Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operator, Metal Lab 1: Employment & Skills Overview

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

New Mexico Department of Labor occprofiledata.asp?session= occdetail_lms&geo= – July 2, 2008 Labor Market Summary for Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operator – Currently an insufficient market for specialization – Journeyman Machinists option for this specialty

Labor Market Wage Rates for Computer- Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal The March 2007 hourly wage for “Computer- Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal” in New Mexico: – Entry Level$12.90 – Mean$17.08 – Experienced$19.17 Source: Economic Research and Analysis Bureau

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

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

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

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

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

NM Industries that employ Computer- Controlled Machine Tool Operators Industry Total% in NM Machinery Manufacturing3866.7% Machinery Manufacturing Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing712.3% Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing Computer and Electronic Product Mfg610.5% Computer and Electronic Product Mfg Electrical Equipment and Appliances35.3% Electrical Equipment and Appliances Transportation Equipment Manufacturing35.3% Transportation Equipment Manufacturing * 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 shops use Cad/Cam for fabrication/manufacturing in NM

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

Forethought Lowers Costs 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 …

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

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 (GD&T) 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

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?