Machinists

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

• Calculate dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and vernier calipers.
• Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
• Select the appropriate tools, machines, and materials to be used in preparation of machinery work.
• Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
• Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
• Set up, adjust, and operate all of the basic machine tools and many specialized or advanced variation tools to perform precision machining operations.
• Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
• Set controls to regulate machining, or enter commands to retrieve, input, or edit computerized machine control media.
• Position and fasten work pieces.
• Maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.
• Observe and listen to operating machines or equipment to diagnose machine malfunctions and to determine need for adjustments or repairs.
• Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled.
• Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts.
• Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, and engineering information to determine methods and sequences of operations needed to fabricate products, and determine product dimensions and tolerances.
• Confer with engineering, supervisory, or manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information.
• Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.
• Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.
• Clean and lubricate machines, tools, and equipment to remove grease, rust, stains, and foreign matter.
• Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.
• Evaluate experimental procedures, and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency and adaptability to setup and production.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

• Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications.
• Establish work procedures for fabricating new structural products, using a variety of metalworking machines.
• Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools.
• 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 repaired parts into equipment or install new equipment.
• Advise clients about the materials being used for finished products.
• Support metalworking projects from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing, using knowledge of machine functions, metal properties and mathematics.
• Prepare working sketches for the illustration of product appearance.
• Test experimental models under simulated operating conditions for purposes such as development, standardization, or feasibility of design.
• Install experimental parts or assemblies, such as hydraulic systems, electrical wiring, lubricants, or batteries into machines or mechanisms.

Tasks Include:

• 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.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.