career directions
MACHINIST
Machinists use machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, and
grinders, to produce precision metal parts. Although they may produce
large quantities of one part, precision machinists often produce small batches or one-of-a-kind items. They use their knowledge of the working properties of metals and skill with machine tools to plan and carry out the operations needed to make machined products that meet precise specifications.
The parts that machinists make range from bolts to automobile pistons.
Because the technology of machining is changing rapidly, machinists
must learn to operate a wide range of machines. Newer machines use lasers,
water jets, or electrified wires to cut the workpiece. As engineers create new
types of machine tools and materials to machine, machinists must constantly learn new machining properties and techniques.
Education
High School
Math
O Computer courses
English
O Technology education
O Metalworking
O Blueprint reading
Four years of math is highly recommended, especially trigonometry and geometry. Positions in the aircraft manufacturing industry require the use of applied
calculus and physics.
Personal
Characteristics/
Skills
O
Mechanically inclined
Skilled at working with tools
O Excellent hand-to-eye coordination
O Good troubleshooter
O Must be a safety freak (ask any
machinist how easy it is to lose a
finger!)
O
$$$$
O
Earnings
O
Wages vary depending on the type of shop and
geographic area. According the 2010 U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics, workers in machine shops earned,
on average, $18.39 per hour; workers in the automobile industry earned $19.28 per hour; and aerospace industry workers earned $21.07 per hour.
Postsecondary
There are many different ways to become a skilled
machinist. Many entrants previously worked as machine setters, operators, or tenders. Others learn entirely on the job, but most acquire their skills in a mix of
classroom and on-the-job training.
To become a CNC machinist, you must complete a
postsecondary program available from a community
college or a vocational/technical school. Look for a
school that offers curriculum developed by the National
Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS)—the only ANSI
accredited developer of precision manufacturing skill
standards and competency assessments.
The modern machinist must have knowledge of the
various stages of metalworking and be proficient in
computer programming. The CNC-type lathes, milling
machines, and grinders are all variations of the basic
tool; however, adjustments and initial programming are
done on a computer. The majority of machinist training
is concentrated on reading measuring devices. Aside
from basic machine operation and safety, training in the
different types of steel and methods used to identify
them are core machinist training ideals.
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Key Skills and Competencies
1. Minimum of one-year experience operating
CNC machines such as lathes and milling machines in a heavy manufacturing environment.
2. Knowledge and application of precision
measuring instruments including calipers, ID
and OD micrometers, depth gages, indicators,
and scales.
3. Knowledge of reading drawings and specifications with an intermediate understanding of
geometric tolerancing and dimensions.
4. Knowledge of tool holders, cutting tools,
boring bars, fixtures, inserts, and other accessories used on various machines.
5. Able to follow written and oral instructions.
6. Able to communicate in English (both written and oral).
7. Able to work flexible shifts and changing
work schedules.
8. Must possess basic math skills.
Typical Work Day
Machinists first review electronic or written blueprints or specifications for a job. Next,
they calculate where to cut or bore into the
workpiece—the piece of steel, aluminum, titanium, plastic, silicon, or any other material
being shaped. They determine how fast to feed
the workpiece into the machine and how much
material to remove. They then select tools
and materials for the job, plan the sequence
of cutting and finishing operations, and mark
the workpiece to show where cuts should be
made.
After layout work is completed, machinists
perform the machining operations. During the
process, they monitor the feed rate and speed
of the machine. Machinists also ensure the
workpiece is properly lubricated and cooled.
After the work is completed, machinists use
measuring tools to check the accuracy of their
work against the blueprints.
Production machinists produce large quantities of one part, especially parts requiring the
use of complex operations and great precision.
Modern machine tools are computer numerically controlled (CNC). Following a computer
program, CNC machines control the cutting
tool speed, change dull tools, and perform all
necessary cuts to create a part. Frequently,
machinists work with computer control programmers to determine how the automated
equipment will cut a part. Many machinists
must be able to use both manual and computer-controlled machinery in their job.
Maintenance machinists repair or make
new parts for existing machinery. To replace
broken parts, maintenance machinists refer to
blueprints and perform the same machining
operations required to create the original part.
While production machinists are concentrated
in a few industries, maintenance machinists
work in many manufacturing industries.
Work Environment
Today, many machine shops are relatively clean, well lit,
and ventilated. Computer-controlled machines often are
partially or totally enclosed, minimizing the exposure of
workers to noise, debris, and the lubricants used to cool
workpieces during machining. However, working around
machine tools presents dangers, and workers must follow
safety precautions. Machinists wear safety glasses to shield
against bits of flying metal and earplugs to dampen machinery noise. They also must exercise caution when handling
hazardous coolants and lubricants. The job requires stamina, because machinists stand most of the day and, at times,
may need to lift moderately heavy workpieces. Modern
factories use autoloaders and overhead cranes to reduce
heavy lifting.
Many machinists work a 40-hour week. Evening and
weekend shifts are becoming more common, as companies
extend hours of operation to make better use of expensive
machines. Overtime work is common during peak production periods.
Secrets for Success
O The difference between success and failure
in this line of work is your regard to quality. Do
not settle for “passable.”
O Become the most computer-literate person
in the shop. Highly skilled workers will be first
in line to run ever-more-expensive machinery.
Outlook
Employment is projected to increase by 7% through 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor
Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many
young people with the necessary
educational and personal qualifications needed to obtain
machining skills often prefer to attend college or may
not wish to enter production occupations. Therefore, the
number of workers obtaining the skills and knowledge
necessary to fill machinist jobs is expected to be less
than the number of job openings arising each year.
How to Find a Job
Take part time work while still in high school because many of your skills will be developed while
completing real projects. A vocational/technical school
can provide the experience and coursework needed to
break into the field, and employers who need machinists often contact these schools.
When you get an interview, show up on time and
be respectful. Have ready a list of projects that you’ve
completed and a resumé of related classes and job
experience.
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Professional Organizations
International Association of Machinists
and Aerospace Workers
www.goiam.org
National Tooling and Metalworking Association
www.ntma.org
National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)
www.nims-skills.org
CAREER DIRECTIONS
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