With the growing number of companies integrating CNC technology to boost work efficiency and productivity in their manufacturing processes, people who possess CNC skills will definitely earn a competitive edge in the job market. Job applicants who have successfully passed their CNC training and have developed their CNC skills will have better chances of finding good-paying job opportunities in the field of manufacturing or the production industry.
One of the most common types of job opportunity to applicants skilled in CNC operation is a position as a machine operator or a machinist. CNC machinists can work in a variety of fields. They can be tasked to operate CNC lathes, drills, or routers depending on what the company needs. Knowing that, it would be to your advantage if you know how to operate a variety of CNC machines. This will give you better chances of landing the job. Normally, employers would look for someone who is well-versed in operating various kinds of CNC-based machines. But of course, job specification will vary greatly so you should first know what the company requires for the position being offered to help you determine if you will qualify.
Machinists are often expected to perform the following tasks:
- Examine sample parts to be able to assess what kind of machine operation must be performed.
- Develop appropriate machine operation plans.
- Learn and implement engineering blueprints, tables, charts and drawings.
- Make accurate computations of tolerances and dimensions as well as measure and layout machine pieces.
- Put together machine parts, including subassemblies, with the aid of hand or powered tools
- Set up program machinery equipment that will be used by machine tool operators.
- Assume non-repetitive but precise machine operations like milling, drilling, boring, sawing and turning, to name a few.
CNC Machine Tool Operators
Apart from a position as a machine operator, another career opportunity available for CNC-capable individuals is becoming a machine tool operator. Machine tool operators assume a slightly different set of tasks compared to machinists, this include the following:
- Examine job orders and interpret blueprints.
- Determine machine parts dimensions with the help of callipers, micrometers, and other measuring instruments.
- Carry out routine maintenance on machines and equipment.
- Concoct etching solution and prepare metal pieces or parts that will be immersed in it.
- Supply codes to specify feed, speed as well as the tool path of CNC machineries.
Use the internet to find available CNC careers that will suit you and the skills you posses. It would be to your advantage to develop your CNC skills further so you will land a better paying job.