Details for Machinists
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, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.
Tasks
- Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
- 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.
- Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
- Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts.
- Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled.
- Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.
- Install repaired parts into equipment or install new equipment.
- Advise clients about the materials being used for finished products.
- Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.
- Confer with engineering, supervisory, or manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information.
- Dismantle machines or equipment, using hand tools or power tools to examine parts for defects and replace defective parts where needed.
- Establish work procedures for fabricating new structural products, using a variety of metalworking machines.
- Support metalworking projects from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing, using knowledge of machine functions, metal properties, and mathematics.
- Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications.
- Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools.
- Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.
- Prepare working sketches for the illustration of product appearance.
- Install experimental parts or assemblies, such as hydraulic systems, electrical wiring, lubricants, or batteries into machines or mechanisms.
- Set up or operate metalworking, brazing, heat-treating, welding, or cutting equipment.
- Test experimental models under simulated operating conditions, for purposes such as development, standardization, or feasibility of design.
- Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations.
- Separate scrap waste and related materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal.
- Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
- Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
- Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.
- Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
- Diagnose machine tool malfunctions to determine need for adjustments or repairs.
- Evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability.
Interests
- Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
- Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
- Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Education, training, experience
- Education - Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Training - Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
- Experience - Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Knowledge
None found.
Skills
None found.
Related careers
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
- Mechanical Engineering Technicians
- Millwrights
- Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
- Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters
