Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

Operate computer-controlled tools, machines, or robots to machine or process parts, tools, or other work pieces made of metal, plastic, wood, stone, or other materials. May also set up and maintain equipment.

Sample of reported job titles:
Brake Press Operator, Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator (CNC Lathe Operator), Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator (CNC Machine Operator), Computer Numerical Control Machinist (CNC Machinist), Computer Numerical Control Mill Operator (CNC Mill Operator), Computer Numerical Control Operator (CNC Operator), Computer Numerical Control Set-Up and Operator (CNC Set-Up and Operator), Machine Operator, Machine Set-Up Operator, Machinist

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

  • Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
  • Remove and replace dull cutting tools.
  • Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
  • Listen to machines during operation to detect sounds such as those made by dull cutting tools or excessive vibration, and adjust machines to compensate for problems.
  • Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction.

Technology Skills

  • Analytical or scientific software:CNC Consulting Machinists' Calculator
    ,
    Kentech Kipware Trig Kalculator
  • Computer aided design CAD software:Autodesk AutoCAD
    ,
    Computer aided design CAD software
    ,
    Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
    ,
    KCD cabinet design software
    ,
    Kentech Kipware Studio
    ,
    UGS Solid Edge
  • Computer aided manufacturing CAM software:1CadCam Unigraphics
    ,
    BobCAD-CAM
    ,
    Cadem CAPSMill
    ,
    Cadem CAPSTurn
    ,
    Cadem NCnet
    ,
    Cadem seeNC Mill
    ,
    CGTech Vericut CNC
    ,
    CNC Mastercam
    ,
    Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
    ,
    Dassault Systemes CATIA
    ,
    Delcam PowerMILL
    ,
    Direct motion computer numerically controlled CNC software
    ,
    DP Technology ESPRIT
    ,
    ExtraTech Machine Tools Suite
    ,
    EZ-CAM
    ,
    FlashCut CNC
    ,
    HOMAG WoodWOP
    ,
    IMSI TurboCAD
    ,
    JETCAM
    ,
    Kentech Kipware M CNC
    ,
    Kentech Kipware T CNC
    ,
    Kentech Kipware X CNC
    ,
    Kentech machine shop software
    ,
    MDSI OpenCNC
    ,
    PartMaker SwissCAM
    ,
    Predator DNC
    ,
    PTC Creo Parametric
    ,
    SigmaTEK SigmaNEST
    ,
    SmartCAMcnc SmartCAM
    ,
    TekSoft CAMWorks
    ,
    Vero International VISI-Series
    ,
    Vero Software Edgecam
    ,
    Vero Software SURFCAM
    ,
    Virtual Gibbs CADD/CAM
  • Desktop communications software:Eko
  • Development environment software:MUMPS M

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

  • Controlling Machines and Processes:Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
  • Getting Information:Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems:Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates:Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials:Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow.
  • Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products.
  • Calculate specific material, equipment, or labor requirements for production.
  • Clean production equipment.
  • Confer with others to resolve production problems or equipment malfunctions.

Work Context

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets:89% responded"Every day"
  • Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable:85% responded"Every day"
  • Exposed to Contaminants:80% responded"Every day"
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls:79% responded"Continually or almost continually"
  • Face-to-Face Discussions:77% responded"Every day"

Worker Requirements

Skills

  • Operations Monitoring:Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Monitoring:Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Critical Thinking:Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Quality Control Analysis:Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • Operation and Control:Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Knowledge

  • Mechanical:Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Mathematics:Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • Design:Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Production and Processing:Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
  • Computers and Electronics:Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
  • 39%
    High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
  • 19%
    Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
  • 15%
    Some College Courses
  • 12%
    Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
  • 12%
    Bachelor's Degree

Worker Characteristics

Abilities

  • Near Vision:The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness:The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Hearing Sensitivity:The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
  • Problem Sensitivity:The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
  • Reaction Time:The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

Interests

  • Realistic:Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
  • Conventional:Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Work Values

  • Support:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
  • Independence:Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
  • Working Conditions:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail:Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
  • Analytical Thinking:Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
  • Cooperation:Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
  • Achievement/Effort:Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
  • Persistence:Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
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