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Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers (also called Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers) plan programs to control the machining of plastic, metal, or wood parts on automatic machine tools, by means of electronically transferred numerical data that are generated by computers.

 

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

 

Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers may:

 

Study blueprints and engineer drawings to determine measurements of parts and shape of cuts

 

Determine the type and size of cutting tools according to the hardness of metal stock and shape of cut

 

Determine the position of metal stock on machine fixture and the point on the stock at which machining should start

 

Draw sketches of parts to plan the number, location, and direction of cutter paths

 

Establish the location of the tool set point, starting point, and cutter change points

 

Calculate radii of simple and complex irregular curves

 

Prepare program sheets or geometric data for use in computer or program preparation equipment to generate machinery programs

 

Check machinery programs output by preparation equipment with the written plan for accuracy

 

Observe the machining of the first part produced by an automatically controlled machine to check the accuracy of programming

 

Revise programs to remove instruction errors or omissions to make the program run in the most efficient way

 

The tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

 

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

 

007.167-018 COMPUTER NUMERICALLY CONTROLLED MACHINE TOOL PROGRAMMERS plan programs to control the machining of metal parts on automatic machine tools, by means of magnetic tape, punched tape, or punched cards.

 

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:

 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

 

Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers usually work in offices of manufacturing plants under the supervision of a senior programmer or coordinator. They may work with a team of Tool Programmers or alone with complete responsibility for programming.

 

They work in offices that are well lighted and air conditioned. Generally, Tool Programmers perform their work at desks with occasional trips to the production floor to observe machining operations and test programs.

 

Most Programmers work between 35 and 40 hours per week. Some may work evening or night shifts. Overtime may also be necessary to complete emergency work.

 

You Should Prefer:

• Doing work of a technical nature

• Working with blueprints and machines

 

You Should Be Able To:

• Concentrate and think logically

• Understand and use algebra, geometry, and trigonometry

• Learn specialized, symbolic programming languages

• Picture objects from drawings and diagrams

• Organize data and make judgments and decisions

• Communicate with people at all levels

• Adjust to a variety of activities

• Work under pressure

 

Math Problem You Should Be Able To Solve:

 

The circumference of a circular piece of metal is 14 centimeters. What is the radius?

 

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

 

Some programs are unable to use expanded memory because they were not designed to interact with an expanded-memory manager.

 

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

 

You should be able to write a set of instructions for any program that you devise.

 

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Produce:

 

You should be able to brainstorm ways to increase the efficiency of slow and sluggish program.

 

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OP PORT UNITIES

 

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) or a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

 

 

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

 

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

 

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH, 2300 METALS , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

 

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

 

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

 

 

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

 

120 ROBOTICS TECHNOLOGY

 

Programs in Robotics Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the design, manufacture, testing, installation, operation, and maintenance of robots, robotics systems, and related devices, tools, and mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment. Individuals who teach Robotics Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

 

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

 

 

121 NUMERICAL CONTROL TECHNOLOGY

 

Programs in Numerical Control Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the programming and operation of automatic computer-controlled machine tools.

 

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

 

                        

 

 Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

 

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

 

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script.

 

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

 

There are no Military Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

 

E-Learning Courses and Programs

 

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

 

School field trips to observe Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers at work in automotive and other manufacturing firms may be arranged. Postsecondary programs in numerical control technology and robotics technology may provide opportunities for experience.

               

School-to-Work opportunities include:

 

informal apprenticeships

 

mentorships

 

job shadowing experiences

 

touring a local Computer Controlled Machine Programmer employer

 

internships

 

volunteer work with a Computer Controlled Machine Programmer employer

 

community service work with an agency

 

Most Numerical Control Tool Programmers enter the occupation by applying directly to employers. Assistance may be obtained from college placement offices, local offices of Michigan Works!, and by consulting trade publications. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

 

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

 

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

 

Earnings vary widely and depend on job specialty, industry site, and size of employer. Wages tend to be higher in large cities than in small communities.

 

Nationally, Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers had average hourly earnings of $20.34, with most earning from $19.71 to $25.19 in mid 2006. Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Operators who also program the machines make at least the prevailing rate for Numerical Control Tool Programmers.

 

Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers working in selected areas in Michigan had the following hourly earnings in (2006).

 

In addition to their regular salaries, some Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers receive cost-of-living allowances.

 

Workers in this occupation usually receive paid vacations and holidays; health, disability, and life insurance; sick leave; and pension plans. Some employers also provide workers with tuition refunds for work-related courses at technical institutes or colleges. Some employers may offer stock purchase/savings plans for salaried employees.

 

Opportunities for promotion in tool programming are good. Programmers may advance to senior Programmer or numerical control coordinator. Promotion to higher positions depends largely on education, experience, ability, and work attitude.

 

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

 

There were about 17,500 Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers employed nationally in 2004. Employment in this occupation is expected to decline through the year 2014.

 

The industry distribution for Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers looked like this:

 

 

As the economy grows, the demand for products that use machined parts or tooling for molded parts will increase. To remain competitive, American firms will increasingly use numerical control and other automated machining equipment to increase productivity, lower labor costs, and increase product quality. As more American firms install numerically controlled machine tools, the demand for Tool Programmers will rise. However, this rising demand will be offset by anticipated further increases in the level of imports and by the standardization of programming languages. As imports increase, domestic production falls, thus reducing the demand for Tool Programmers.

 

Also, new technology allowing machinists and Numerical Control Tool Operators to do programming is affecting employment in this occupation. As this technology becomes more widely used, fewer Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers will be needed.

 

About 1,675 Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers work in Michigan. Almost 86% of the Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers worked in urban areas. Most of them worked for machinery and automotive manufacturers. Others were employed by fabricated metal products, primary metal products, and professional and scientific instruments manufacturers.

 

Employment in Michigan is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2012. Because the total number of Tool Programmers employed is small and turnover is low, an average of 50 annual openings is expected, with 20 due to growth and 30 due to replacement of those who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons.  Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations. To remain competitive with foreign manufacturers, Michigan firms will use more computer numerically controlled machining equipment. This will lower their labor costs by increasing productivity and quality.

 

MICHIGAN EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK 2002-2012

 

 

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFO RMATION

 

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

 

 

Copyright © 2006 Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth