Explore the Career Kingdom:
Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic
Operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic work pieces.
Other names for Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic:
Automated Cutting Machine Operator, Automation Machine Operator, Brake Press Operator, Laser Beam Trim Operator, CNC Machine Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Operator), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist), CNC Operator (Computer Numeric Control 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 Programmer (CNC Programmer), Computer Numerical Control Set Up Technician (CNC Set Up Technician), Computer Numerical Control Set-Up Operator (CNC Set-Up Operator), Coordinate Measuring Machine Programmer (CMM Programmer), Machine Operator, Machinist, Manufacturing Assistant, Manufacturing Associate, Manufacturing Operator, Medical Numerical Control Operator, Mold Maker, Numerical Control Drill Press Operator, Numerical Control Jig Boring Machine Operator, Numerical Control Lathe Operator, Numerical Control Machine Operator, Numerical Control Machine Set-Up Operator, Numerical Control Machine Tool Operator, Numerical Control Milling Machine Operator, Numerical Control Milling Machine Set-Up Operator, Numerical Control Router Operator, Numerical Control Router Set-Up Operator, Printed Circuit Boards Numerical Control Drill Operator, Production Worker, Programer, Robotic Machine Operator, Shot Peening Operator, Welder,
What do Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic do?
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 in order 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.
Stop machines to remove finished workpieces, or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences.
Lift workpieces to machines manually, or with hoists or cranes.
Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation and save modified programs.
Calculate machine speed and feed ratios, and the size and position of cuts.
Insert control instructions into machine control units to start operation.
Check to ensure that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation.
Input initial part dimensions into machine control panels.
Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.
Confer with supervisors or programmers to resolve machine malfunctions and production errors, and to obtain approval to continue production.
Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences.
Monitor machine operation and control panel displays, and compare readings to specifications in order to detect malfunctions.
Control coolant systems.
Maintain machines, and remove and replace broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools.
Stack or load finished items, or place items on conveyor systems.
Clean machines, tooling, and parts, using solvents or solutions and rags.
Enter commands or load control media such as tapes, cards, or disks into machine controllers in order to retrieve programmed instructions.
Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) control modules, using computer network links.
Set up future jobs while machines are operating.
Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers.
Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools.
Examine electronic components for defects and completeness of laser-beam trimming, using microscopes.
Lay out and mark areas of parts to be shot-peened, and fill hoppers with shot.
Do you enjoy these?
Gauges or inspection fixtures
Milling cutters
Lathes
Lathes
Milling cutters
Gauges or inspection fixtures
Power grinders
Gauges or inspection fixtures
Milling cutters
Boring tools
Boring tools
Power buffers
Hand clamps
Profile projectors
Lathes
Milling cutters
Laser cutting tools
Milling cutters
Tap machines or tapping machines
Turning machines
Microcontrollers
Deburring equipment
Desktop computers
Calipers
Gauges or inspection fixtures
Workshop presses
Drilling machines
Twist drills
Height gauges
Go or no go gauge
Grinding machines
Lathes
Height gauges
Lathes
Game pads or joy sticks
Broaching tools
Laser printers
Lathes
Lathes
Milling cutters
Micrometers
Milling cutters
Comparators
Personal computers
Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers
Gauges or inspection fixtures
Microcontrollers
Reamers
Power sanders
Scribers
Micrometers
Grinding machines
Milling cutters
Lathes
Tap machines or tapping machines
Thread counters or gauges
Threading machines
Turning machines
Lathes
Calipers
Lathes
Milling cutters
Bench vises
Welding tools
Safety glasses
Welding masks
Technology used
Project management software
Word processing software
Presentation software
Spreadsheet software
Information retrieval or search software
Development environment software
Object or component oriented development software
Computer aided design CAD software
Analytical or scientific software
Industrial control software
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
