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

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

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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