Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operator, Metal

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Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operator, Metal

• Lab 1
• Employment Skills
• Overview

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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

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New Mexico Department of Labor

• https//www.jobs.state.nm.us/
  occprofiledata.asp?session
  occdetail_lmsgeo3501000000
• July 2, 2008
• Labor Market Summary for Computer-Controlled
  Machine Tool Operator
• Currently an insufficient market for
  specialization
• Journeyman Machinists option for this specialty

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Labor Market Wage Rates for Computer-Controlled
Machine Tool Operators, Metal

• The March 2007 hourly wage for Computer-Controlle
  d Machine Tool Operators, Metal in New Mexico
• Entry Level 12.90
• Mean 17.08
• Experienced 19.17
• Source Economic Research and Analysis Bureau

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Most Fabricators are Small Companies
A1 Machine, Inc., Farmington Bogue Machine Co, Albuquerque Hand Precision Mach, Los Alamos Integrated Mach Co, Albuquerque J.W. Industries Inc., Albuquerque K.L. Steven Co, Inc., Rio Rancho Kendal Precision, Albuquerque Standard Mach Co, Albuquerque Sun Country Industries, Albuquerque TEAM Techno, Inc., Albuquerque
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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/manufactur
  ing in NM

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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

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Forethought Lowers Costs
With experience in manufacturing a part, the designer can avoid costly manufacturing procedures, and sell cost saving considerations to clients With experience in manufacturing a part, the designer can avoid costly manufacturing procedures, and sell cost saving considerations to clients
Unnecessary tool changes Material considerations related to cost of required tooling Design requiring special cutting tools Unnecessary surface finishes Assembly / disassembly complications Unnecessary part reorientation Using less expensive materials Using standard material sizes to reduce machining Are all machined surfaces necessary Are tolerances closer than they need to be
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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

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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
  (GDT) 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

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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?