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CNC
OPERATORS
Overview
Numerical control machine operators set up and tend computerized machine
tools. These machines are programmed to cut and shape parts made of metal
or plastic.
Numerical control machine operators run computer-controlled machines.
These machines cut, shape, drill, or otherwise modify metal or plastic
parts. The computer program tells the machine which tools to use and how
to use them. Operators mainly set up, tend, and maintain the machines.
Operators begin by setting up the machine. They load the machine
controller (computer) with instructions or programs. These programs
usually are written for operators, but operators occasionally do their own
programming. Once the programs are entered, operators select, measure,
install, and secure the tools and attachments the machines will use.
Operators read blueprints and use their knowledge of the job to select the
proper tools. They use hand tools and precision instruments to attach the
items. Finally, they attach the work pieces and start the machines.
Programs
(Machine Technology and related)
While the machines are operating, operators may enter commands or adjust
machine controls to correct errors. They also may stop machines to change
the tools or the setup. When the process is completed, they stop machines
to remove the finished products. Operators then measure the finished
products to ensure they meet requirements.
Numerical control machine operators also maintain the machines. They
replace machine tools when they become worn or broken. They contact
supervisors or programmers when problems occur.
Activities
The following list of occupational
tasks is specific to this career.
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Monitor
machines and control panel displays to ensure machines are operating
correctly.
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Determine
how to set up machines. Use blueprints, instructions, and work
experience.
-
Load machine
controllers (computers) with instructions or programs.
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Select,
measure, install, and secure tools on machine. Use hand tools and
precision instruments.
-
Enter
commands or adjust machine controls to correct errors.
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Stop
machines to remove finished products or to change tools or setup.
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Measure
finished products to ensure they meet requirements.
-
Maintain
machines and replace machine tools when they become worn or broken.
-
Confer with
supervisors or programmers if problems occur.
People in this
career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to
many occupations.
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Handle and
move objects.
-
Control
machines and processes.
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Monitor
processes, materials, and surroundings.
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Repair and
maintain mechanical equipment.
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Inspect
equipment and materials.
-
Perform
general physical activities.
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Get
information needed to do the job.
-
Identify
objects, actions, and events.
-
Process
information.
-
Evaluate
information against standards.
-
Implement
programs, systems, or products.
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Estimate the
characteristics of materials, products, events, or information.
-
Make
decisions and solve problems.
-
Analyze data
or information.
-
Communicate
with coworkers.
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Judge the
qualities of objects or services.
-
Interact
with computers.
Working
Conditions
In a typical work setting, people in this career:
Interpersonal
Relationships
Physical Work
Conditions
-
Often work
indoors.
-
Sometimes
are exposed to hazardous equipment, such as high-speed machines. There
is a risk of a moderate degree of injury. However, the likelihood of
injury is low if they follow strict safety rules.
-
Occasionally
wear protective gear, such as safety glasses, steel toed shoes, face masks, or breathing
equipment.
-
Sometimes
are exposed to noise levels that are uncomfortable. However, they
often wear ear plugs to protect their hearing.
Work
Performance
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Must be very
exact in performing their job and be sure everything is done.
-
Work
according to the pace that is set by the speed of the machinery.
-
Must be
constantly aware of frequently changing or infrequent events while
machines are operating.
Hours/Travel
Physical
Demands
People in this
career frequently:
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Stand for
long periods of time.
-
Use hands to
handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
It is important
for people in this career to be able to:
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Make quick,
precise adjustments to machine controls.
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Make fast,
simple, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
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React
quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
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Use one or
two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
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Adjust body
movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of
moving objects.
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Use muscles
for extended periods without getting tired.
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Use muscles
to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
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See details
of objects that are less than a few feet away.
It is not as
important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to:
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Speak
clearly so listeners can understand.
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Hold the arm
and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
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Use fingers
to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
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Bend,
stretch, twist, or reach out with the body, arms, and/or legs.
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Choose
quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to
different signals.
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Quickly and
repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with the body, arms,
and/or legs.
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Determine
from which direction a sound came.
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Recognize
and understand the speech of another person.
Skills
& Abilities
People in this career need to:
Communicate
Reason and
Problem Solve
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Notice when
something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
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Follow
guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
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Recognize
the nature of a problem.
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Use
reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Use Math and
Science
Work with
Things
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Operate and
control equipment.
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Watch
gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Determine
the tools and equipment needed to do a job.
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Test and
inspect products and processes. Evaluate quality or performance.
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Maintain
equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of
maintenance is needed.
Perceive and
Visualize
Knowledge
People in this career need knowledge in the following areas:
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Mechanical:
Knowledge of designing, using, and repairing machines and tools.
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Production
and Processing: Knowledge of how products are made and supplied.
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Engineering
and Technology: Knowledge of how to build machines, buildings, and
other things. Also includes knowledge of how to use computers,
machines, and tools to do work more usefully.
Interests
People in this career are people who tend to:
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Consider
support from their employer important. They like to be treated fairly
and have supervisors who will back them up. They prefer jobs where
they are trained well.
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Have
realistic interests. They like work activities that include practical,
hands-on problems and solutions.
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Have
conventional interests. They like work activities that follow set
procedures, routines, and standards. They like to work with data and
detail. They prefer working where there is a clear line of authority
to follow.
Preparation
Numerical control machine operators learn
their skills on the job. They work with experienced workers and learn to
set up and run the machines. They usually learn the basics of their jobs
within a few months. However, the training takes longer when the machines
are more complex. They may also learn to operate more than one type of
machine. Workers may be constantly retrained as the company introduces new
equipment.
High school students interested in this field should take courses in shop
and blueprint reading. They should also take math courses such as algebra,
geometry, and trigonometry. Learning about the properties of metal and
plastic is also helpful.
Hiring
Practices
Although no special education is required, employers prefer to hire
workers who have good basic skills. These skills include reading, writing,
and speaking English. Many employers require employees to have a high
school diploma or GED.
Employers also look for applicants who have strong analytical and
communication skills. Mechanical aptitude and experience with machines are
also helpful. Licensing
& Certification
No State of Minnesota license requirements are found for this career
Certification is optional for numerical control machine operators.
Certification is given by trade associations in the metalworking and
plastics industries. It generally requires work experience and passing an
exam.
For more information on certification for machine operators who work with
plastic, contact:
The Society of Plastics Industry
1801 K Street NW, Suite 600K
Washington, DC 20006
http://www.socplas.org
http://www.certifyme.org
Wages
In Minnesota, the median wage for numerical control machine operators is
$17.29 per hour, which works out to $2,996 per month for a full time
worker. Half of all numerical control machine operators earn between
$13.96 and $20.90 per hour, or between $2,419 and $3,623 per month.
Nationally, the median wage for numerical control machine operators is
$2,500 per month ($15.59 per hour). Half of these workers earn between $1,980 and $3,100 per
month ($11.41 and $17.87 per hour).
Wages vary by employer, industry, and area of the country. The operator's
level of experience and responsibility also affect wages. About one-third
of numerical control machine operators belong to unions. These operators
generally receive higher wages than nonunion workers.
Numerical control machine operators who work full time generally receive
benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health
insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.
Employment
In Minnesota, about 3,140 numerical control machine operators work in this
medium-sized occupation.
Nationally, about 1125,500 numerical control machine operators work in this
small occupation.
Major employers:
Industrial machinery manufacturers
Metalworking machinery manufacturers
General industrial machinery manufacturers
Aircraft parts manufacturers
Outlook
In Minnesota, the employment for
numerical control machine operators is expected to more slowly through
2014.
Nationally, the number of jobs for numerical control machine operators is
expected to decline through 2014.
The rise in the use of computer-controlled machines will increase
employment. Companies are switching to these machines because they improve
quality and lower costs. More growth will occur for machine operators in
plastics than in metalworking. Plastic products increasingly are being
substituted for metal ones. Opportunities should be best for workers who
are willing and able to learn new tasks.
Advancement Opportunities
Advancement for operators usually takes the form of higher pay. However,
there are also opportunities for operators to advance to new positions.
For example, they can run multiple machines. They can become trainees for
more highly skilled jobs, such as machinists or numerical control tool
programmers. Operators who have good people skills may advance to
supervisory jobs.
Page
last updated in August, 2007.
Source: Minnesota
Department of Children, Families & Learning (MCIS) Minnesota
Career Information System
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