Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
Operate computer-controlled tools, machines, or robots to machine or process parts, tools, or other work pieces made of metal, plastic, wood, stone, or other materials. May also set up and maintain equipment.
Technology Tools
Key Tasks
- Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
- Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.
- Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
- Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences.
- Listen to machines during operation to detect sounds such as those made by dull cutting tools or excessive vibration, and adjust machines to compensate for problems.
- Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers.
- Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts.
- Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences.
- Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links.
- Remove and replace dull cutting tools.
- Check to ensure that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation.
- Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction.
- Monitor machine operation and control panel displays, and compare readings to specifications to detect malfunctions.
- Maintain machines and remove and replace broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools.
- Insert control instructions into machine control units to start operation.
- Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation, and save modified programs.
- Lift workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes.
- Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools.
- Input initial part dimensions into machine control panels.
- Enter commands or load control media, such as tapes, cards, or disks, into machine controllers to retrieve programmed instructions.
- Set up future jobs while machines are operating.
- Confer with supervisors or programmers to resolve machine malfunctions or production errors or to obtain approval to continue production.
- Control coolant systems.
- Stack or load finished items, or place items on conveyor systems.
- Clean machines, tooling, or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags.
- Lay out and mark areas of parts to be shot peened and fill hoppers with shot.
- Examine electronic components for defects or completeness of laser-beam trimming, using microscopes.
Skills
Knowledge
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Abilities
Work Activities
Work Context
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?
100%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
95%
Spend Time Standing
How much does this job require standing?
90%
Time Pressure
How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
85%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
82%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?
81%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
81%
Exposed to Contaminants
How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
78%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
77%
Contact With Others
How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
76%
Freedom to Make Decisions
How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
76%
Duration of Typical Work Week
Number of hours typically worked in one week.
75%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?
75%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)
74%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
73%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?
70%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?
69%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?
63%
Frequency of Decision Making
How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
63%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?
62%
Consequence of Error
How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?
60%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?
60%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
58%
Degree of Automation
How automated is the job?
57%
Spend Time Walking or Running
How much does this job require walking or running?
52%
Physical Proximity
To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?
50%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?
46%
Level of Competition
To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
45%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?
43%
Conflict Situations
How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
40%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
40%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
39%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
38%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?
36%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
35%
How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?
34%
Written Letters and Memos
How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?
31%
Telephone Conversations
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
30%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
27%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?
23%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?
22%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?
17%
Public Speaking
How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?
17%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?
16%
Spend Time Sitting
How much does this job require sitting?
15%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?
14%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?
12%
Exposed to Radiation
How often does this job require exposure to radiation?
9%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?
7%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?
7%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
7%
Work Schedules
How regular are the work schedules for this job?
7%
Exposed to High Places
How often does this job require exposure to high places?
6%
Outdoors, Under Cover
How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?
6%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?
6%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?
4%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?
3%
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Some college, no degree
Interests
Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum
Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f
Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis
Artistic
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,
Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Work Styles
Work Values
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