Aug 24, 2026  
GRCC Curriculum Database (2026-2027 Academic Year) 
    
GRCC Curriculum Database (2026-2027 Academic Year)
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MN 235 - Basic Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) Programming


Description
This course provides opportunities for students to learn the fundamental concepts necessary for the successful programming and operation of a Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machine tool utilizing the Fanuc-style (M&G code) programming language.
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 4
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: MN 119  (C- or Higher) or MN 199  (C- or Higher)
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: Yes
Course Fees: $15.00
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Course is a Requirement:
Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Programming Certificate, Machine Tool Certificate, Tooling and Manufacturing Technology Certificate, Pre-Manufacturing Engineering Technology, A.A. (Western Michigan University), Tooling and Manufacturing Technology, A.A.A.S.
Other Courses Where This Course is a Prerequisite: MN 236, MN 238
Other Courses Where this Course is a Corequisite: None
Other Courses Where This course is included in within the Description: None
General Education Requirement:
None
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
NA
Course Learning Outcomes:
  1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the personal and equipment safety considerations that are necessary for successful CNC machine tool programming and operation.
  2. Given a CNC Mill, students will demonstrate an ability to write, simulate, and debug a part program to industrial standards.
  3. Given a CNC Lathe, students will demonstrate an ability to write, simulate, and debug a part program to industrial standards.
  4. Given a CNC Mill, students will demonstrate an ability to upload, download, edit, and save part programs at the machine controller.
  5. Given a CNC Lathe, students will demonstrate an ability to upload, download, edit, and save part programs at the machine controller.
  6. Given a CNC Mill, students will prepare the machine to execute a program by selecting/setting proper tooling and work offsets.
  7. Given a CNC Lathe, students will prepare the machine to execute a program by selecting/setting proper tooling and work offsets.
  8. Given a CNC Mill, students will demonstrate an ability to safely execute a part program by utilizing strategies such as graphical confirmation, rapid overrides, and dry-runs.
  9. Given a CNC lathe, students will demonstrate an ability to safely execute a part program by utilizing strategies such as graphical confirmation, rapid overrides, and dry-runs.
  10. Use creativity and alternative thinking to brainstorm new ideas and possible solutions to problems or issues.
  11. Develop specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish work. 

Course Outline:
I. Introduction to the Course, Machine Shop, and Computer Lab



     A. Safety Procedures



     B. Program Format



     C. Grading



     D. Classroom/Shop Expectations



     E. Process Planning from Part Prints



     F. Basic CNC Machine Types



II. Fundamentals of CNC Machining



     A. Format, Sequence, and Requirements of a CNC Program



     B. Write, Simulate, and Debugging of a CNC Program



     C. Key-in, Upload, Download, Edit, and Save CNC Programs at the Machine Controller



III. Machine Tool Operations



     A. Selecting/Setting Proper Tooling and Work Offsets



     B. Execution of a CNC Program using Graphical Confirmation, Rapid Overrides, and Dry-runs



IV. G-code Program - Machining Center



     A. Absolute/Incremental



        1. Linear Interpolation



        2. Circular Interpolation



        3. Canned Cycles



        4. Contour Milling



        6. Pocket Milling



        6. Subroutines and Looping



  V. G-Code Program - Turning Center



     A. Absolute/Incremental



        1. Linear Interpolation



        2. Canned Cycles



        3. Contouring/Angles



        4. Drilling and Boring
Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
No
Instructional Strategies:
Classroom lecture: 20-30%

Lab: 60-80%

Group projects and activities: 0-20%
Mandatory Course Components:
Programming Portfolio

Faculty should require students to develop a Programming Portfolio to organize, categorize, present, and recall all the instructional content delivered in the classroom and/or experienced in the machine tool lab (classroom handouts, project prints, classroom notes, lab notes, etc.).
Equivalent Courses:
None


Accepted GRCC Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Credit: None
AP Min. Score: NA
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None

Course prepares students to seek the following external certification:
No
Course-Specific Placement Test: None
Course Aligned with ARW/IRW Pairing: N/A
Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
None
GRCC Course Type:
Program Requirement: Meets the learning needs of students in a specific GRCC program.
Course Format:
Lecture/Lab - Must meet Lecture & Lab Ratios
Total Lecture/Lab Hours Per Week: 4
People Soft Course ID Number: 101538
Course CIP Code: 48.9999
Maximum Course Enrollment: 18
Course Software Utilized: None.
High School Articulation Agreements exist?: Yes
If yes, with which high schools?: Allegan County Techn Center, Careerline Tech Center, Mecosta-Osceola Career Center, Saugatuck High School, Tassell M-TEC & Job Training
Non-Credit GRCC Articulation Agreement With What Area: Job Training
Identify the Non Credit Programs this Course is Accepted: Machinist/CNC Technician


School: School of Business & Industry
Department: Manufacturing
Discipline: MN
Faculty Credential Requirements:
Professionally qualified through work experience in field (Perkins Act or Other) (list below), Bachelor’s Degree
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
Standard qualifications for the School of Workforce Development apply with a minimum of 4000 work-hours in a related field.  Qualifications can include a Bachelor’s of Science in Manufacturing, Construction, Engineering, Automotive or related field.
Major Course Revisions: Prerequisite
Last Revision Date Effective: 20260223T20:16:14
Course Review & Revision Year: 2030-2031



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