Will “Computer Numerical Control Machinist (CNC Machinist)” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

Job Description

Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects. Includes template makers.

Job Details

• The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 51-4061.00
• The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 50,360.00
• The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 24.00
• Currently, there are 6,250 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Model Makers, Metal and Plastic”.

Also Known As…

• Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
• Prototype Special Build
• Pattern Finisher
• Molding Technician
• Model Maker
• Model Builder
• Metal Model Maker
• Fabricator
• Computer Numerical Control Operator (CNC Operator)
• Computer Numerical Control Machinist (CNC Machinist)
• Catalytic Converter Special Build Prototype
• Tool Builder
• Template Maker
• Scale Model Maker
• Prototyper
• Prototype Model Maker
• Prototype Fabricator
• Product Builder
• Process Mold Technician
• Plastic Jig and Fixture Builder
• Mold Tooling Technician
• Model Maker Apprentice
• Mock Up Maker
• Mock Up Builder
• Metal Model Builder
• Metal Mockup Maker
• Mandrel Maker
• Machine Tool Builder
• Linesman
• Liner Worker
• Liner Man
• Jig and Fixture Builder
• Injection Mold Tooling Technician
• Injection Mold Technician
• Form Builder
• Fluorescent Lighting Model Maker
• Firearms Model Maker
• Experimental Mechanic
• Engineering Model Maker
• Display Maker
• Dioramist
• Clay Modeler
• Appliances Sample Maker

Tasks for “Computer Numerical Control Machinist (CNC Machinist)”

• Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment.
• Consult and confer with engineering personnel to discuss developmental problems and to recommend product modifications.
• Set up and operate machines such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws to fabricate prototypes or models.
• Wire and solder electrical and electronic connections and components.
• Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.
• Assemble mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into models or prototypes, using hand tools, power tools, and fabricating machines.
• Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.
• Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacture (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts.
• Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.
• Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
• Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
• Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
• Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.
• Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.
• Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures.
• Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.

Related Technology & Tools

• Selective layered sintering SLS printers
• Chain hoists
• Hand snips
• Shadowgraph optical comparators
• Power brakes
• Electrical discharge machines EDM
• Microsoldering equipment
• Wheatstone bridges
• Tungsten inert gas TIG welding equipment
• Digital integrated circuit testers
• Computer numerical control CNC vertical machine centers
• Audio-oscillators
• Gas powered brazing equipment
• Volt-ohm meters VOM
• Hydraulic punch presses
• Benchtop drill presses
• Jewelers lathes
• Stereolithography SLA printers
• Manual mills
• Visual autocollimators
• Metal shears
• Signal generators
• Jig bores
• Power saws
• Capacitance checkers
• Flat smooth cut files
• Engraving machines
• Digital electrical frequency meters
• Digital oscilloscopes
• Scribing tools
• Computer numerical control CNC routers
• Digital calipers
• Manual lathes
• Bandsaws
• Portable workshop cranes
• Soldering irons
• Mallets
• Fused deposition modeling FDM printers
• Grease dispensing guns
• Three-dimensional prototyping printers
• Digital hardness testers
• Power grinding machines
• Electronic micrometers

• Microsoft Word
• Creo Parametric
• Microsoft Excel
• CNC Software Mastercam