CNC Machinists and Machining and Tooling Inspectors

Career Overview

Machinists set up and operate a variety of machine tools to cut or grind metal, plastic or other materials to make or modify parts or products with precise dimensions. Machining and tooling inspectors inspect machined parts and tooling in order to maintain quality control standards. They are employed by machinery, equipment, motor vehicle, automotive parts, aircraft and other metal products manufacturing companies and by machine shops. Machining tool Operators are employed by metal products and other manufacturing companies and in machine shops. This unit group also includes workers who etch or chemically mill metal pieces.

Machinists perform the following tasks:

• read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, charts and tables

• study sample parts to determine machining operation to be performed

• plan best sequence of operations

• compute dimensions and tolerances and measure and lay out work pieces,

• set up, operate and maintain a variety of machine tools including computer numerically controlled (CNC) tools

• perform precision, non-repetitive machining operations such as sawing, turning, milling, boring, planing, drilling, precision grinding and other operations

• fit and assemble machined metal parts and subassemblies using hand and power tools

• verify dimensions of products for accuracy and conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments.

• may set up and program machine tools for use by machining tool operators.

Machining Tool Operators perform the following tasks:

• set up and operate or tend metal-cutting machines designed for repetitive machining work

• study job orders or interpret blueprints to determine machining operations to be performed

• set up and operate machine tools to perform repetitive machining operations, such as turning, milling, drilling, boring, planing, honing, broaching, grinding or other machining operations

• verify dimensions of parts machined using micrometers, calipers and other precision measuring instruments

• prepare etching solution and immerse metal parts or work piece in etching solution to remove unwanted portions

• perform routine maintenance on equipment and machinery

• may enter codes specifying speed, feed and cut of the tool path for computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools.

Career Progression

Experienced machining tool operators may become machinists or tool and die makers through apprenticeship training. Familiarity with exotic and composite materials is required for machinists in aerospace and other advanced manufacturing sectors. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience. Red Seal certification allows for interprovincial mobility.

For Career Training

Red River College: www.rrc.mb.ca/

Back to top