Computer-controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal And Plastic

Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic

Description

Operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic work pieces.

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.
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 or production errors or 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 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, or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags.
Enter commands or load control media, such as tapes, cards, or disks, into machine controllers to retrieve programmed instructions.
Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) 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 or completeness of laser-beam trimming, using microscopes.
Lay out and mark areas of parts to be shot-peened and fill hoppers with shot.

Knowledge

Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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 and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Skills

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

Abilities

Control Precision: The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Auditory Attention: The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Reaction Time: The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
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 there is a problem.
Selective Attention: The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Hearing Sensitivity: The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Oral Comprehension: The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Work Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment: Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Work Context

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets: How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
Spend Time Standing: How much does this job require standing?
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate: How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
Exposed to Contaminants: How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
Frequency of Decision Making: How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment: How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable: How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls: How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks: How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
Face-to-Face Discussions: How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

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.
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.
Enterprising: Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Artistic: Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Social: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Work Style

Attention to Detail: Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability: Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Cooperation: Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Self Control: Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Initiative: Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
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.
Concern for Others: Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Adaptability/Flexibility: Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking: Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Achievement/Effort: Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

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.
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.
Achievement: Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Recognition: Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

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Lay Titles

Automated Cutting Machine Operator

Automation Machine Operator

Brake Press 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)

Laser Beam Trim Operator

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

National Wages and Employment Info

Median Wages (2008):: $17.1 hourly, $35,580 annual.

Employment (2008):: 138,870 employees