Lab 01 CNC Operator Employment versus Skills

Computer-Controlled Machine Tool
Operator, Metal
Lab 1:
Employment & Skills
Overview

Typical Job Description
Responsibilities Include:
–
Develops and proof tests NC programs for each planned machining operation
–
Plans processing sequences
–
Prepares and checks programs
–
Trains and instructs shop personnel in program operation/function
–
Performs machinist duties as required, including machine set-up and operation
Qualifications Include:
–
High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or equivalent combination of

education and experience
–
CAM software experience specific to the manufacturer is essential
–
Prior lathe/mill programming required
–
Must be team oriented
–
Must possess good communication skills
–
Experience training shop personnel on program operation
–
Prior machinist experience highly desirable. Preference will be given to individuals with
set-up and operating experience of mills and lathes (manual or CNC)
–
Should be able to read and interpret geometric tolerancing
–
Must be able to perform simple shop math
–
Must be able to read and interpret blue prints

New Mexico Department of Labor


https://www.jobs.state.nm.us/
occprofiledata.asp?session=
occdetail_lms&geo=3501000000
–



July 2, 2008

Labor Market Summary for
Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operator
–
–

Currently an insufficient market for specialization
Journeyman Machinists option for this specialty

Labor Market Wage Rates for ComputerControlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal
 The

March 2007 hourly wage for “ComputerControlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal” in
New Mexico:
–
–
–

Entry Level $12.90
Mean $17.08
Experienced $19.17
 Source:

Economic Research and Analysis Bureau

Required Skills (NIMS standards)
National Institute for Metalworking Skills
Standard - Highlights









Identify & Demonstrate Usage of Machine Safety & Personal
Protective Equipment
Demonstrate Compliance with Lock-out/Tag-out Procedures
and OSHA Requirements and Guidelines
Machine Operations & Material Handling, Hazmat Materials
Handling and Storage, including EPA, Hazmat, and OSHA
Perform the Inspection of Parts
Process Control
Process Adjustment - Single Part Production
Participation in Processes Improvement

Required Skills (NIMS standards)









Manual Operations: Layout
Manual Operations: Benchwork
Sawing
Job Process Planning
Drilling Operations
Milling: Square Up a Block
Manual Milling: Vertical & Horizontal Level I

Required Skills (NIMS standards)










CNC: Programming - Milling
CNC: Write a Simple CNC Milling Program and Review Tool
Path
CNC: Operate a CNC Milling Machine level I
CNC: Operate a CNC Milling Machine Level II or CNC
Machining Center
CNC: Advanced Manual Programming
Use Manufacturing Modeling Software to Create Milling
Programs
Turning Operations: Turning Between Centers
Turning Operations: Chucking

Required Skills (NIMS standards)











CNC Programming – Turning
CNC: Write a Simple CNC Turning Program and Review Tool
Path
CNC: Operate a CNC Lathe Level I
CNC: Operate a CNC Lathe Level II or Turning Center
CNC: Advanced Manual Programming
Use Manufacturing Modeling Software to Create Programs
General Housekeeping & Maintenance
Preventative Maintenance - Machine Tools
Tooling Maintenance

Most Fabricators are Small Companies
A1 Machine,
Farmington

Inc.,

Bogue Machine
Albuquerque
Hand
Alamos

Co,

Precision Mach, Los

Integrated
Albuquerque

Mach Co,

J.W. Industries
Albuquerque

Inc.,

K.L.
Rancho

Steven Co, Inc.,

Rio

Kendal Precision,
Albuquerque
Standard
Albuquerque

Mach Co,

Sun Country

Albuquerque

Industries,

TEAM Techno,
Albuquerque

Inc.,

NM Industries that employ ComputerControlled Machine Tool Operators
Industry
in NM






Total

%

Machinery Manufacturing
38
66.7%
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
Computer and Electronic Product Mfg
Electrical Equipment and Appliances 3
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

7
6
5.3%
3

12.3%
10.5%
5.3%

* Over 140 companies in New Mexico have BobCad/Cam software for
operating their equipment; any CNC machine having more than 3
axis uses more advanced software. An estimated 1500+ shops
use Cad/Cam for fabrication/manufacturing in NM

Scope of Practice Comparison


In industry, the technician must learn manufacturer
specific processes, machine specific limitations and
capabilities, and high performance characteristics



In these laboratories, you will learn general
processes and basic tooling considerations



The focus is on helping the designer and engineer
gain a basic understanding of the CNC
manufacturing processes, to “springboard” into
actual “Manufacturing” scenarios with high-level
knowledge of the involved processes

Forethought Lowers Costs
With experience in manufacturing a part, the designer can avoid costly
manufacturing procedures, and sell cost saving considerations to clients
Unnecessary

tool changes
Material considerations related to
cost of required tooling
Design requiring special cutting
tools
Unnecessary surface finishes
Assembly / disassembly
complications
Unnecessary part reorientation

Using

less expensive materials
Using standard material sizes to
reduce machining
Are all machined surfaces
necessary
Are tolerances closer than they
need to be
…

Needs Statement
The market to specialize as a Computer-Controlled
Machine Tool Operator is too specialized to ensure
an employment opportunity
HOWEVER
The knowledge needed by engineers and designers
related to designing parts compatible with CNC
processes is essential in the control of manufacturing
costs

Required Skills (laboratory specific)









Identify CNC system components, and utilize media input/output and storage of
CNC programs
Develop an understanding of manual machine tool practices
Develop an ability to manipulate the control systems, and correctly control tool
movement without damaging equipment using downloaded media
Develop an ability to manipulate the components, functions and operation of tools
using the Machine Control Unit (MCU).
Read and interpret CNC prints
Perform Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and inspection methods
Perform mathematical computations for CNC Programming, use proper
programming terminology, and implement G machine code
Attempt to use typical machine shop practices, as well as CNC programming and
setup operations
–
–
–
–

Safe working practices at all times
Clean working environment
No Horseplay (issue warranting termination in industry)
Tooling kept oiled and clean at all times

Parting (pun intended) Thoughts


If a machined part is to be square on one end and round on the
other, which end do you machine first? Why?



If a hole must be drilled at a 45 degree angle to a machined
surface, how is the drill kept from slipping? In CNC what does
this mean?



Once you machine one side of a part, how do you flip the part
over to machine the other side, and have everything line up?