Numerical Control Machine Tool Operators and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up and operate numerical control (magnetic- or punched-tape-controlled) machine tools that automatically mill, drill, broach, and ream metal and plastic parts. May adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machine malfunctions.

Job Task

• Selects, measures, assembles, and sets machine tools, such as drill bits and milling or cutting tools, using precision gauges and instruments.
• Mounts, installs, aligns, and secures tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpiece on machine, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
• Determines specifications or procedures for tooling set-up, machine operation, workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences, using blueprints, instructions, and machine knowledge.
• Calculates and sets machine controls to position tools, synchronize tape and tool, or regulate cutting depth, speed, feed, or coolant flow.
• Lays out and marks areas of part to be shot-peened, and fills hopper with shot.
• Positions and secures workpiece on machine bed, indexing table, fixture, or dispensing or holding device.
• Loads control media, such as tape, card, or disk, in machine controller or enters commands to retrieve programmed instructions.
• Starts automatic operation of numerical control machine to machine parts or test setup, workpiece dimensions, or programming.
• Confers with supervisor or programmer to resolve machine malfunctions and production errors and obtains approval to continue production.
• Maintains machines and removes and replaces broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools.
• Examines electronic components for defects and completeness of laser-beam trimming, using microscope.
• Operates lathe, drill-press, jig-boring machine, or other machines manually or semiautomatically.
• Measures dimensions of finished workpiece to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
• Lifts workpiece to machine manually, with hoist or crane, or with tweezers.
• Enters commands or manually adjusts machine controls to correct malfunctions or tolerances.
• Stops machine to remove finished workpiece or change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequence.
• Monitors machine operation and control panel displays to detect malfunctions and compare readings to specifications.
• Cleans machine, tooling, and parts, using solvent or solution and rag.

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