Tool Design Engineering Technology

Program Description

Moraine Park’s Tool Design Engineering Technology program provides students with the high-level manufacturing skills required in Wisconsin’s evolving tool and die industry for the national and international customers it serves. Critical to the manufacturing workforce, tool design engineers design fixtures, parts, molds and stamping dies with the latest CAD (computer-aided design) software. While coursework emphasizes the computerized design aspect of tool and die making, students have combined classroom and shop instruction to experience hands-on machine operations to understand how to select appropriate materials and how their designs are applied on the shop floor. Students are exposed to the concepts of lean manufacturing, as well as green sustainable technologies.

Tool design engineers utilize creativity to visualize designs from concept to reality. They are typically detail oriented and have an interest in machines and mechanical processes.

Representatives from business and industry have identified skills that are essential to success in manufacturing. Students will be expected to demonstrate the Critical Core Manufacturing Skills (CCMS) throughout all the manufacturing classes. These skills include: work cooperatively, work productively, listen effectively, demonstrate a positive attitude, maintain a safe work environment, demonstrate integrity, communicate clearly, follow directions, apply problem solving strategies, apply mathematical reasoning, think critically and adapt to change.

Graduates are prepared to immediately enter the industry as designers working on new tooling projects. Employers are looking for individuals who have the strong skill and knowledge base provided by this program.

Statewide Salary Range for Recent Graduates

$34,000 $45,756

Approximate Costs

• $111.85 per credit (resident)
• $167.80 per credit (out-of-state resident)
• *Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.

Program Outcomes

• Design jigs and fixtures.
• Design mold dies.
• Design stamping dies.
• Analyze part drawings.
• Prepare detail and assembly drawings for documentation of mechanical components and products.
• Create CAD geometry, parts and assemblies.
• Design mechanical components and parts.
• Select purchased parts.
• Analyze mechanical engineering problems.

Career Opportunities

• Tool Designer
• Die Designer
• Mold Designer
• Product Designer

Advancement Opportunities With Additional Work Experience or Education

• Design Analyst
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Plant Manager
• Mechanical Engineer

Entrance Scores

Admission Process

• Submit the college admission application.
• Submit the $30 one-time fee.
• Submit high school and other official college transcripts.
• Take the college assessment test (Accuplacer, ACT or other). The Accuplacer assessment can be taken at MPTC.
• Meet with Admissions to discuss order of courses and prerequisites (strongly encouraged).
• Check with Admissions if any additional steps are required.