Occupation Profile	Find Related Content... Tools and Technology Fastest-Growing Most Openings Largest Employment Declining Employment Highest-Paying Compare Local Wages Compare Metro Wages Compare Employment Trends Industry/Occupation Trends Occupation Outlook Certification Finder Job Bank and Portal Links Employer Locator Employability Checkup

Occupation Description

Operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic work pieces.

View career video with one of the following: Additional videos and more information available on CareerOneStop.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The most important knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) are listed for Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic.

Knowledge:

• Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Skills:

• Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
• Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.

Abilities:

• Hearing Sensitivity - The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
• Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• Reaction Time - The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
• Auditory Attention - The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
• Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
• Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Source: Occupational Information Network: Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic.

Tasks and Activities

Occupation specific tasks and the most important generalized work activities are listed for Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic.

Occupation Specific Tasks:

• Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction.
• Calculate machine speed and feed ratios, and the size and position of cuts.
• Check to ensure that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation.
• Clean machines, tooling, and parts, using solvents or solutions and rags.
• Confer with supervisors or programmers to resolve machine malfunctions and production errors, and to obtain approval to continue production.
• Control coolant systems.
• Enter commands or load control media such as tapes, cards, or disks into machine controllers in order to retrieve programmed instructions.
• Examine electronic components for defects and completeness of laser-beam trimming, using microscopes.
• Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers.
• Input initial part dimensions into machine control panels.
• Insert control instructions into machine control units to start operation.
• Lay out and mark areas of parts to be shot-peened, and fill hoppers with shot.
• Lift workpieces to machines manually, or with hoists or cranes.
• Listen to machines during operation in order to detect sounds such as those made by dull cutting tools or excessive vibration and adjust machines to compensate for problems.
• Maintain machines, and remove and replace broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools.
• Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
• Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation and save modified programs.
• Monitor machine operation and control panel displays, and compare readings to specifications in order to detect malfunctions.
• Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
• Remove and replace dull cutting tools.
• Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences.
• Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.
• Set up future jobs while machines are operating.
• Stack or load finished items, or place items on conveyor systems.
• Stop machines to remove finished workpieces, or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences.
• Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) control modules, using computer network links.
• Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools.

Generalized Work Activities:

• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Detailed Work Activities:

• adjust production equipment/machinery setup
• clean equipment or machinery
• confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
• determine specifications
• determine tasks needed to complete machined products
• examine products or work to verify conformance to specifications
• install equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures
• lay out machining, welding or precision assembly projects
• load control media in machine controller
• load or unload material or workpiece into machinery
• load tapes, disks or paper into computers or peripherals
• load, unload, or stack containers, materials, or products
• maintain or repair industrial or related equipment/machinery
• measure, weigh, or count products or materials
• monitor production machinery/equipment operation to detect problems
• move or fit heavy objects
• operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom
• operate metal or plastic fabricating equipment/machinery
• perform safety inspections in manufacturing or industrial setting
• program computer numerical controlled machines
• read blueprints
• read production layouts
• read specifications
• read technical drawings
• read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
• set up and operate variety of machine tools
• set up computer numerical control machines
• set up production equipment or machinery
• understand machine setup instructions
• understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
• use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
• use hand or power tools
• use precision measuring tools or equipment

Source: Occupational Information Network: Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic.

Tools and Technology

Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic  View Detailed Report

Tools:

• Boring tools - Borers, Boring bars
• Calipers - Dial calipers, Vernier calipers
• Gauges or inspection fixtures - 0-1 drop indicators, Automatic measuring equipment, Bore gauges, Dial indicators, Pin gauges
• Lathes - 5 axis lathes, 8 axis lathes, Computer numerical control CNC vertical lathes, Computerized numerical control CNC lathes, Haas lathes
• Milling cutters - 2/3 axis computer numerically controlled CNC milling machines, Anilam mills, Bore mills, Computer numerical controlled CNC milling machines, Computerized numerical control CNC routers

Technology:

• Analytical or scientific software - CNC Consulting Machinists' Calculator, EditCNC software, Kentech Trig Kalculator
• Computer aided design CAD software - Computer aided design CAD software, KCDw Software, SolidWorks CAD software, UGS Solid Edge
• Computer aided manufacturing CAM software - 1CadCam Unigraphics, BobCAD-CAM software, CGTech Vericut CNC, CNC Mastercam, CNC TurboCAD/CAM
• Project management software - GSupply Solutions ShopTrakker, Kentech Kipware PLN, Microsoft Project
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel

Source: Occupational Information Network: Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic.

Related Occupation Profiles
Occupations with similar skill requirements

• Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders
• Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers
• Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Web Resources

Assemblers and Fabricators
Food Processing Workers
Metal Workers and Plastic Workers
Other Production Occupations
Plant and System Operators
Printing Workers
Supervisors, Production Workers
Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers
Woodworkers

• Airplane Assemblers, Learn More Resource Center
• Assemblers and Fabricators, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Electronic-Component Processors, California Occupational Guide
• Electronics Assemblers (Includes Precision Assemblers), California Occupational Guide
• Fiberglass Lay-Up Workers (Laminators), California Occupational Guide
• Metal Workers, Fabrication and Structural (Field and Shop Ironworkers), California Occupational Guide

• Bakers, Job Futures
• Bakers and Production Workers (Manufacturing), California Occupational Guide
• Bakers, Bread and Pastry, CareerZone
• Butcher, Future Farmers of America
• Butchers and Meat Cutters, California Occupational Guide
• Butchers, Meat Cutters and Fishmongers - Retail and Wholesale, Job Futures
• Food Processing Occupations, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Meat Cutter, Future Farmers of America
• Retail Baker, California Occupational Guide

• Computer Control Programmers and Operators, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Foundry Occupations, California Occupational Guide
• Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders--Metal and Plastic, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Machinist, Princeton Review
• Machinists, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Machinists and Tool Programmers, California Occupational Guide
• Materials Engineers, CareerZone
• Numerical Control Machine Operators, California Occupational Guide
• Plastics Manufacturer, Princeton Review
• Tool and Die Makers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Tool and Die Makers, California Occupational Guide
• Tool Designers, California Occupational Guide
• Tool Grinders, Learn More Resource Center
• Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, California Occupational Guide
• Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook

• Automotive Painters, California Occupational Guide
• Cementing and gluing machine operators and tenders, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Chemical equipment operators and tenders, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Cooling and freezing equipment operators and tenders, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Crushing, grinding, and polishing machine setters, operators, and tenders, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Cutters and trimmers, hand, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Dental Lab Technician, Princeton Review
• Dental Laboratory Technicians, California Occupational Guide
• Dental Laboratory Technology, American Dental Association
• Enologists and Wine Makers, California Occupational Guide
• Etchers and engravers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers, Learn More Resource Center
• Grinding and polishing workers, hand, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Helpers--production workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers, Learn More Resource Center
• Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand, Learn More Resource Center
• Medical, Dental, and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Motion Picture Projectionists, Learn More Resource Center
• Nondestructive Testers, California Occupational Guide
• Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians, California Occupational Guide
• Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians, Learn More Resource Center
• Optical Instrument Assemblers, CareerZone
• Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Painting and Coating Workers, Except Construction and Maintenance, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Paper goods machine setters, operators, and tenders, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Photofinishing Occupations, California Occupational Guide
• Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Production and Material Coordinators, California Occupational Guide
• Production and Planning Clerks, Learn More Resource Center
• Production Planners, California Occupational Guide
• Semiconductor Processors, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Tire builders, Occupational Outlook Handbook

• Chemical Plant and System Operators, Learn More Resource Center
• Chemical plant and system operators, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Gas plant operators, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Gas Plant Operators, Learn More Resource Center
• Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Power Plant Operators, California Occupational Guide
• Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers, Learn More Resource Center
• Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators, California Occupational Guide
• Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Tire Builders, Learn More Resource Center
• Water and Liquid Waste Treatment Plant and System Operators, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators, California Occupational Guide

• Bookbinders and Bindery Workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Commercial Printing Press Operators, California Occupational Guide
• Copy Machine Operators, Learn More Resource Center
• Desktop Publishers, Learn More Resource Center
• Prepress Technicians and Workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Printer, Princeton Review
• Printing Machine Operators, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Printing Press Machine Operators and Tenders, CareerZone

• Enologists and Wine Makers, California Occupational Guide
• First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Food Processing Supervisor, Future Farmers of America
• Power Plant Manager, Princeton Review
• Production Manager, Princeton Review
• Quality Control Manager, Princeton Review

• Drapery Occupations, California Occupational Guide
• Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers, California Occupational Guide
• Laundry Workers, California Occupational Guide
• Sewing Machine Operators, California Occupational Guide
• Shoe and Leather Workers, Learn More Resource Center
• Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers, Learn More Resource Center
• Textile Manufacturer, Princeton Review
• Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Occupations, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Upholsterers, California Occupational Guide

• Cabinetmakers, California Occupational Guide
• Sawmill Occupations, California Occupational Guide
• Woodworkers, Occupational Outlook Handbook