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Numerical Control Machine Operators

THE JOB

Consider the parts of a toaster - the metal or plastic housing or the lever
that lowers the toast, for example. NUMERICAL CONTROL MACHINE OPERATORS
play a major part in producing most of the consumer products which we
rely upon daily.  Numerical Control Machine Operators typically set up and
operate multi-purpose computer numerically controlled machines
(CNC machines) to perform any combination of machining operations, such as
milling, drilling, reaming, or broaching metal work pieces to specifications.
Numerical Control Machine Operators, also called CNC machine operators, are
usually classified by the type of work they perform.  Some of the various
titles include drill operator, sheet material, spar mill operator, turret
lathe operator, shin mill machinist and milling profiling machinist.

Most present day numerical-control machines are controlled by computers with
programmed instructions.  The controller directs the mechanisms of the machine
tool through the positioning and machining described in the program or
instructions for the job.  A program could contain, for example, commands that
cause the controller to move a drill bit to certain spots on a workpiece and
drill a hole at each spot.

Working from given instructions, CNC Machine Operators load programs that
are usually stored on disks into the controller.  After loading, they review
the program specifications to determine the sequence of set operations and
dimensions of the finished work piece.  CNC Operators then securely position
the workpiece to the machine and bed and position metal stock in the fixture
according to set-up instructions using a rule and calipers.  They assemble 
cutting tools in tool holders and position tools in machine spindles
according to instructions, using machinists' hand-tools.  They may also
insert cutting tools in specified machine magazines and check the coolants
and lubricants.  This entire process may take a few minutes or several
hours, depending on the size of the workpiece and the complexity of the job.

Since CNC machines are changing the nature of the work Operators perform,
they have less physical interaction with the machinery.  Therefore, CNC
Machine Operators act as troubleshooters by monitoring machines controlled
by computers.  They observe machine operation and verify accuracy of
machined workpiece against blueprints or engineering drawings by measuring
cuts with micrometers, dial indicator, and gauges.  When the automatic
programming is faulty or when the machine malfunctions, they adjust the
machine feed and speed and change the cutters to machine parts according to
specifications.

In some plants, Numerical Control Machine Operators may perform such duties
as placing the control tape or punch card in the control console reader,
turning dials to index the cutting tool to specified set point, turning
switches to operating position and starting the machine, and changing
cutting tools and the location of clamps as directed by set-up instructions.
Some Numerical Control (NC) machines manufactured during the past ten years
have manual data input, allowing other machine operators to input dimensions
into the machine control panel the first time a part is run.


WORKING CONDITIONS

CNC Machine Operators work indoors in a clean, well lighted, and ventilated
environment.  Because workers are exposed to flying particles of metal and
plastic from the operation of high-powered machinery, they need to wear
protective safety glasses.  Even though better designed machine tools have
reduced noise levels in shops, Operators must still wear earplugs for
protection.  Some Machine Operators may wear face masks to protect themselves
from dangerous fumes or dust.

CNC Machine Operators are on their feet most of the day, but may be seated
when loading programs onto the computer.  The work requires moderately heavy
lifting.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The following information is from the California Projections of Employment
published by the Labor Market Information Division.

Estimated number of workers in 1993            4,800
Estimated number of workers in 2005            6,810
Projected Growth 1993-2005                       42%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005  1,090

(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)

Technological developments that increase productivity of machines are
expected to keep employment from rising as fast as the demand for machined
goods.  This is especially true on CNC machines since computers can control
various machining operations, while improving quality and lowering production
costs.  Computer-controlled equipment also allows CNC Machine Operators to
simultaneously tend to a greater number of machines and makes set-up easier,
which reduces the amount of time set-up workers spend on each machine.
Consequently, employment of CNC Machine Operators is expected to increase.
Those with CNC machine experience and a high school diploma stand a better
chance of becoming employed.


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Numerical Control Machine Operators work a 40 hour work week, but overtime
is common during periods of increased production.  Many shops have more than
one shift, therefore, some Operators may work nights and weekends. Wages are
determined by the machinist's skill, the type of work done, and the
existence of a union agreement.  The average wage in California for CNC
Machine Operators is $13.02 per hour.  Generally, the pay is higher in urban
areas and for unionized workers.

Fringe benefits such as retirement plans, health and dental care, paid leave
for vacations, holidays and illness are usually offered.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

Most Numerical Control Machine Operators learn their skills on the job.
Under the supervision of an experienced Operator, they are taught how to run
one or more kinds of CNC machines within a few months.  Most employers
prefer to hire applicants with a high school education who can read, write,
and speak English.  Job applicants with good communication and interpersonal
skills, who possess mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, and machinery
experience are at an advantage.  If an employer expects an Operator to write
computer programs, trainees may attend programming courses offered by
technical schools.


ADVANCEMENT

Advancement may occur in the form of salary increases, greater
responsibility, or higher level jobs as supervisors and inspectors.
Advancement potential also exists for promotion to Numerical Control
Programmer positions for Operators who take junior college mathematics
courses through solid analytical geometry.


FINDING THE JOB

Job seekers should submit applications directly to employers.  Most
employers accept applications.  Job openings can also be learned from
friends or relatives working at particular plants.  Jobs may also be found
through private recruiting agencies.  Unions and associations may also be a
source for finding jobs with certain employers.


ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA)
9300 Livingston Road
Ft. Washington, MD  20744
(800) 248-6862 or (301) 248-6200
www.ntma.org/

United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America
One Gateway Center
Pittsburgh, VA  15222-1416
www.ranknfile-ue.org/

National Machine Tool Builders Association 
7901 West Park Dr.
McLean, VA 22102
(703) 839-2900 or (301) 248-6200

International Union of Electrical, Radio 
and Machine Workers
1126 16th Street NW
Washington, DC  20026
(202) 296-1200


RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Machinists & Machine Tool Specialists                 No. 9


OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991)
Lathe Operator, Numerical Control               604.362-010
Router Set-up Operator, Numerical Control       605.360-010
Milling Machine Operator, Numerical Control     605.380-010
Drill-Press Operator, Numerical Control         606.362-010
Jig-Boring Machine Operator, Numerical Control  606.382-014
Numerical Control Machine Operator              609.362-010

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Numerical Machine Tool Operators, Metal & Plastic    915020


Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
        Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
        (916) 262-2162.