Will “Computer Numerical Control Operator (CNC Operator)” 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 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
• Computer Numerical Control Operator (CNC Operator)
• Clay Modeler
• Appliances Sample Maker

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

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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