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Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic - 51-4011.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic work pieces.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Computer Numerical Control Operator (CNC Operator)
  • Computer Numerical Control Machinist (CNC Machinist)
  • Machine Operator
  • Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator (CNC Lathe Operator)
  • Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator (CNC Machine Operator)
  • Computer Numerical Control Mill Operator (CNC Mill Operator)
  • Production Worker
  • Brake Press Operator
  • Computer Numerical Control Set Up Technician (CNC Set Up Technician)
  • Computer Numerical Control Set-Up Operator (CNC Set-Up Operator)

SOC Occupation Groups

51-0000 Production Occupations
51-4000 Metal Workers and Plastic Workers
51-4010 Computer Control Programmers and Operators
51-4011.00 Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction.
  • Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts.
  • Check to ensure that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation.
  • Clean machines, tooling, or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags.
  • Confer with supervisors or programmers to resolve machine malfunctions or production errors or to obtain approval to continue production.
  • Control coolant systems.
  • Enter commands or load control media, such as tapes, cards, or disks, into machine controllers to retrieve programmed instructions.
  • Examine electronic components for defects or completeness of laser-beam trimming, using microscopes.
  • Implement changes to machine programs and enter new specifications, using computers.
  • Input initial part dimensions into machine control panels.
  • Insert control instructions into machine control units to start operation.
  • Lay out and mark areas of parts to be shot-peened and fill hoppers with shot.
  • Lift workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes.
  • 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.
  • Maintain machines and remove and replace broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools.
  • Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
  • Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation and save modified programs.
  • Monitor machine operation and control panel displays and compare readings to specifications to detect malfunctions.
  • Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
  • Remove and replace dull cutting tools.
  • Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences.
  • Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.
  • Set up future jobs while machines are operating.
  • Stack or load finished items or place items on conveyor systems.
  • 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.
  • Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools.

Detailed Work Activities

  • adjust production equipment/machinery setup
  • clean equipment or machinery
  • confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
  • determine specifications
  • determine tasks needed to complete machined products
  • examine products or work to verify conformance to specifications
  • install equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures
  • lay out machining, welding or precision assembly projects
  • load control media in machine controller
  • load or unload material or workpiece into machinery
  • load tapes, disks or paper into computers or peripherals
  • load, unload, or stack containers, materials, or products
  • maintain or repair industrial or related equipment/machinery
  • measure, weigh, or count products or materials
  • monitor production machinery/equipment operation to detect problems
  • move or fit heavy objects
  • operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom
  • operate metal or plastic fabricating equipment/machinery
  • perform safety inspections in manufacturing or industrial setting
  • program computer numerical controlled machines
  • read blueprints
  • read production layouts
  • read specifications
  • read technical drawings
  • read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
  • set up and operate variety of machine tools
  • set up computer numerical control machines
  • set up production equipment or machinery
  • understand machine setup instructions
  • understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
  • use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
  • use hand or power tools
  • use precision measuring tools or equipment

Military Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Aircraft Metals Technology (Machinist/CNC/Welder)
  • Aircraft Metals Technology Specialist
  • Numerical Control Machine Operator

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Automated Cutting Machine Operator
  • Drill-Press Operator, Numerical Control
  • Jig-Boring Machine Operator, Numerical Control
  • Laser-Beam-Trim Operator
  • Lathe Operator, Numerical Control
  • Milling-Machine Set-Up Operator, Numerical Control
  • Numerical Control Machine Operator
  • Numerical Control Machine Set-Up Operator
  • Numerical-Control Drill Operator, Printed Circuit Boards
  • Numerical-Control Router Operator
  • Robotic Machine Operator
  • Router Set-Up Operator, Numerical Control
  • Shot-Peening Operator