CNC Machining

Computer numerical control (CNC) technology is used by machinists to operate a variety of manufacturing tools and equipment in the production of metal parts. These parts must be made to exacting standards, and the machinist uses precision measuring instruments to ensure accuracy and that the parts meet quality guidelines. A machinist reads and interprets specifications and blueprints, calculates dimensions and tolerances, lays out their work and marks pieces for machining. They then set up, program and operate their machine tools, such as CNC metal turning lathes, to cut or grind the metal into parts or products to the precise specifications of engineers or designers. They fit and assemble the machined metal parts and subassemblies, and verify their dimensions, strength and hardness.

The job of the machinist has changed due to technical advances such as the development of CNC technology. Now more than ever, it combines mental ability with manual skills – to develop a project from a blueprint requires careful thought and an understanding of mathematics and computer programming, as well as good mechanical ability. However, modern computer age machinists must still understand the properties of metal and basic manual machining techniques as they rely on this knowledge to set up and operate the variety of machine tools they use.

Main dutiesMachining tool operators perform some or all of the following duties:

• Study job orders and interpret blueprints to determine machining operations to be performed
• Set up and operate machine tools to perform repetitive machining operations, such as turning, milling, drilling, boring, planing, honing, broaching, grinding or other machining operations
• Verify dimensions of parts machined using micrometers, callipers and other precision measuring instruments
• Prepare etching solution and immerse metal parts or workpiece in etching solution to remove unwanted portions
• Perform routine maintenance on equipment and machinery
• May enter codes specifying speed, feed and cut of the toolpath for computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine tools.

Who do they work for?

• Manufacturing industry
• Transport industry
• Trade industry

Sample titles

• Tool and die maker
• Machining and tooling inspector
• Machine tool set-up operator
• Aircraft parts etcher
• Boring mill operator
• Lathe machining operator

Essential Skills

• Numeracy
• Document use

How to join the field

• Some secondary school education is required.
• College or other courses in machining may be required.
• Several months of on-the-job training are provided.
• Senior positions in this unit group, such as set-up operator, require experience as a machine operator.

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