What Is a CNC Machinist?

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) is a process for machining products using a computer program. The machines, typically a lathe or mill, are connected to servomotors that move the part to be machined or cut. The servomotors are controlled by a computer. The computer uses a special program called a G code or M code. The code directs the movement of the workpiece and the material to be cut, in a precise way so the rotating tool can cut the workpiece into a final shape. The CNC machinist must possess skills that range from the knowledge of the materials to be cut to the sophisticated program that is used to control the machine.

History

Prior to machine automation, all parts had to be manually cut and made by the machinist. These parts range in all forms, from the engines in our vehicles to the locks on our front doors. Each part had to be hand crafted by an experienced machinist.
CNC machinists had to retain the knowledge of not only the type of material, usually steel and plastic, but also the special types of tooling it would take to cut the piece into its final shape. This process could take hours and sometimes days for one piece to be made by the machinist.

Significance

Machine automation, or CNC, now allows these parts to be cut at very high speeds in a short amount of time. The CNC machinist must still monitor the overall process but the machine now moves the part in a precision movement. The machinist must check each part that is made and may have to change the G code program so each part is exactly like the first. The first part must be exacting and match the blueprint. If not, the part may not fit into the final assembly.

Function

The CNC machinist is also responsible for the setup of the complicated workings of the machine. She must also select the tooling and keep the cutting edges sharp for the removal of the material. Most CNC machinists are far beyond a simple button pusher to make the machine operate. In the setup process, complicated jigs may be required for holding the workpiece at precise angles. These jigs are also made on a CNC machine and must be checked for exact measurements by the machinist.

Types of Machines

Each CNC machinist must be well versed on all machines in the shop. This usually ranges from lathe and mill operation but can also carry a scope of other machines like special robotic welders for joining materials or very precise surface grinders for applying the final finish to a part. The application of high mathematics skills is a primary requirement for a CNC machinist. Measurements may have to be taken that are smaller than the width of a human hair.

Effects

The more complicated and automated technology becomes, the more educated the people who operate these machines must become. Before automation, the machinist had to know everything concerning the removal of material and the mathematics for precise measuring. Now, the CNC machinist must also possess the skills of computer programming and how the machine works as a whole involving the computer.

Considerations

A CNC machinist who possesses the skills can be a very high paid worker as the skills needed are in a high demand. When automation first came on board it was thought that the skills for operating these machines would be minimal. Just the opposite has occurred. As the machines become more sophisticated, the skill sets have increased and the older machinists have retired. The position of a CNC machinist has now become a high demand skill that has few entries into the field.

Resources

• Requirements for a CNC Machinist
• Jobs for CNC Machinists
• Hazards of CNC Machine Operation