MCC Prototype Design Lab - Equipment Training Curriculum¶

Course Overview¶

The MCC Prototype Design Lab Equipment Training Curriculum is a comprehensive, competency-based program designed to prepare students, makers, and professional technicians to safely and effectively operate advanced fabrication equipment. This curriculum aligns with OSHA safety standards, ANSI technical standards, and industry best practices to ensure that every learner achieves mastery of critical equipment skills.

Curriculum Version: 2.0 Last Updated: March 2026 Target Audience: High school students, community college learners, professional makers, university fablab users Delivery Format: Blended (in-person hands-on + digital modules + asynchronous activities) Estimated Duration: 120-160 hours total (12 units @ 10-14 hours each)

Curriculum Structure: 12 Units¶

This curriculum is organized into 12 specialized equipment units, each covering foundational concepts through advanced operational proficiency.

Unit 01: FDM 3D Printing¶

Prerequisite: None | Duration: 12 hours | Certification: Yes

Comprehensive coverage of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing from fundamental extrusion physics through advanced troubleshooting. Students gain hands-on competency in operating FDM printers, optimizing print quality, and diagnosing common failures.

M1: FDM Technology Fundamentals — Extrusion physics, printer anatomy, thermoplastic materials
M2: Machine Setup & Calibration — Bed leveling, filament loading, temperature profiles
M3: Slicing Software & Print Preparation — Slicer workflows, support structures, print parameters
M4: Print Execution & Troubleshooting — First layer optimization, failure diagnosis, quality control

Key Competencies: Operate FDM printers safely | Calibrate machines for optimal output | Configure slicer software | Diagnose and resolve print failures

Unit 02: Resin SLA 3D Printing¶

Prerequisite: Unit 01 recommended | Duration: 12 hours | Certification: Yes

Covers stereolithography (SLA) resin 3D printing emphasizing chemical safety, photopolymerization physics, and post-processing protocols. Students learn to produce high-resolution parts with superior surface finish using UV-cured photopolymer resins.

M1: SLA Technology & Resin Chemistry — Photopolymerization, UV exposure, resin types
M2: Chemical Safety & PPE Protocols — Hazard communication, nitrile gloves, ventilation, SDS management
M3: Print Setup & Execution — Build plate adhesion, support generation, exposure calibration
M4: Post-Processing & Curing — Wash stations, UV curing, support removal, surface finishing

Key Competencies: Handle photopolymer resins safely | Configure SLA print parameters | Execute post-processing workflows | Achieve high-resolution output

Unit 03: CO2 Laser Cutting & Engraving¶

Prerequisite: None | Duration: 12 hours | Certification: Yes

Develops comprehensive competency in CO2 laser cutting and engraving systems. Students learn laser-material interaction physics, safe machine operation, material selection, job design optimization, and emergency procedures with emphasis on Class 4 laser safety.

M1: Laser Technology Fundamentals — CO2 laser physics, beam delivery, focal point theory
M2: Material Science for Laser Processing — Wood, acrylic, fabric interactions, prohibited materials
M3: Machine Operation & Job Setup — Power/speed settings, focus alignment, file preparation
M4: Safety Systems & Emergency Procedures — Interlock systems, fire response, ventilation requirements

Key Competencies: Operate CO2 lasers safely | Select appropriate materials | Optimize cut/engrave parameters | Respond to laser emergencies

Unit 04: CNC Routing¶

Prerequisite: None | Duration: 12 hours | Certification: Yes

Comprehensive training in CNC routing using ShopBot-series machines. Students learn CNC fundamentals including coordinate systems, G-code, CAD/CAM software workflows, toolpath generation, workholding, and safe cutting operations on wood, plastics, and soft metals.

M1: CNC Fundamentals & Machine Architecture — Axes, coordinate systems, motion planning, controller types
M2: CAD/CAM & Toolpath Generation — Design-to-toolpath workflow, feeds and speeds, tool selection
M3: Machine Setup & Workholding — Spoilboard surfacing, clamps, vacuum tables, zeroing procedures
M4: Cutting Operations & Troubleshooting — Cutting strategies, chip load optimization, common failures

Key Competencies: Program CNC toolpaths | Set up workholding safely | Execute cutting operations | Troubleshoot CNC issues

Unit 05: Plasma Cutting¶

Prerequisite: None | Duration: 12 hours | Certification: Yes

Comprehensive instruction on plasma arc cutting (PAC) systems including ionized gas physics, equipment setup, material science parameters, and safety protocols. Students master plasma arc technology and optimize cut parameters for various metals and thicknesses.

M1: Plasma Arc Technology — Plasma physics, arc generation, transfer modes, consumable anatomy
M2: Material Science & Cut Parameters — Metal properties, amperage selection, speed optimization
M3: Machine Operation & Setup — Torch assembly, gas flow, height control, CNC plasma tables
M4: Safety & Emergency Procedures — Arc flash, fume extraction, fire prevention, electrical safety

Key Competencies: Set up plasma cutting equipment | Select cut parameters by material | Execute clean cuts on mild steel and aluminum | Manage plasma cutting hazards

Unit 06: MIG/TIG Welding¶

Prerequisite: None | Duration: 12 hours | Certification: Yes

Comprehensive instruction on two major arc welding processes: Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG). Students understand welding arc physics, shielding gas functions, joint design, and develop proficiency in both MIG gun technique and TIG torch control.

M1: Welding Science Fundamentals — Arc physics, heat affected zones, shielding gas chemistry
M2: MIG/GMAW Operation — Wire feed setup, voltage/amperage, gun technique, bead profiles
M3: TIG/GTAW Operation — Tungsten selection, filler rod technique, arc control, pulse welding
M4: Weld Quality & Safety — Visual inspection, defect identification, PPE, ventilation requirements

Key Competencies: Set up MIG and TIG welding stations | Execute quality weld beads | Identify and correct weld defects | Follow welding safety protocols

Unit 07: Wood Lathe Operations¶

Prerequisite: None | Duration: 12 hours | Certification: Yes

Comprehensive instruction in wood lathe operations, spindle and faceplate turning, and woodturning tool techniques. Students understand lathe anatomy, wood grain behavior, tool geometry, sharpening methods, and proper technique for spindle turning and bowl work.

M1: Lathe Anatomy & Turning Theory — Headstock, tailstock, tool rest, speed selection, centers
M2: Turning Tools & Sharpening — Gouges, skew chisels, scrapers, grinding jigs, honing
M3: Spindle Turning Techniques — Roughing, coves, beads, tapers, sanding between centers
M4: Faceplate & Chuck Work — Bowl turning, faceplate mounting, scroll chuck operation

Key Competencies: Operate wood lathes safely | Sharpen turning tools correctly | Execute spindle and faceplate turning | Finish turned pieces professionally

Unit 08: Metal Lathe & Milling Machine¶

Prerequisite: None | Duration: 12 hours | Certification: Yes

Comprehensive instruction in metal lathe and milling machine operations — two fundamental machine tools in precision manufacturing. Students master lathe operations (facing, turning, boring, threading), milling operations, and precision measurement techniques to verify work within tight tolerances.

M1: Machine Tool Fundamentals — Lathe and mill anatomy, cutting theory, material removal rates
M2: Metal Lathe Operations — Facing, turning, boring, threading, parting, taper turning
M3: Milling Machine Operations — End milling, face milling, slot cutting, drilling on mill
M4: Precision Measurement & Safety — Micrometers, calipers, indicators, machine safety protocols

Key Competencies: Operate metal lathes and milling machines | Read and interpret technical drawings | Measure within ±0.005" | Follow machine shop safety protocols

Unit 09: Vinyl Cutting & Heat Transfer¶

Prerequisite: None | Duration: 10 hours | Certification: Yes

Master the art and science of vinyl cutting and heat transfer applications. From understanding blade mechanics to executing multi-layer heat transfer designs, this unit builds expertise in decorative and functional surface applications.

M1: Vinyl Cutter Technology — Equipment fundamentals, blade types, design software workflows
M2: Adhesive Vinyl Applications — Material science, blade calibration, weeding and application techniques
M3: Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) — Mirror imaging, material selection, carrier sheet management
M4: Heat Press Operation — Temperature-time-pressure variables, troubleshooting, advanced finishing

Key Competencies: Operate vinyl cutters safely | Prepare and cut adhesive vinyl accurately | Apply HTV with professional finish | Troubleshoot common defects

Unit 10: Sandblasting & Surface Treatment¶

Prerequisite: General safety orientation | Duration: 9 hours | Certification: Yes

Learn to operate sandblasting and abrasive media cabinets with mastery and safety. This unit emphasizes respiratory protection, media selection, and technique for achieving decorative and finishing results while managing silicosis risk.

M1: Abrasive Blasting Fundamentals — Media types, hazard hierarchy, cabinet anatomy, compressed air systems
M2: Cabinet Operation & Technique — Nozzle control, surface preparation, decorative finishing, coverage uniformity
M3: Respiratory Protection & Ventilation — Silica hazard prevention, respirator selection, dust collection, exposure monitoring

Key Competencies: Select appropriate blasting media | Operate cabinet with safety protocols | Apply respiratory protection correctly | Achieve even surface finishes

Unit 11: 3D Scanning & Reverse Engineering¶

Prerequisite: Basic CAD familiarity recommended | Duration: 9 hours | Certification: Yes

Capture three-dimensional reality and convert it to digital models. This unit covers scanning technologies, point cloud processing, mesh generation, and the complete reverse engineering workflow for fabrication.

M1: 3D Scanning Technology — Structured light vs. laser scanning, point clouds, mesh generation, accuracy specs
M2: Scanner Operation & Calibration — Hardware setup, calibration procedures, scan technique, multi-view capture
M3: Mesh Processing & Export — Noise removal, hole filling, decimation, STL/OBJ formats, reverse engineering workflows

Key Competencies: Calibrate 3D scanners correctly | Capture accurate point clouds | Process meshes for fabrication | Perform reverse engineering workflows

Unit 12: Glass Working¶

Prerequisite: Heat safety orientation | Duration: 14 hours | Certification: Yes

Explore the science and craft of glass transformation. From cold cutting and grinding to hot fusing and lamp work, this unit covers the full spectrum of glass techniques with emphasis on thermal properties and safety.

M1: Glass Science & Safety — Glass types, thermal expansion, silica hazards, IR radiation, chemical hazards
M2: Cold Glass Techniques — Scoring and breaking, grinding, edge finishing, pattern cutting, mosaic assembly
M3: Hot Glass Techniques — Kiln operation, fusing schedules, slumping, lamp work fundamentals, annealing cycles
M4: Glass Engraving & Finishing — Rotary engraving, sandblast etching, laser crossover techniques, surface treatments

Key Competencies: Understand glass material science | Execute cold techniques with precision | Operate heating equipment safely | Finish glass surfaces professionally

How to Use This Curriculum¶

For Instructors:¶

Review the Unit Index — Start with the unit overview to understand learning outcomes and assessment strategy
Prepare Module Content — Study slide decks, instructor notes, and discussion guides before teaching
Gather Materials — Collect student materials, equipment spec sheets, and safety documentation
Set Up Assessments — Review quiz structure and practical rubrics; customize as needed for your learners
Consider Accommodations — Read neurodiverse accommodations for each module; implement proactively
Facilitate Activities — Use structured activity guides to ensure hands-on learning quality
Document Evidence — Collect student work products and assessment scores for certification

For Learners:¶

Read the Learning Outcomes — Understand what you'll be able to do after each unit
Work Through Modules Sequentially — Each module builds on prior knowledge
Engage with Slides and Activities — Combine lecture content with hands-on application
Complete Assessments Honestly — Use quizzes and practical work to identify gaps
Review Pitfalls and Accommodations — Learn from common mistakes; request accommodations if needed
Participate in Discussions — Share observations and questions with peers
Earn Your Certification — Complete all modules, pass assessments, demonstrate safe practice

Certification Pathway¶

Equipment Certification Model: Competency-based (not time-based)

Each unit awards a Micro-Credential upon successful completion:

Unit 01: FDM 3D Printing Operator
Unit 02: SLA Resin Printing Specialist
Unit 03: CO2 Laser Cutting & Engraving Operator
Unit 04: CNC Routing Operator
Unit 05: Plasma Cutting Operator
Unit 06: MIG/TIG Welding Operator
Unit 07: Wood Lathe Turning Specialist
Unit 08: Metal Lathe & Milling Operator
Unit 09: Vinyl Cutting & Heat Transfer Specialist
Unit 10: Sandblasting & Surface Treatment Operator
Unit 11: 3D Scanning & Reverse Engineering Technician
Unit 12: Glass Working Craftsperson

Certification Requirements (per unit):

[x] Complete all module activities (100% participation)
[x] Pass unit quiz (80% minimum score)
[x] Demonstrate safe practice on equipment (instructor observation)
[x] Complete one comprehensive project integrating unit skills
[x] Acknowledge safety protocols in writing

Full Lab Proficiency Certificate: Complete all 12 units + pass integrated capstone project (design, fabricate, finish a multi-technique prototype).

Standards & Regulatory Alignment¶

OSHA Standards Referenced:¶

29 CFR 1910.1200 — Hazard Communication Standard (GHS labeling, SDS requirements)
29 CFR 1910.95 — Occupational Noise Exposure (equipment sound levels)
29 CFR 1910.97 — Non-Ionizing Radiation (infrared in glass/heat operations)
29 CFR 1910.134 — Respiratory Protection Program (sandblasting, welding)
29 CFR 1910.252 — Welding, Cutting, and Brazing — General Requirements
29 CFR 1926.351 — Arc Welding and Cutting

ANSI Standards Referenced:¶

ANSI/ISEA Z535.1 — Color and Pictorial Symbols for Hazard Alerts
ANSI B211.1 — Safety of Machinery — General Principles for Design
ANSI Z49.1 — Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes
ANSI/ASSE A10.49 — Control of Siliceous (Silica) Dust (sandblasting)

Accessibility & Inclusive Design¶

This curriculum is designed with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles:

Multiple Means of Representation: Slides, videos, text, diagrams, hands-on demonstrations
Multiple Means of Action & Expression: Quizzes, discussions, projects, peer teaching, creative adaptations
Multiple Means of Engagement: Real-world applications, choice in projects, safety-focused motivation, community building

Each unit provides specific accommodations for neurodivergent learners and strategies for inclusive instruction.

Getting Started¶

Choose your starting unit based on your goals:

Goal	Recommended Starting Unit
Digital fabrication basics	Unit 01: FDM 3D Printing
Precision cutting	Unit 03: CO2 Laser Cutting
Metal fabrication	Unit 05: Plasma Cutting or Unit 06: MIG/TIG Welding
Traditional craft	Unit 07: Wood Lathe or Unit 12: Glass Working
Design & decoration	Unit 09: Vinyl Cutting
Reverse engineering	Unit 11: 3D Scanning

Ready to begin? Select a unit below and dive in!

Version History¶

Version	Date	Changes
2.0	March 2026	Full 12-unit curriculum with visual slides, assessments, and certification pathway
1.0	January 2026	Initial release: 4 units (09-12)