Certification Program 6
What Does a CNC Machinist Do? Each day, a CNC machinist must ensure that equipment is set up properly, working well and producing quality, usable materials. They must keep an eye on capacity, materials stock, and maintenance. They may also be tasked with doing quality control checks on output and reporting any issues to CNC programmers who write the code that tells the machine what to do, so they can make real-time adjustments as necessary. Depending on the job, a CNC machinist may work on many different machines on the floor or they may be responsible for a single, complex machine.cnclicense CNC machinists typically work in a factory setting. Although many work full time during regular business hours, overtime may be common, as are evening and weekend work. Job responsibilities also vary depending on where a machinist is in his or her career. Junior machinists typically work under close supervision, while senior and supervisory CNC machinists are often responsible for an entire team and must work closely with CNC programmers and other members of the industrial engineering staff. Educational Requirements for a CNC Machinist CNC machine work is highly technical and requires significant training and preparation. CNC machinists typically must possess a minimum of a high school diploma or GED. From there, they gain specific CNC sills through technical schools or community colleges. Some machinists hold associate degrees, but a degree is not necessarily required. Educational programs cover a wide range of subjects from math and engineering to computer and technology. They also typically include classes on CAD/CAM operation, design technology and more. Certification – whether a machinist holds a degree or not – is often preferred, as it demonstrates proficiency in the skills required to successfully operate CNC machines. The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) offers three levels of machining certification that are popular among both machinists and employers. The NIMS credentialing program assesses a machinist’s skills against national standards, from entry-level programming and operating of CNC equipment to mastery of CNC milling and turning. While certification is voluntary, industry experts agree that it is useful in career advancement.