Oct 10, 2024  
2024-2025 Course Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Course Catalog

APPLY TODAY

Diemaking, Diploma

Location(s): Ankeny



Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs Available 2024-2025

The Tool & Diemaking program prepares students to meet the demands for qualified personnel in either the conventionally controlled or computer numerical-controlled (CNC) tooling industry.

Diemaking graduates should have the skills necessary to work in the following career fields:

  1. Tool makers
  2. Design and build dies
  3. Design and build molds
  4. Design and build jigs and fixtures

Program Details


Location: Ankeny


Pathway: Engineering & Manufacturing


More information on this Pathway.

Students start Fall semester


Program Entry Requirements


  1. Complete an application for admission.
  2. Obtain the following scores on the Accuplacer Reading Test, Accuplacer Sentence Skills Test, and ALEKS Math Placement Test:
  3. Attend any required information/registration session.
  4. Submit proof of Machinist Technology Diploma  or equivalent.

Graduation Requirements


To earn a Diemaking diploma, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Semester 3


Total Credits Required to Complete the Diemaking Diploma - 48


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$193.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


Costs Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3
Books (approximate) 300 75 40
Supplies   50 50 50
Equipment-Tools 150 50  

Please see program website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/toolanddie for additional information regarding books and tools.

Approximate total for program: $10,029**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Make dies, metal forms and tools; guide and hold devices used in the mass production of metal and plastic parts.
  • Spend time doing precision handwork on dies such as sanding, filing, scraping, and polishing parts of the dies.
  • Use almost every kind of machine tool and precision-measuring instrument.
  • Repair gauges, jigs, fixtures, and dies that may be worn or damaged.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Apply math skills in specific machine setups and operations.
  • Organize your work, planning each step of the job from beginning to end.
  • Maintain a steady hand for precise movements and use your eyes for close work for long periods of time.
  • Be able to lift 25 to 50 pounds.
  • Demonstrate imagination and creativity on the various machine setups and operations.
  • Demonstrate a positive attitude and work closely with others.
  • Basic computer management skills.
  • Must be able to follow industry standard safety guidelines.
  • A quick reaction time is critical in this field.  The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears is necessary to avoid injury.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?


  • To be a journeyman machinist, you will need two to three years of on-the-job apprenticeship experience.
  • There is danger of accidents due to the high-powered, fast-moving machine parts.
  • Most of the work will be done in a standing position.
  • A.A.S. degree-$54,760 (Source: U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics).
  • Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution should discuss options with a DMACC advisor regarding requirements for credit transfer.

Program Competencies


  1. Demonstrate the safe and effective procedures and method in the proper use of tools, machines, and measuring tools.
  2. Use verbal and written information as required by industry to effectively communicate with supervisors, co-workers, and employers.
  3. Interpret data to industry standards.
  4. Analyze industrial components using metrology to verify quality.
  5. Create components using standard and advanced machining processes to industry standards.
  6. Design complex mechanical assemblies including dies, molds, and fixtures.
  7. Repair complex mechanical assemblies including dies, molds, and fixtures.

Nondiscrimination Statement


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Executive Campus Dean’s office, the Executive Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at Academic Pathway website.(2024)

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs Available 2024-2025