Master’s in HSM & High-Precision Tolerances Engineering
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in high-speed machining (HSM) and high-precision tolerances engineering, structured in 12 modules covering cutting tools, cutting dynamics, five-axis CAM, tolerances and fits, machine accuracy, workholding, difficult materials and shop-floor metrology, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Understand the fundamentals of high-speed machining.
Select tools and cutting parameters by material.
Programme efficient five-axis CAM strategies.
Control machine accuracy and thermal stability.
Achieve high-precision tolerances and surface finishes.
Inspect parts using shop-floor and on-machine metrology.
Develop a complete machining process for a racing part.
Who it's for
- High-speed machining engineers working on motorsport and aerospace parts.
- Five-axis CAM programmers.
- Manufacturing process engineers.
- Shop-floor metrology technicians.
- Precision workshop managers.
- Fixture and tooling engineers.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming to join racing teams.
What you'll work with
- ISO 286-1 (ISO code system for tolerances and fits)
- ISO 2768-1 (general tolerances)
- ISO 1101 (geometrical tolerancing)
- ISO 230-2 (positioning accuracy of numerically controlled axes)
- ISO 10791-7 (accuracy of a finished test piece on machining centres)
- ISO 4287 (surface texture parameters)
- ISO 513 (classification of hard cutting materials)
- ISO 3685 (tool-life testing with single-point turning tools)
- Siemens NX CAM
- Autodesk PowerMill
- hyperMILL
- Vericut
- Mastercam
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1Definition of HSM and its advantages1.2Chip thickness and cutting speed1.3Cutting forces and power1.4Machining aluminium, titanium and steels1.5HSM machines and spindles1.6Three- and five-axis architectures1.7Typical motorsport parts1.8Life cycle of a CNC programme1.9Machine hourly costs1.10Case study: manufacturing route for a wheel hub
2.1Carbide, ceramic and PCD2.2Tool geometries2.3PVD and CVD coatings2.4HSK and shrink-fit toolholders2.5Tool balancing2.6Wear and tool life according to ISO 36852.7Selection according to ISO 5132.8Coolant and MQL2.9Tool inventory management2.10Lab: measuring the wear of an end mill
3.1Self-excited vibration or chatter3.2Stability lobe diagrams3.3Impact testing on the tool3.4Machine and fixture stiffness3.5Thin walls and how to machine them3.6Trochoidal machining strategies3.7Strategies to avoid chatter3.8Vibration monitoring3.9Parameter optimisation3.10Practical: stability lobes of a spindle
4.1Adaptive roughing strategies4.2Simultaneous five-axis finishing4.3Axis control and singularities4.4Post-processors for each machine4.5Simulation and collision detection4.6Programming complex surfaces4.7Cycle time optimisation4.8Process libraries4.9Programme version management4.10Workshop: CAM programme for an upright
5.1The ISO system of fits ISO 2865.2General tolerances ISO 27685.3GD&T on machined parts5.4Tolerance chains5.5Allocating tolerances by function5.6Cost versus tolerance5.7Surface finish ISO 42875.8Tolerances for bearings and housings5.9Tolerances on aerospace parts5.10Practical: tolerance chain analysis
6.1Sources of geometric error6.2Verification according to ISO 230-26.3Laser interferometry verification6.4Ballbar and circular tests6.5Volumetric error compensation6.6Thermal drift and warm-up6.7Test piece according to ISO 10791-76.8Precision maintenance6.9Climate-controlled workshop environment6.10Lab: ballbar test on a milling machine
7.13-2-1 locating principles7.2Zero-point systems7.3Vacuum workholding7.4Fixtures for thin parts7.5Soft jaw design7.6Reducing clamping distortion7.73D-printed fixtures7.8Set-up repeatability7.9Fixture standardisation7.10Case study: fixture for a suspension arm
8.1Titanium and its thermal behaviour8.2Inconel and superalloys8.3Machining hardened steels8.4Magnesium alloys8.5Metal matrix composites8.6Machining carbon and composites8.7Surface integrity after machining8.8Residual stresses from machining8.9Post-machining treatments8.10Practical: parameters for titanium
9.1On-machine measurement with a probe9.2Measurement-based compensation9.3Calipers and micrometers9.4Shop-floor CMM9.5Measurement with roughness testers9.6First-off inspection9.7Uncertainty management9.8Inspection records9.9Feedback to CAM9.10Lab: on-machine measurement of a part
10.1Wire EDM10.2Sinker EDM10.3Precision grinding10.4Lapping and honing10.5Laser machining10.6Waterjet cutting10.7Surface treatments for parts10.8Combining processes10.9Selecting the optimal route10.10Case study: manufacturing a gearbox pinion
11.1Production planning for short series11.2OEE efficiency indicators11.3Digitalisation and MES11.4Tool management11.5Machine safety11.6Operator training11.7Part costs11.8Subcontracting processes11.9Continuous improvement cycle11.10Workshop: improvement plan for a machine shop
12.1Part selection12.2Analysis of requirements and tolerances12.3Machine and tool selection12.4Fixture design12.5CAM programming of the machining12.6Simulation and optimisation12.7Inspection plan12.8Cost and time analysis12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
The programme is delivered 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so it fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Siemens NX CAM, Autodesk PowerMill, hyperMILL, Vericut and Mastercam, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Exercises are based on real procedures: five-axis machining of an upright, machine accuracy verification with a laser interferometer and control of roughness and tolerances on a machined wheel hub. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: ISO 286-1, ISO 2768-1, ISO 1101, ISO 230-2, ISO 10791-7, ISO 4287, ISO 513, ISO 3685.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
- Internet connection and a computer able to run the programme's software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Siemens NX CAM, Autodesk PowerMill, hyperMILL, Vericut and Mastercam, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
A degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a suitable computer and internet connection, and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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