CNC machine operator is an exciting and rewarding career that you may not have even heard of. Read our guide on 9 signs that this is the career for you.
Simply put, you'll get a career that pays well, has excellent long-term job prospects and offers interesting work. And you don't need a college degree to get started.
Plus, you'll be contributing to the production of just about everything from phones to spaceships.
CNC machining involves using specialized equipment to machine materials into products or parts. It is a form of subtractive manufacturing that has become a popular method of making precision parts for the aerospace, automotive, energy and other technical industries.
The materials typically used are metal, wood, plastics, and composites, which are machined with machines such as CNC milling machines
, CNC drilling machines, CNC lathes, and CNC hydraulic presses.
As a CNC machine operator, your duties and responsibilities may include the following:
- Interpreting technical drawings and data;
- Programming code for the CNC machine tool based on data or setting up automated software to generate the required code;
- Scheduling and executing machining tasks in the correct order;
- Setting machine parameters such as cutting speeds and allowable tolerances;
- Performing actual computer and CNC machine operations;
- Ensuring finished product quality meets standards;
- Calibrating and maintaining equipment.
- Job prospects for certified operators are very good.
HERE ARE 9 SIGNS THAT YOU'LL MAKE A GREAT CNC OPERATOR
- You love to create.
- You are capable of paying attention to detail.
- You have good IT and math skills.
- You have excellent time management skills.
- You have the ability to adapt.
- You have a good work ethic.
- You are a team player.
- You have excellent problem-solving skills.
- You have a desire to become an expert.
YOU LOVE TO BUILD
Perhaps as a child you played with legos or other constructors and created something of your own from them. Perhaps you enjoyed drawing or painting, perhaps sculpting something out of clay. Working as a CNC machine operator, you get the satisfaction of turning a steel block into a part made to exact specifications. Where once there was only a block of metal, now there is something tangible and practical. These blocks of raw materials encapsulate the ideas that engineers and CNC machine operators bring to life.
The CNC machine operator plays an important role in the creative process. You start with a concept and take the necessary steps to make it a reality. It's like being an alchemist and a sculptor at the same time.
If you are passionate about the process of creating new things, a career as a CNC machine operator may be a good choice for you.
YOU KNOW HOW TO PAY ATTENTION TO DETAIL
As a CNC machine operator, you will execute and then interpret 2D drawings you receive from engineers. Your skills will allow you to visualize the part and how it will look in 3D. This will give you enough information to make decisions about the machining process. Your clear understanding of the machining process will also allow you to follow any written instructions.
All good operators are able to see fine details and use their keen attention to make sure the part is machined correctly and accurately.
YOU HAVE GOOD IT AND MATH SKILLS
This job requires the use of CAD software and therefore requires good IT skills. As processes and technology change, so does the software and tools you use to do your job. As an operator, you must update your knowledge regularly.
A CNC machine operator needs to understand what is going on at each stage and troubleshoot any problems that arise. Computer proficiency and a willingness to learn it further is essential.
Mathematical skills are also needed to understand and verify dimensions, determine materials, set design parameters in software, check tolerances, etc.
YOU ARE GREAT AT TIME MANAGEMENT
CNC machining is inherently fast-paced, changes can be made at the last minute, and deadlines must be met. The machining process on CNC machines consists of many steps. And there are often opportunities to make it more efficient. Having an idea of how long each step can take, the time it takes to load raw materials, and the time it takes to set up the various tools is very important in determining how long a job will take.
If you are organized and like to look for ways to increase productivity, a career as a CNC machine operator can be very rewarding for you.
YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO ADAPT
Working as an operator, you will encounter many problems. The machine may have been misconfigured by a previous employee, the machine may be jammed, or the tools may be wearing out from repeated production cycles.
Like everything in life, things don't always go according to plan. It's important to be able to adapt to any production situation, no matter what happens.
"A CNC machine operator needs to be calm, but at the same time be able to solve problems. When machining on CNC machines, something happens that goes wrong and you can lose your temper. You need to be able to adapt and look for different solutions. Those who are happy with these problems will succeed," says Ronnie Brittain, lead CNC instructor at NASCAR Technical Institute.
YOU HAVE A GOOD WORK ETHIC
Working in a machine shop is not always easy, but nothing in life with great rewards comes easy. It requires exceptional mental and physical stamina, whether it's adjusting, operating machines, or solving any problems if and when they arise.
Many tasks are repetitive. It will require discipline and close attention to detail. You will need focus and the ability to take on any challenge thrown your way. For those who thrive in this work environment, a career as a CNC machine operator may be ideal.
YOU'RE A TEAM PLAYER
Any career where you work with others involves collaboration. And this is especially true in a manufacturing environment. If you think you know everything yourself, you won't get very far and you probably won't make many friends. But if you like to share ideas and learn from those with more experience, being an operator will allow you to network and grow with others in the same craft.
While in many cases it may just be you and the machine, you are all part of the same team making your job a success. Think about how many parts go into making a car, each part was probably made by a different person, and they all have to come together to make a perfect result.
THE DESIRE TO BECOME AN EXPERT
The desire to become an expert in CNC machining combines all of the skills mentioned earlier. CNC machining is undoubtedly a highly technical profession, it requires a combination of skills and engineering knowledge. Good operators must be willing to constantly learn and update their knowledge as technology changes rapidly.
Working as a CNC machine operator can be a rewarding career for those with the necessary skills.
