In reality there are three levels or stages of CNC Operating. What level you operate at, as well as how much the company “lets you do” usually depends on two things: skill level and company policy. In many shops, if you are an experienced operator who has demonstrated a firm understanding of machines, machining processes, tooling, inserts, and safety, you may be allowed to monitor your own tooling and adjust your own offsets as you operate. The only time this won’t happen is a) You have not proven yourself capable or b) It is company policy that a dedicated lead or set up person performs all insert changes and offset adjustments.
The Three Levels
1) Observe – Listen – Learn – Help
Most individuals begin by training with a seasoned machine operator. I consider that the first step. Ideally, the company you’re working for matches you up with someone who not only has a high level of expertise in the operation of CNC machine tools, but is also skilled in training operators. It is crucial at this point for a new operator to observe, listen, learn, and help. The amount of time spent working directly with a mentor or trainer varies company to company. Many times a high school youth apprentice will spend his/her time on a machine in a 100% supervised manner.
2) Operate – Process – Inspect
The next step is when you are able to operate, process, and inspect parts on your own. The time it takes to be trained on certain parts or machines is based on many factors. The complexities of the equipment, the part itself, as well as how close the tolerances are on the machined component, all play a factor. Once you become a seasoned operator who has been making parts for a number of years, it should be possible to have a set up person show you one or two machine cycles and you should be able to take it from there. Ultimately, you should be able to look at written instructions or a routing and be able to process a part with no assistance at all.
3) Monitor Tooling – Adjust Offsets
As time goes by and you are comfortable running and inspecting parts, the next natural progression is to then begin monitoring your own tooling and making your own adjusting offsets. Inserts and cutters lose their edge and get dull. A skilled operator with experience should be able to notice this wear which can show up as a change in the sound of the cutting tool, perhaps a larger burr being raised on the part and certainly by a change in size on a key feature in which you are trying to hold tolerance. The timing on gaining this ability is not set in stone and is dependent on your competency as an operator and the size of the shop you are working in. There are certain larger shops that may have someone who always assists operators with the tooling and offsets. So, unless you are that person, they may not want you making any adjustments. Conversely, in smaller shops, you may be trained and expected to tend to your own tooling in a shorter amount of time. Either way, to attain this skill level means you must be observant, capable, and possess a great attention to detail.
In summary, Level 1 is typical for a new hire, a beginning operator, or a youth apprentice. Beyond that, I’d say about 80% of operators work in a Level 2 situation and 20% work in a Level 3 situation.
