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Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

Operate computer-controlled tools, machines, or robots to machine or process parts, tools, or other work pieces made of metal, plastic, wood, stone, or other materials. May also set up and maintain equipment.

Tasks
27 tasks24 core, 3 supplemental
Family
ProductionOne of its 114 occupations
Code
51-9161.00SOC 2018: 51-9161

Read the 27 tasks Download this record as JSON

What the work is made of

24 core tasks and 3 supplemental, each quoted as published, with the survey it came from.

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Core: central to the jobSupplemental: done by some, not all

  1. Task 1. Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.Core taskTask 11932Rated by 101 people who do the job, August 2023
  2. Task 2. Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.Core taskTask 11944Rated by 100 people who do the job, August 2023
  3. Task 3. Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.Core taskTask 11934Rated by 101 people who do the job, August 2023
  4. Task 4. Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences.Core taskTask 11946Rated by 101 people who do the job, August 2023
  5. Task 5. Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences.Core taskTask 11937Rated by 101 people who do the job, August 2023
  6. Task 6. Listen to machines during operation to detect sounds such as those made by dull cutting tools or excessive vibration, and adjust machines to compensate for problems.Core taskTask 11935Rated by 101 people who do the job, August 2023
  7. Task 7. Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers.Core taskTask 11955Rated by 101 people who do the job, August 2023
  8. Task 8. Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts.Core taskTask 11940Rated by 101 people who do the job, August 2023
  9. Task 9. Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links.Core taskTask 11953Rated by 101 people who do the job, August 2023
  10. Task 10. Remove and replace dull cutting tools.Core taskTask 11933Rated by 101 people who do the job, August 2023
  11. Task 11. Check to ensure that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation.Core taskTask 11942Rated by 101 people who do the job, August 2023
  12. Task 12. Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction.Core taskTask 11936Rated by 101 people who do the job, August 2023
  13. Task 13. Monitor machine operation and control panel displays, and compare readings to specifications to detect malfunctions.Core taskTask 11947Rated by 101 people who do the job, August 2023
  14. Task 14. Maintain machines and remove and replace broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools.Core taskTask 11949Rated by 100 people who do the job, August 2023
  15. Task 15. Insert control instructions into machine control units to start operation.Core taskTask 11941Rated by 101 people who do the job, August 2023
  16. Task 16. Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation, and save modified programs.Core taskTask 11939Rated by 100 people who do the job, August 2023
  17. Task 17. Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools.Core taskTask 11956Rated by 100 people who do the job, August 2023
  18. Task 18. Lift workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes.Core taskTask 11938Rated by 101 people who do the job, August 2023
  19. Task 19. Input initial part dimensions into machine control panels.Core taskTask 11943Rated by 101 people who do the job, August 2023
  20. Task 20. Set up future jobs while machines are operating.Core taskTask 11954Rated by 101 people who do the job, August 2023
  21. Task 21. Confer with supervisors or programmers to resolve machine malfunctions or production errors or to obtain approval to continue production.Core taskTask 11945Rated by 100 people who do the job, August 2023
  22. Task 22. Stack or load finished items, or place items on conveyor systems.Core taskTask 11950Rated by 100 people who do the job, August 2023
  23. Task 23. Control coolant systems.Core taskTask 11948Rated by 101 people who do the job, August 2023
  24. Task 24. Clean machines, tooling, or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags.Core taskTask 11951Rated by 101 people who do the job, August 2023
  25. Task 25. Enter commands or load control media, such as tapes, cards, or disks, into machine controllers to retrieve programmed instructions.Supplemental taskTask 11952Rated by 101 people who do the job, August 2023
  26. Task 26. Lay out and mark areas of parts to be shot peened and fill hoppers with shot.Supplemental taskTask 11958Rated by 99 people who do the job, August 2023
  27. Task 27. Examine electronic components for defects or completeness of laser-beam trimming, using microscopes.Supplemental taskTask 11957Rated by 101 people who do the job, August 2023

Where this comes from

Quoted from the U.S. Department of Labor, and credited. Nothing on this page is written by us.

How we copy and credit sources
  1. Published by
    O*NET 29.0, U.S. Department of LaborEmployment and Training Administration
  2. Classification
    Standard Occupational Classification 2018, 51-9161
  3. License
    CC BY 4.0Free to copy and reuse, with credit
  4. Changed by us
    Nothing.

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