Will “Numerical Control Programmer (NC Programmer)” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

36% Chance of Automation

“Numerical Control Programmer (NC Programmer)” will probably not be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #253 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

Develop programs to control machining or processing of metal or plastic parts by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 51-4012.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 53,560.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 25.00
Currently, there are 25,180 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Numerical Control Programmer (NC Programmer)”

Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
Prepare geometric layouts from graphic displays, using computer-assisted drafting software or drafting instruments and graph paper.
Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.
Draw machine tool paths on pattern film, using colored markers and following guidelines for tool speed and efficiency.
Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on machines.
Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers.
Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
Write instruction sheets and cutter lists for a machine's controller to guide setup and encode numerical control tapes.
Align and secure pattern film on reference tables of optical programmers, and observe enlarger scope views of printed circuit boards.
Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.
Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.
Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time.
Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.

Related Technology & Tools

Computer numerically controlled CNC lathes
Thickness gauges
Vernier bevel protractors
Digital angle gauges
Vernier calipers
Wire gauges
Vertical boring mills
Sine bars
Vertical turret lathes VTL
Drill presses
Toolmaker's microscope
Coodinate meauring machines CMM
Pin gauge sets
Optical comparators
Transfer gages
Vertical computer numerically controlled CNC milling machines
Bore gauges
Fillet gauges
Adjustable squares
Digital height gauges
Digital calipers
Screw pitch gauges
Digital micrometers
Precision surface plates
Dial indicators

Tebis
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Delcam Partmaker
MachineWorks Ltd. MachineWorks
FastCAM
Microsoft Excel
Vero Software VISI
Computer aided design CAD software
Vero Software machining STRATEGIST
Autodesk AutoCAD
Microsoft Word
ICAM CAM-POST
Celeritive Technologies VoluMill
Sprut Technology SprutCAM
Gibbs and Associates GibbsCAM
Vero Software SURFCAM
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Geometric Technologies CAMWorks
Vero Software Alphacam Turning
Vero Software Edgecam
Dassault Systemes CATIA
Post-processor software
Delcam PowerShape
Hypertherm ProNest
1CadCam Unigraphics
Delcam FeatureCAM
Microsoft Office
FANUC CNC
Microsoft PowerPoint
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Dolphin CAD/CAM
MecSoft Corporation VisualMILL
Gerber Technology CutWorks
SolidCAM iMachining
Vero Software RADAN
SolidCAM
Open Mind Software hyperMILL
MecSoft Corporation VisualTURN
Mastercam
Ucamo Ucam
Top Systems T-FLEX CAM
Metalix CAD/CAM System cncKad
Extensible markup language XML
Vero Software WorkNC
M code
Delcam for SolidWorks
G code
Cimatron Group CimatronE
DP Technology ESPRIT
SmartCAMcnc SmartCAM
EXAPT
LAB SUM3D
Technos Astra R-Nesting
Siemens NX CAM
Vero Software PEPS
BobCAD-CAM
Metalcam fikus visualcam
Missler Software TopSolid
Technos Astra S-Nesting
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
PTC Creo Parametric
GeoPath CAD/CAM System
Intelitek spectraCAM Milling
Vero Software SMIRTsoftware
Manusoft Technologies IMOLD
Delcam PowerMill
Intelitek spectraCAM Turning
Metamation MetaCAM
GO2cam
SharpCam Ltd. SharpCam
CGTech VERICUT CNC
MecSoft Corporation RhinoCAM
Vero Software Alphacam Milling