Special Topics in Modern Manufacturing

Course Description

ETI 1931 – Special Topics in Modern Manufacturing is a 3-credit-hour, freshman-level course in the Engineering Technologies / Industrial Systems Technology taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). The course examines emerging and evolving topics in modern manufacturing environments, including advanced production technologies, Industry 4.0 concepts, quality systems, and manufacturing process improvement strategies. Content focus areas may vary by offering and institution, reflecting current regional industry needs and emerging technologies. The course blends lecture, discussion, and hands-on laboratory experiences to prepare students for high-skill positions in today's advanced manufacturing workforce.

As a Special Topics course in the _900–999 SCNS series, this course is not automatically transferable and must be evaluated individually by the receiving institution. Transferability is at the discretion of the receiving institution.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify and describe current and emerging manufacturing technologies used in modern industrial production environments.
• Apply quality assurance principles — including measurement methods, data collection, and statistical process control (SPC) — to manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrate knowledge of workplace safety practices and compliance with OSHA standards in a manufacturing setting.
• Analyze basic manufacturing processes and production methods, including subtractive, additive, forming, joining, and finishing operations.
• Evaluate manufacturing scenarios using problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to recommend process improvements.
• Communicate technical findings effectively through written, oral, and graphical formats appropriate to an industrial audience.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on the topic focus selected for a given offering, students may also be able to:

• Program and troubleshoot Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) in a simulated or real manufacturing environment.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools to identify and eliminate waste and reduce process variation.
• Demonstrate basic operation of CNC equipment, including coordinate systems, tool paths, and part programming fundamentals.
• Explain the principles of additive manufacturing (3D printing) and its role in rapid prototyping and production.
• Describe the core concepts of Industry 4.0, including the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), cyber-physical systems, and smart manufacturing.
• Apply Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software to develop toolpaths and generate code for CNC-controlled processes.
• Demonstrate awareness of robotics and automation systems, including their integration into modern production lines.

Major Topics

Required Topics

The following content areas are covered in all offerings of this course:

• Overview of Modern Manufacturing: Survey of major industrial processes and the role of technology in contemporary production environments.
• Manufacturing Safety: OSHA compliance, hazard recognition, personal protective equipment (PPE), ergonomic hazards, mechanical and electrical hazards, and industrial hygiene.
• Manufacturing Processes and Materials: Characteristics and properties of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites; casting, forming, machining, welding, and additive processes.
• Quality Practices and Measurement: Quality management philosophies, inspection techniques, ISO standards, statistical process control (SPC), and measurement tools.
• Maintenance Awareness: Preventive and predictive maintenance concepts, equipment reliability, and safe maintenance practices.
• Industry Trends and Emerging Technologies: Introduction to topics such as automation, digital manufacturing, and supply chain concepts shaping the modern factory floor.

Optional Topics

Additional content areas selected by the instructor to match the semester's special topic focus may include:

• Industry 4.0 / Smart Manufacturing: IIoT, cyber-physical systems, big data analytics, digital twins, and cloud-connected production.
• CNC Machining and G-Code Programming: Linear and polar coordinate systems, machine part programming, tool selection, and verification of toolpaths.
• Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing): FDM, SLA, SLS, and other additive technologies; design for additive manufacturing; slicing software and process parameters.
• CAD/CAM Integration: Solid modeling, fixture design, CAM strategy development, and export of CNC code for laser, plasma, waterjet, routing, milling, or turning operations.
• Lean Manufacturing: Value stream mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Kanban, cellular manufacturing, overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), and quick changeover (SMED).
• Six Sigma Fundamentals: DMAIC methodology, measurement systems analysis, control charts, and process capability.
• Industrial Automation and Robotics: PLC programming fundamentals, sensors, actuators, closed-loop control systems, and robotic integration on the production floor.
• Composites Manufacturing: Fiber reinforcements, matrix systems, fabrication techniques, inspection, and repair.
• Operations and Production Planning: Forecasting, capacity planning, materials requirement planning (MRP), inventory management, and supply chain management.

Resources & Tools

• CAD/CAM Software: SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or equivalent industry-standard platform for design and toolpath generation.
• CNC Equipment: Vertical milling machines, lathes, or router tables with standard G-code controllers.
• Additive Manufacturing Equipment: FDM 3D printers and associated slicing software (e.g., Ultimaker Cura, PrusaSlicer).
• PLC Training Hardware: Programmable Logic Controllers (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and associated programming software.
• Metrology and Measurement Tools: Calipers, micrometers, gauges, and SPC software for quality inspection labs.
• Lean / Six Sigma Simulation Kits: Hands-on simulation activities for value stream mapping, 5S, and DMAIC exercises.
• MSSC eLearning Modules: Online instructional content aligned with the MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT) 4.0 national skill standards.
• OSHA Reference Materials: Current OSHA standards, safety data sheets (SDS), and industrial hygiene guidelines.

Career Pathways

Completion of ETI 1931 supports entry into or advancement within the following career fields:

• Manufacturing Production Technician – Front-line production and assembly roles in high-tech manufacturing facilities.
• CNC Machinist / Operator – Operation, setup, and programming of computer-numerically controlled machine tools.
• Quality Control / Quality Assurance Technician – Inspection, measurement, and process documentation in compliance with ISO and industry standards.
• Manufacturing Engineering Technician – Technical support for engineering teams in process improvement, tooling, and production planning.
• Industrial Automation Technician – Installation, programming, and maintenance of PLC-based automation and robotic systems.
• Process Improvement Analyst – Application of Lean and Six Sigma tools to reduce waste and improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Systems Technician / Calibration Technician – Instrumentation, metrology, and precision measurement support for advanced manufacturing operations.

This course may also serve as an elective or enrichment component within the Engineering Technology A.S. degree program at Florida colleges, supporting progression into baccalaureate Engineering Technology programs through Florida's 2+2 articulation pathway.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

Coursework in ETI 1931 aligns with nationally recognized manufacturing credentials. Depending on the topic emphasis selected for a given semester, students may be positioned to pursue:

• MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT) 4.0 – The nationally recognized standard for production workers, covering Safety, Quality Practices & Measurement, Manufacturing Processes & Production, and Maintenance Awareness. Florida's Engineering Technology A.S. programs carry a statewide articulation agreement awarding up to 15 credit hours to holders of a current MSSC CPT credential.
• ASQ Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) – Foundational quality credential offered by the American Society for Quality.
• SME / ASQ / Shingo Prize – Lean Bronze Certification – Entry-level lean manufacturing credential recognized by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.
• FANUC Certified Robotic Training – Available at select Florida colleges upon completion of PLC and robotics coursework.
• ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) – Instrumentation and control systems credential offered by the International Society of Automation.

Variable Topic Structure

As a Special Topics course, the specific subject matter focus of ETI 1931 is determined each semester by the department and instructor, taking into consideration current industry trends and regional workforce needs. Students should consult the course syllabus or their academic advisor for the topic emphasis in a given term. The course may be repeated for credit when the topic differs.