Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
Sample of reported job titles:
CAD CAM Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Computer-Aided Manufacturing Programmer), Computer Numerical Control Machinist (CNC Machinist), Computer Numerical Control Programmer (CNC Programmer), Programmer
Occupation-Specific Information
Tasks
- Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
- Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
- Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
- Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.
- Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
Technology Skills
- Computer aided design CAD software:Autodesk AutoCAD,Computer aided design CAD software,Dassault Systemes CATIA,Dassault Systemes SolidWorks,PTC Creo Parametric
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software:1CadCam Unigraphics,3D Systems GibbsCAM,Autodesk PartMaker,Autodesk PowerMill,Autodesk PowerShape,BobCAD-CAM,Celeritive Technologies VoluMill,CGTech Vericut CNC,Cimatron CimatronE,Computer aided manufacturing CAM software,Delcam FeatureCAM,Delcam PartMaker,Dolphin CAD/CAM,DP Technology ESPRIT,FANUC CNC,FastCAM,Geometric Technologies CAMWorks,GeoPath CAD/CAM System,Gerber Technology CutWorks,GO2cam,Hypertherm ProNest,ICAM CAM-POST,Intelitek spectraCAM Milling,Intelitek spectraCAM Turning,Kubotek KeyCreator Machinist,LAB SUM3D,MachineWorks Ltd. MachineWorks,Manusoft Technologies IMOLD,Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software,MecSoft Corporation RhinoCAM,MecSoft Corporation VisualMILL,MecSoft Corporation VisualTURN,Metalcam Fikus Visualcam,Metalix CAD/CAM System cncKad,Metamation MetaCAM,Missler Software TopSolid,Open Mind Software hyperMILL,Post-processor software,RADAN Radbend,SharpCam Ltd. SharpCam,Siemens NX,SmartCAMcnc SmartCAM,SolidCAM CAM software,SolidCAM iMachining,Sprut Technology SprutCAM,Tebis computer aided design software,Technos Astra R-Nesting,Technos Astra S-Nesting,Top Systems T-FLEX CAM,Uncamco Ucam,Vero Software ALPHACAM Milling,Vero Software ALPHACAM Turning,Vero Software Edgecam,Vero Software machining STRATEGIST,Vero Software PEPS,Vero Software RADAN,Vero Software SMIRTsoftware,Vero Software SURFCAM,Vero Software VISI,Vero Software WorkNC
- Enterprise application integration software:Extensible markup language XML
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software:Aptean Made2Manage,Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Object or component oriented development software:G-code,M-code
Occupational Requirements
Work Activities
- Working with Computers:Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Getting Information:Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Controlling Machines and Processes:Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- 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.
Detailed Work Activities
- Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.
- Conduct test runs of production equipment.
- Create diagrams or blueprints for workpieces or products.
- Determine production equipment settings.
- Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
Work Context
- Face-to-Face Discussions:89% responded"Every day"
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets:84% responded"Every day"
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate:76% responded"Extremely important"
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled:73% responded"Every day"
- Physical Proximity:70% responded"Slightly close (e.g., shared office)"
Worker Requirements
Skills
- Programming:Writing computer programs for various purposes.
- Monitoring:Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Operations Monitoring:Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Active Learning:Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Complex Problem Solving:Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics:Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Mechanical:Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- Mathematics:Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Production and Processing:Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
- Engineering and Technology:Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
- 41%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)
- 24%High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
- 19%Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
- 10%Bachelor's Degree
Worker Characteristics
Abilities
- Information Ordering:The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
- Near Vision:The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Perceptual Speed:The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
- 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.
- Mathematical Reasoning:The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Interests
- 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.
- Investigative:Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
- 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.
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.
- Relationships:Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail:Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Independence:Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
- Analytical Thinking:Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
- Dependability:Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Integrity:Job requires being honest and ethical.
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