instruction in the fundamentals of acetylene cutting and the basics of welding needed for the maintenance and repair of industrial production equipment. Topics include oxy-fuel safety, choice of cutting equipment, proper cutting angles, equipment setup, cutting plate and pipe, hand tools, types of metal welding machines, rod and welding joints, and common welding passes and beads. Upon course completion, students will demonstrate the ability to perform metal welding and cutting techniques necessary for repairing and maintaining industrial equipment.

This course allows the student to plan, execute, and present results of individual projects in welding. Emphasis is placed on enhancing skill attainment in the welding field. The student will be able to demonstrate and apply competencies identified and agreed upon between the student and instructor.

This course focuses on systematically solving problems in automated systems. Emphasis is placed on safety, test equipment, basic troubleshooting techniques and hands on problem solving. Upon completion, students will be able to use a systematic process to solve complex malfunctions.

In this course, students apply skills learned to design, fabricate, analyze, program, and/operate a robotics system under faculty supervision.

This course focuses on the concepts and applications of preventive maintenance. Topics include the introduction of alignment equipment, job safety, tool safety, preventive maintenance concepts, procedures, tasks, and predictive maintenance concepts. Upon course completion, students will demonstrate the ability to apply proper preventive maintenance and explain predictive maintenance concepts.

This course is a basic introduction to concepts related to the computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) process. Students cover the design requirements associated with such a cell (center), how a center is integrated into the full system, and the technician’s role in the process improvement of not only the cell but the full CIM system. Related safety and inspection and process adjustment are also covered.

This program introduces students to the safety and programming associated with Robotic welding technology. Upon completion, the student should be able to setup and program a robot to weld parts in an efficient and safe manner.

This course is designed to teach students how to MIG weld using a robot weld cell and includes extensive hands-on training. Topics include robot programming and the interrelationship with welding principles, programmed safety precautions utilized in robotic welding, robotic weld controls systems, troubleshooting, and utilization of multi-functional teach pendants. Upon completion students will be able to operate MIG welding industrial robots and understand the interaction between robots and MIG welding technology.

This course is designed to give students practical, on-the-job experiences in all phases of automotive manufacturing under the supervision of a qualified professional. Grades are based on the successful completion of the work experience as judged by the students’ work, supervisor, and faculty coordinator.