Numerical Control Tool Operators set up and operate single- or multi- purpose numerical control machines to perform machining operations, such as milling, drilling, reaming, or broaching, on metal work pieces according to specifications.

Numerical control is a technique for controlling a machine by means of coded instructions sent to the machine electronically.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Numerical Control Tool Operators may:

Read blueprints and setup instructions to determine the machining to be done

Mount the work piece on an indexing table

Install tools in the tool magazine, turret, or spindle of the machine

Insert numerical control instructions in the machine control unit

Write simple programs for numerically controlled machine tools

Start the machine and check machine operation and display panel of the control unit for indication of malfunction

Make minor adjustments or tool changes

Check the work piece to see that it meets specifications

Remove chips and control coolant systems

Set up the next job while the machine is operating

Stack or load finished items or ship containers or place items on a conveyor system

Tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Numerical Control Tool Operators may specialize in these areas:

606.362-010 NUMERICAL CONTROL DRILL-PRESS OPERATORS set up and operate machines that automatically perform machining operation such as drilling, reaming, counter-sinking, spot-facing, and tapping of holes in metal work pieces.

606.382-014 NUMERICAL CONTROL JIG-BORING MACHINE OPERATORS set up and operate machines that automatically perform machining operations, such as boring, drilling, and counter-sinking holes in metal work pieces.

605.380-010 NUMERICAL CONTROL MILLING-MACHINE OPERATORS set up and operate multi-axis machines to mill surfaces of metallic and nonmetallic work pieces.

605.360-010 NUMERICAL CONTROL ROUTER SET-UP OPERATORS set up and operate multi-axis machines to cut and shape metallic and nonmetallic work pieces.

604.362-010 NUMERICAL CONTROL LATHE OPERATORS set up and operate horizontal lathes that perform machining operations, such as turning, boring, facing, and threading on such parts as castings, forgings, and bar stock.

609.362-010 NUMERICAL-CONTROL-MACHINE OPERATOR

609.360-010 NUMERICAL CONTROL MACHINE SET-UP OPERATOR.

Numerical control machine operators may set up and operate other numerical control machines such as engine lathes, turret lathes, planer-type milling machines, and profile mills. Workers may be designated according to the make, trademark, or how the machine was put together; characteristics of the control system; or type of product.

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

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Numerical Control Tool Operators usually work in specialized production departments or tool rooms of factories, tool shops, or job shops under the direction of section leaders, supervisors, or both. These machine Operators generally work in well lighted areas.

Hazards include metal chips, abrasive dust, loud noises, sharp cutting tools, revolving parts, and skin irritation from oil and other coolants. Safety rules require all Tool Operators to wear safety glasses and earmuffs or earplugs when necessary. They must avoid wearing loose-fitting clothes or jewelry that could get caught in a machine.

Although machine shop work sometimes depends on large contracts for continuous employment, it is generally a steady area of employment. Most metalworking machine operators work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Some Operators work on afternoon or night shifts. Overtime may be necessary to meet production requirements or contract deadlines. Operators are usually given tools and safety equipment from the employer.

Many Machine Tool Operators are members of unions, including The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America. Operators who belong to unions are required to pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities which involve the use of machines, processes, or methods

You Should Be Able To:

• Rate information using standards that can be measured or checked

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Visualize how drawings/pictures would look as solid objects

• See details in objects or drawings

• Recognize slight differences in shapes or shadings

• Work easily and skillfully with your hands

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

Find the percent difference if the observed diameter of a drilled hole is 2 centimeters and the expected diameter is 2.5 centimeters.

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

There is usually not only an interest in the amount of work done, but also an interest in how fast it is done, that is, the rate at which it is done. Power is the rate of doing work.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write an explanation about any adjustments that you had to make and the reasons why they were necessary.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to visualize changes that are needed on various machines and then decide the best way to adjust them.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes 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) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 2300 METALS , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

049 MACHINE TOOL OPERATION/SHOP

Approved vocational education programs in Machine Tool Operation and Machine Shop prepare students to shape metal parts on machines such as lathes, grinders, drill presses, milling machines, and shapers. Programs may also train individuals in the use of one machine. Instruction is given in calculating dimensions; using precision measuring instruments such as layout tools, micrometers, and gages; machining and heat-treating various metals; and in laying out machine parts.

Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this programs.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

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:

219 MACHINE TOOL TECHNOLOGY & OPERATION

Programs in Machine Tool Technology and Operation provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment as a machinist.

Courses may vary from school to school but may include:

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program  

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

Although individuals might enter this occupation through apprenticeship training, currently no apprenticeship programs for this occupation are available in Michigan. For more information, contact the Bureau or Apprenticeship and Training found in the Sources Of More Information below.

An extensive listing of other information sources can also be found in the "What Is An Apprenticeship?" document found under the MOIS Supports Menu Item.  

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military web site at http://www.myfuture.com

MACHINISTS

Sometimes when engines or machines break down, the parts needed to repair them are not available. In these cases, the broken parts must be repaired or new ones made. Machinists make and repair metal parts for engines and all types of machines. They operate lathes, drill presses, grinders, and other machine ship equipment.

What They Do

Machinists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Study blueprints or written plans of the parts to be made

• Set up and operate lathes to make parts such as shafts and gears

• Cut metal stock using power hacksaws and bandsaws

• Bore holes using drill presses

• Shape and smooth parts using grinders

• Measure work using micrometers, calipers, and depth gauges

Special Requirements

Although there are women machinists, some specialties in this occupation are open only to men.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include math, general science, metal working, and mechanical drawing. Helpful attributes include:

• Preference for working with the hands

• Interest in making things and finding solutions to mechanical problems

• Ability to apply mathematical formulas

Work Environment

Machinists work in machine shops, which are often noisy.

Training Provided

Job training consists of 10 to 12 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in machines operation. Course content typically includes:

• Machine types and uses

• Machine setup and operation

• Uses of different metals

• Safety procedures

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. The Army and Navy offer certified apprenticeship programs for this occupation.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian machinists work for factories and repair shops in many industries, including the electrical product, automotive, and heavy machinery industries. They perform duties similar to military machinists.

Opportunities

The services have about 1,500 machinists. On average, they need about 150 new machinists perform routine repairs under close supervision. After job training, machinists perform routine repairs under close supervision. In time, they perform more difficult repairs and may train others. Eventually, they may become managers of one or more machine shops.  

E-Learning Courses and Programs  

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Secondary vocational education programs in machine tool operation and machine shop, and postsecondary programs in numerical control technology or machine tool technology and operation may offer opportunities for experience. Summer or part-time employment in unskilled positions may be available in some machine shops for persons over the age of 18. These summer jobs may allow you to observe Numerical Control Tool Operators at work.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Numerical Control Tool Operator employer

internships

volunteer work with a Numerical Control Tool Operator employer

community service work with an agency

To find a job as a Numerical Control Tool Operator, apply directly to factories or machine shops. Help in finding a position may be available from local offices of the Michigan Works! or your high school placement office. Openings may be listed in newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank (http://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/MTB_EMPL.EntryMainPage)

America's Job Bank (http://www.ajb.dni.us)

Classifieds Employment (http://www.classifieds2000.com)

Yahoo! Careers (http://careers.yahoo.com/)

MONSTER.COM  (http://www.monster.com)

Michigan Department of Career Development (http://www.michigan.gov/mdcd/)

Michigan Works! (http://www.michiganworks.org)

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

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Numerical Control Tool Operators vary with the type of machine operated, the size and geographic location of the employer, and the extent of unionization.

Nationally, Numerical Control Tool Set Up/Operators had average hourly wages (early 2002):

The median hourly earnings of  "all" workers in the U.S. were $14.92 in 2001.  

In Michigan, numerical Control Tool Operators and Machining Center Operators had the following average hourly wages (early 2002):

Most Numerical Control Tool Operators receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; and sick pay. In some cases, employers and employees may contribute jointly to union trust funds to pay for certain additional fringe benefits. Benefits depend on the employer and the union contract, if one is in effect.

Machine operators may advance gradually to Numerical Control Tool Operators after gaining experience and further training. Although this occupation does not require skilled workers, many employers prefer to hire skilled machinists so they can detect errors in the machine process. These errors may be due to faulty machine operation, poor numerical control programming, or worn or damaged tools. Some Numerical Control Tool Operators may advance to numerical control tool programmers.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, about 23,800 Numerical Control Tool Operators were employed in 2000. Employment of these Operators is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2010. The industry distribution for Numerical Control Tool Operators looked like this:  

Many small shops which manufacture simple parts will still rely heavily upon manual and semi-automatic machine tools. However, medium- and large- sized industrial firms are expected to expand the use of numerically controlled machine tools because of greater operator productivity and increasing imports. Most job openings will be due to the replacement of present workers.

Foreign competition has forced American companies to install numerically controlled machine tools and other automation that enables them to control costs and improve quality. Although increased use of numerically controlled machines will increase the demand for operators, employment will be limited because of advances in technology, such as adaptive controls that make Operators more productive. The demand for workers also depends on economic conditions of related industries.

There were about 5,750 Numerical Control Tool Operators employed in Michigan. All worked in the manufacturing industry for firms that produce machinery, equipment, parts, and primary metal products.

The employment of Numerical Control Tool Operators in Michigan is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2008. An average of 270 yearly openings is expected, with 140 due to growth and 130 due to replacement of workers who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. More openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

Changes in economic conditions greatly affect the number of openings from year to year. Production runs may be stopped or restricted when demand for factory products is reduced. Because of changing job requirements due to technological changes, the best opportunities will be for workers with good backgrounds in machining operations, mathematics and blueprint readings; a good working knowledge of the properties of metals; and the ability to write simple programs for numerically controlled machines.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2008  

  EMPLOYMENT                          NUMBER           PERCENT           PROJECTED YEARLY

  REGION                                      EMPLOYED      GROWTH           JOB OPENINGS  

  Ann Arbor Area                            205                     32.2                     12

  Battle Creek Area                         135                      38.5                      8

  Benton Harbor Area                     190                      18.0                      7

  Central Michigan                           130                      14.1                      5

  Detroit MSA                                 2,560                  18.8                      105

  East Central Michigan                    75                       39.5                      5

  Flint Area                                      100                     39.2                      6

  Grand Rapids Area                       620                      42.2                     40

  Jackson Area                                250                      30.9                     14

  Kalamazoo Area                           165                      28.1                      9

  Lansing MSA                               125                      26.0                       6

  Muskegon Area                            125                      27.8                      7

  Northeast Lower Peninsula            65                       46.3                       4

  Northwest Lower Peninsula           195                     45.1                      13

  Saginaw MSA                              190                      32.6                      10

  Thumb Area                                  290                     32.5                      15

  Upper Peninsula                            110                      56.5                      8

  West Central Michigan                   70                       31.9                      4

 MSA designates a Metropolitan Statistical Area.

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Numerical Control Tool Operator can be summarized by the following:

Copyright © 2003 Michigan Department of Career Development