Will “Instrument Maker” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

65% Chance of Automation

“Instrument Maker” will maybe be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #358 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

Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 51-4041.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 43,220.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 20.00
Currently, there are 391,120 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Machinists”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Instrument Maker”

Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts.
Advise clients about the materials being used for finished products.
Install repaired parts into equipment or install new equipment.
Diagnose machine tool malfunctions to determine need for adjustments or repairs.
Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.
Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications.
Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.
Separate scrap waste and related materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal.
Support metalworking projects from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing, using knowledge of machine functions, metal properties and mathematics.
Set up or operate metalworking, brazing, heat-treating, welding, or cutting equipment.
Dismantle machines or equipment, using hand tools or power tools to examine parts for defects and replace defective parts where needed.
Install experimental parts or assemblies, such as hydraulic systems, electrical wiring, lubricants, or batteries into machines or mechanisms.
Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.
Evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability.
Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools.
Test experimental models under simulated operating conditions for purposes such as development, standardization, or feasibility of design.
Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.
Prepare working sketches for the illustration of product appearance.
Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled.
Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations.
Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
Establish work procedures for fabricating new structural products, using a variety of metalworking machines.
Confer with engineering, supervisory, or manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information.
Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments such as micrometers or vernier calipers.

Related Technology & Tools

Sledgehammers
Vernier height gauges
Machinists' squares
Swaging tools
Metal spray equipment
Binocular light compound microscopes
Center drills
Horizontal mills
Combination drills
Shims
Metal shears
Computerized numerical control CNC turning lathes
Sandblasters
Grinding wheel arbors
Composition hammers
Tongs
Welding lenses
Turning lathes
Broachers
Grinders
Magnetic retrievers
Punches
Micrometers
Heat-treating equipment
Plasma welders
Steel wedges
Steel rules
Machine shop rigging equipment
Cylindrical grinders
Hand clamps
Parallel blocks
Spindle blade screwdrivers
Resurfacing machines
Metal cutting taps
Computerized numerical control CNC machining centers
Dial indicators
Flywheel lathes
Hex wrenches
Breaker lathes
Power sanders
Aviation snips
Radial drills
Laser printers
Angled feeler gauges
Pillar drill machines
Sine bars
Feeler gauges
Cold chisels
Brazing equipment
Brake presses
Grinding dogs
Half-round files
Reamers
Multi-axis computerized numerical control CNC machines
Milling machines
Boring tools
Socket wrench sets
Vernier calipers
Radius gauges
Welding shields
Tube benders
Pipe threaders
Metal inert gas MIG welders
Edge finders
Channel lock pliers
Lathes
Undercut tools
Anvils
Bandsaws
Pry bars
Surface gauges
Phillips head screwdrivers
Shears
Sensitive drill presses
Beverly shears
Calipers
Turret lathes
Prick punches
Platforms
Arbor presses
Horizontal lathes
Power hacksaws
Dial calipers
Vernier bevel protractors
Deburring tools
Hand saws
Shielded arc welding tools
Soldering equipment
Wedges
Forklifts
Rubber mallets
Ladders
Power drills
Inside micrometers
Flat files
Centrifugal spin casters
Drum lathes
Full face shields
Inside spring calipers
Handheld welders
Single-cut mill saw files
Screw pitch gauges
Square chisels
V blocks
Oxyacetylene welding equipment
Cylinder honers
Chippers
Knee mills
Hermaphrodite calipers
Radial drill presses
Valve grinding machines
3-axis computerized numerical control CNC machines
Jointers
Machinists' hammers
Portable welding equipment
Brass hammers
Chamfer tools
Needlenose pliers
Staging equipment
Angle plates
Height gauges
Side cutting pliers
Adjustable wrenches
Hacksaws
Combination wrenches
Sharpening equipment
Spirit levels
Milling angle form cutters
Vernier gear tooth calipers
Marking blocks
Ratchet sets
Telescoping gauges
Ball peen hammers
Screwdrivers
Tungsten inert gas TIG welding equipment
Planers
Hex keys
Surface grinding machines
Thread gauges
Combination pliers
Cold saws
Outside micrometers
Gauges
Putty knives
Workshop cranes
Desktop computers
Planer gauges
Horizontal boring bars
Vertical turret lathes VTL
Buffers
Crankshaft grinders
Engine lathes
Personal digital assistants PDA
Hydraulic presses
Scribers
Utility knives
Boring bars
Pipe wrenches
Personal computers
Shapers
Threading machines
Vertical milling machines
Cutoff saws
Outside spring calipers
Torches
Milling vises
Chucks
Ring gauges

EditCNC
Armchair Machinist software
CNC Mastercam
ERP software
Microsoft Word
JETCAM
Kentech Kipware Studio
Kentech Trig Kalculator
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office
Autodesk AutoCAD
Computer aided design CAD software
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
CNC Consulting Machinists' Calculator
Microsoft Excel
CNC TurboCAD/CAM
CCG Systems FASTER