Numerical Control Machine Operators California Occupational Guide Number 548 Interest Area 6 1998

THE JOB Consider the parts of a toaster - the metal or plastic housing or the lever that lowers the toast, for example. NUMERICAL CONTROL MACHINE OPERATORS play a major part in producing most of the consumer products which we rely upon daily. Numerical Control Machine Operators typically set up and operate multi-purpose computer numerically controlled machines (CNC machines) to perform any combination of machining operations, such as milling, drilling, reaming, or broaching metal work pieces to specifications. Numerical Control Machine Operators, also called CNC machine operators, are usually classified by the type of work they perform. Some of the various titles include drill operator, sheet material, spar mill operator, turret lathe operator, shin mill machinist and milling profiling machinist. Most present day numerical-control machines are controlled by computers with programmed instructions. The controller directs the mechanisms of the machine tool through the positioning and machining described in the program or instructions for the job. A program could contain, for example, commands that cause the controller to move a drill bit to certain spots on a workpiece and drill a hole at each spot. Working from given instructions, CNC Machine Operators load programs that are usually stored on disks into the controller. After loading, they review the program specifications to determine the sequence of set operations and dimensions of the finished work piece. CNC Operators then securely position the workpiece to the machine and bed and position metal stock in the fixture according to set-up instructions using a rule and calipers. They assemble cutting tools in tool holders and position tools in machine spindles according to instructions, using machinists' hand-tools. They may also insert cutting tools in specified machine magazines and check the coolants and lubricants. This entire process may take a few minutes or several hours, depending on the size of the workpiece and the complexity of the job. Since CNC machines are changing the nature of the work Operators perform, they have less physical interaction with the machinery. Therefore, CNC Machine Operators act as troubleshooters by monitoring machines controlled by computers. They observe machine operation and verify accuracy of machined workpiece against blueprints or engineering drawings by measuring cuts with micrometers, dial indicator, and gauges. When the automatic programming is faulty or when the machine malfunctions, they adjust the machine feed and speed and change the cutters to machine parts according to specifications. In some plants, Numerical Control Machine Operators may perform such duties

as placing the control tape or punch card in the control console reader, turning dials to index the cutting tool to specified set point, turning switches to operating position and starting the machine, and changing cutting tools and the location of clamps as directed by set-up instructions. Some Numerical Control (NC) machines manufactured during the past ten years have manual data input, allowing other machine operators to input dimensions into the machine control panel the first time a part is run. WORKING CONDITIONS CNC Machine Operators work indoors in a clean, well lighted, and ventilated environment. Because workers are exposed to flying particles of metal and plastic from the operation of high-powered machinery, they need to wear protective safety glasses. Even though better designed machine tools have reduced noise levels in shops, Operators must still wear earplugs for protection. Some Machine Operators may wear face masks to protect themselves from dangerous fumes or dust. CNC Machine Operators are on their feet most of the day, but may be seated when loading programs onto the computer. The work requires moderately heavy lifting. EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. Estimated Estimated Projected Estimated number of workers in 1993 number of workers in 2005 Growth 1993-2005 openings due to separations by 2005 4,800 6,810 42% 1,090

(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.) Technological developments that increase productivity of machines are expected to keep employment from rising as fast as the demand for machined goods. This is especially true on CNC machines since computers can control various machining operations, while improving quality and lowering production costs. Computer-controlled equipment also allows CNC Machine Operators to simultaneously tend to a greater number of machines and makes set-up easier, which reduces the amount of time set-up workers spend on each machine. Consequently, employment of CNC Machine Operators is expected to increase. Those with CNC machine experience and a high school diploma stand a better chance of becoming employed. WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS Numerical Control Machine Operators work a 40 hour work week, but overtime is common during periods of increased production. Many shops have more than one shift, therefore, some Operators may work nights and weekends. Wages are

determined by the machinist's skill, the type of work done, and the existence of a union agreement. The average wage in California for CNC Machine Operators is $13.02 per hour. Generally, the pay is higher in urban areas and for unionized workers. Fringe benefits such as retirement plans, health and dental care, paid leave for vacations, holidays and illness are usually offered. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING Most Numerical Control Machine Operators learn their skills on the job. Under the supervision of an experienced Operator, they are taught how to run one or more kinds of CNC machines within a few months. Most employers prefer to hire applicants with a high school education who can read, write, and speak English. Job applicants with good communication and interpersonal skills, who possess mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, and machinery experience are at an advantage. If an employer expects an Operator to write computer programs, trainees may attend programming courses offered by technical schools. ADVANCEMENT Advancement may occur in the form of salary increases, greater responsibility, or higher level jobs as supervisors and inspectors. Advancement potential also exists for promotion to Numerical Control Programmer positions for Operators who take junior college mathematics courses through solid analytical geometry. FINDING THE JOB Job seekers should submit applications directly to employers. Most employers accept applications. Job openings can also be learned from friends or relatives working at particular plants. Jobs may also be found through private recruiting agencies. Unions and associations may also be a source for finding jobs with certain employers. ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) 9300 Livingston Road Ft. Washington, MD 20744 (800) 248-6862 or (301) 248-6200 www.ntma.org/ United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America One Gateway Center Pittsburgh, VA 15222-1416 www.ranknfile-ue.org/ National Machine Tool Builders Association 7901 West Park Dr. McLean, VA 22102

(703) 839-2900

or

(301) 248-6200

International Union of Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers 1126 16th Street NW Washington, DC 20026 (202) 296-1200 RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES Machinists & Machine Tool Specialists OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Lathe Operator, Numerical Control 604.362-010 Router Set-up Operator, Numerical Control 605.360-010 Milling Machine Operator, Numerical Control 605.380-010 Drill-Press Operator, Numerical Control 606.362-010 Jig-Boring Machine Operator, Numerical Control 606.382-014 Numerical Control Machine Operator 609.362-010 OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Numerical Machine Tool Operators, Metal & Plastic 915020 No. 9