Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operator, Metal

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

2. 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

3. 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

4. Labor Market Wage Rates for Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal • The March 2007 hourly wage for “Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal” in New Mexico: • Entry Level $12.90 • Mean $17.08 • Experienced $19.17 • Source: Economic Research and Analysis Bureau

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Most Fabricators are Small Companies

10. NM Industries that employ Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators Industry Total % in NM • Machinery Manufacturing 38 66.7% • Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing 7 12.3% • Computer and Electronic Product Mfg 6 10.5% • Electrical Equipment and Appliances 3 5.3% • Transportation Equipment Manufacturing 3 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

11. 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

12. Forethought Lowers Costs

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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?