Job Duties Custom List 51-4041.00 — Machinists

Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.

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Closely Related Tasks	All Related Tasks	Job Zone	Code	Occupation
5	9	2	51-9161.00	Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
4	6	3	51-9162.00	Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Bright Outlook
2	2	3	51-4061.00	Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
1	2	2	51-5112.00	Printing Press Operators
1	2	3	51-5111.00	Prepress Technicians and Workers
1	1	3	51-4062.00	Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
1	1	3	51-6092.00	Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
1	1	3	27-4015.00	Lighting Technicians
1	1	2	51-6062.00	Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
1	1	2	51-7011.00	Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters
1	1	2	51-6063.00	Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
1	1	2	51-4081.00	Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
1	1	2	51-7042.00	Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing

Job Duties: Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators

Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.
Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers.
Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation, and save modified programs.
Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools.
Set up future jobs while machines are operating.

Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links.
Insert control instructions into machine control units to start operation.
Input initial part dimensions into machine control panels.
Enter commands or load control media, such as tapes, cards, or disks, into machine controllers to retrieve programmed instructions.

Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.
Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.
Review program specifications or blueprints to determine and set machine operations and sequencing, finished workpiece dimensions, or numerical control sequences.
Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences.
Listen to machines during operation to detect sounds such as those made by dull cutting tools or excessive vibration, and adjust machines to compensate for problems.
Calculate machine speed and feed ratios and the size and position of cuts.
Remove and replace dull cutting tools.
Check to ensure that workpieces are properly lubricated and cooled during machine operation.
Adjust machine feed and speed, change cutting tools, or adjust machine controls when automatic programming is faulty or if machines malfunction.
Monitor machine operation and control panel displays, and compare readings to specifications to detect malfunctions.
Maintain machines and remove and replace broken or worn machine tools, using hand tools.
Lift workpieces to machines manually or with hoists or cranes.
Confer with supervisors or programmers to resolve machine malfunctions or production errors or to obtain approval to continue production.
Stack or load finished items, or place items on conveyor systems.
Control coolant systems.
Clean machines, tooling, or parts, using solvents or solutions and rags.
Lay out and mark areas of parts to be shot peened and fill hoppers with shot.
Examine electronic components for defects or completeness of laser-beam trimming, using microscopes.
Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.
Implement changes to machine programs, and enter new specifications, using computers.
Modify cutting programs to account for problems encountered during operation, and save modified programs.
Write simple programs for computer-controlled machine tools.
Set up future jobs while machines are operating.
Transfer commands from servers to computer numerical control (CNC) modules, using computer network links.
Insert control instructions into machine control units to start operation.
Input initial part dimensions into machine control panels.
Enter commands or load control media, such as tapes, cards, or disks, into machine controllers to retrieve programmed instructions.

Job Duties: Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
Write instruction sheets and cutter lists for a machine's controller to guide setup and encode numerical control tapes.
Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.

Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.
Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers.

Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.
Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time.
Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.
Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on machines.
Prepare geometric layouts from graphic displays, using computer-assisted drafting software or drafting instruments and graph paper.
Draw machine tool paths on pattern film according to guidelines for tool speed and efficiency, using colored markers.
Align and secure pattern film on reference tables of optical programmers, and observe enlarger scope views of printed circuit boards.
Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
Write instruction sheets and cutter lists for a machine's controller to guide setup and encode numerical control tapes.
Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.
Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.
Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers.

Job Duties: Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.
Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts.

Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models.
Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment.
Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.
Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.
Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.
Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.
Assemble mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into models or prototypes, using hand tools, power tools, and fabricating machines.
Consult and confer with engineering personnel to discuss developmental problems and to recommend product modifications.
Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures.
Wire and solder electrical and electronic connections and components.
Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.
Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts.

Job Duties: Printing Press Operators

Adjust digital files to alter print elements, such as fonts, graphics, or color separations.

Input production job settings into workstation terminals that control automated printing systems.

Start presses and pull proofs to check for ink coverage and density, alignment, and registration.
Examine job orders to determine quantities to be printed, stock specifications, colors, or special printing instructions.
Adjust ink fountain flow rates.
Verify that paper and ink meet the specifications for a given job.
Collect and inspect random samples during print runs to identify any necessary adjustments.
Feed paper through press cylinders and adjust feed and tension controls.
Monitor automated press operation systems and respond to fault, error, or alert messages.
Load presses with paper and make necessary adjustments, according to paper size.
Secure printing plates to printing units and adjust tolerances.
Clean ink fountains, plates, or printing unit cylinders when press runs are completed.
Change press plates, blankets, or cylinders, as required.
Obtain or mix inks and fill ink fountains.
Clean or oil presses or make minor repairs, using hand tools.
Maintain time or production records.
Monitor inventory levels on a regular basis, ordering or requesting additional supplies, as necessary.
Monitor environmental factors, such as humidity and temperature, that may impact equipment performance and make necessary adjustments.
Download or scan files to be printed, using printing production software.
Direct or monitor work of press crews.
Download completed jobs to archive media so that questions can be answered or jobs replicated.
Control workflow scheduling or job tracking, using computer database software.
Set up or operate auxiliary equipment, such as cutting, folding, plate-making, drilling, or laminating machines.
Adjust digital files to alter print elements, such as fonts, graphics, or color separations.
Input production job settings into workstation terminals that control automated printing systems.

Job Duties: Prepress Technicians and Workers

Enter, position, and alter text size, using computers, to make up and arrange pages so that printed materials can be produced.

Enter, store, and retrieve information on computer-aided equipment.

Generate prepress proofs in digital or other format to approximate the appearance of the final printed piece.
Proofread and perform quality control of text and images.
Perform "preflight" check of required font, graphic, text and image files to ensure completeness prior to delivery to printer.
Operate and maintain laser plate-making equipment that converts electronic data to plates without the use of film.
Maintain, adjust, and clean equipment, and perform minor repairs.
Operate presses to print proofs of plates, monitoring printing quality to ensure that it is adequate.
Select proper types of plates according to press run lengths.
Examine finished plates to detect flaws, verify conformity with master plates, and measure dot sizes and centers, using light boxes and microscopes.
Punch holes in light-sensitive plates and insert pins in holes to prepare plates for contact with positive or negative film.
Examine unexposed photographic plates to detect flaws or foreign particles prior to printing.
Examine photographic images for obvious imperfections prior to plate making.
Arrange and mount typeset material and illustrations into paste-ups for printing reproduction, based on artists' or editors' layouts.
Operate and maintain a variety of cameras and equipment, such as process, line, halftone, and color separation cameras, enlargers, electronic scanners, and contact equipment.
Scale copy for reductions and enlargements, using proportion wheels.
Perform tests to determine lengths of exposures, by exposing plates, scanning line copy, and comparing exposures to tone range scales.
Mix solutions such as developing solutions and colored coating solutions.
Analyze originals to evaluate color density, gradation highlights, middle tones, and shadows, using densitometers and knowledge of light and color.
Activate scanners to produce positive or negative films for the black-and-white, cyan, yellow, and magenta separations from each original copy.
Set scanners to specific color densities, sizes, screen rulings, and exposure adjustments, using scanner keyboards or computers.
Perform minor deletions, additions, or corrections to completed plates, on or off printing presses, using tusche, printing ink, erasers, and needles.
Inspect developed film for specified results and quality, using magnifying glasses and scopes, forwarding acceptable negatives or positives to other workers or to customers.
Perform close alignment or registration of double and single flats to sensitized plates prior to exposure to produce composite images.
Mount negatives and plates in cameras, set exposure controls, and expose plates to light through negatives to transfer images onto plates.
Enter, position, and alter text size, using computers, to make up and arrange pages so that printed materials can be produced.
Enter, store, and retrieve information on computer-aided equipment.

Job Duties: Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

Program computerized numerical control machine tools.

Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers.
Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.
Repair and rework templates and patterns.
Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.
Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences.
Construct platforms, fixtures, and jigs for holding and placing patterns.
Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.
Mark identification numbers or symbols onto patterns or templates.
Create computer models of patterns or parts, using modeling software.
Design and create templates, patterns, or coreboxes according to work orders, sample parts, or mockups.
Lay out and draw or scribe patterns onto material, using compasses, protractors, rulers, scribes, or other instruments.
Paint or lacquer patterns.
Select pattern materials such as wood, resin, and fiberglass.
Apply plastic-impregnated fabrics or coats of sealing wax or lacquer to patterns used to produce plastic.
Program computerized numerical control machine tools.

Job Duties: Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

Input specifications into computers to assist with pattern design and pattern cutting.

Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices.
Draw details on outlined parts to indicate where parts are to be joined, as well as the positions of pleats, pockets, buttonholes, and other features, using computers or drafting instruments.
Make adjustments to patterns after fittings.
Compute dimensions of patterns according to sizes, considering stretching of material.
Mark samples and finished patterns with information, such as garment size, section, style, identification, and sewing instructions.
Draw outlines of pattern parts by adapting or copying existing patterns, or by drafting new patterns.
Test patterns by making and fitting sample garments.
Position and cut out master or sample patterns, using scissors and knives, or print out copies of patterns, using computers.
Create a paper pattern from which to mass-produce a design concept.
Discuss design specifications with designers, and convert their original models of garments into patterns of separate parts that can be laid out on a length of fabric.
Examine sketches, sample articles, and design specifications to determine quantities, shapes, and sizes of pattern parts, and to determine the amount of material or fabric required to make a product.
Determine the best layout of pattern pieces to minimize waste of material, and mark fabric accordingly.
Create design specifications to provide instructions on garment sewing and assembly.
Trace outlines of paper onto cardboard patterns, and cut patterns into parts to make templates.
Trace outlines of specified patterns onto material, and cut fabric, using scissors.
Input specifications into computers to assist with pattern design and pattern cutting.

Job Duties: Lighting Technicians

Program lighting consoles or load automated lighting control systems onto consoles.

Assess safety of wiring or equipment set-up to determine the risk of fire or electrical shock.
Consult with lighting director or production staff to determine lighting requirements.
Disassemble and store equipment after performances.
Install color effects or image patterns, such as color filters, onto lighting fixtures.
Install electrical cables or wire fixtures.
Load, unload, or position lighting equipment.
Match light fixture settings, such as brightness and color, to lighting design plans.
Notify supervisors when major lighting equipment repairs are needed.
Operate manual or automated systems to control lighting throughout productions.
Patch or wire lights to dimmers or other electronic consoles.
Perform minor repairs or routine maintenance on lighting equipment, such as replacing lamps or damaged color filters.
Set up and focus light fixtures to meet requirements of television, theater, concerts, or other productions.
Set up scaffolding or cranes to assist with setting up of lighting equipment.
Test lighting equipment function and desired lighting effects.
Visit and assess structural and electrical layout of locations before setting up lighting equipment.
Program lighting consoles or load automated lighting control systems onto consoles.

Job Duties: Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Program electronic equipment.

Inspect products to ensure that the quality standards and specifications are met.
Place patterns on top of layers of fabric and cut fabric following patterns, using electric or manual knives, cutters, or computer numerically controlled cutting devices.
Start machines, monitor operations, and make adjustments as needed.
Adjust machine controls, such as heating mechanisms, tensions, or speeds, to produce specified products.
Record information about work completed and machine settings.
Notify supervisors of mechanical malfunctions.
Inspect machinery to determine whether repairs are needed.
Confer with coworkers to obtain information about orders, processes, or problems.
Repair or replace worn or defective parts or components, using hand tools.
Clean, oil, and lubricate machines, using air hoses, cleaning solutions, rags, oilcans, and grease guns.
Thread yarn, thread, or fabric through guides, needles, and rollers of machines.
Operate machines to cut multiple layers of fabric into parts for articles such as canvas goods, house furnishings, garments, hats, or stuffed toys.
Adjust cutting techniques to types of fabrics and styles of garments.
Study guides, samples, charts, and specification sheets or confer with supervisors or engineering staff to determine set-up requirements.
Stop machines when specified amounts of product have been produced.
Operate machines for test runs to verify adjustments and to obtain product samples.
Install, level, and align components, such as gears, chains, guides, dies, cutters, or needles, to set up machinery for operation.
Program electronic equipment.

Job Duties: Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters

Program computers to operate machinery.

Verify dimensions or check the quality or fit of pieces to ensure adherence to specifications.
Produce or assemble components of articles, such as store fixtures, office equipment, cabinets, or high-grade furniture.
Measure and mark dimensions of parts on paper or lumber stock prior to cutting, following blueprints, to ensure a tight fit and quality product.
Set up or operate machines, including power saws, jointers, mortisers, tenoners, molders, or shapers, to cut, mold, or shape woodstock or wood substitutes.
Establish the specifications of articles to be constructed or repaired, or plan the methods or operations for shaping or assembling parts, based on blueprints, drawings, diagrams, or oral or written instructions.
Attach parts or subassemblies together to form completed units, using glue, dowels, nails, screws, or clamps.
Reinforce joints with nails or other fasteners to prepare articles for finishing.
Install hardware, such as hinges, handles, catches, or drawer pulls, using hand tools.
Trim, sand, or scrape surfaces or joints to prepare articles for finishing.
Match materials for color, grain, or texture, giving attention to knots or other features of the wood.
Cut timber to the right size, and shape and trim parts of joints to ensure a snug fit, using hand tools, such as planes, chisels, or wood files.
Perform final touch-ups with sandpaper or steel wool.
Bore holes for insertion of screws or dowels, by hand or using boring machines.
Repair or alter wooden furniture, cabinetry, fixtures, paneling, or other pieces.
Estimate the amounts, types, or costs of needed materials.
Dip, brush, or spray assembled articles with protective or decorative finishes, such as stain, varnish, paint, or lacquer.
Draw up detailed specifications and discuss projects with customers.
Design furniture, using computer-aided drawing programs.
Apply Masonite, formica, or vinyl surfacing materials.
Program computers to operate machinery.

Job Duties: Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Program electronic equipment.

Observe woven cloth to detect weaving defects.
Thread yarn, thread, and fabric through guides, needles, and rollers of machines for weaving, knitting, or other processing.
Remove defects in cloth by cutting and pulling out filling.
Examine looms to determine causes of loom stoppage, such as warp filling, harness breaks, or mechanical defects.
Inspect products to ensure that specifications are met and to determine if machines need adjustment.
Notify supervisors or repair staff of mechanical malfunctions.
Start machines, monitor operations, and make adjustments as needed.
Stop machines when specified amounts of product have been produced.
Inspect machinery to determine whether repairs are needed.
Confer with co-workers to obtain information about orders, processes, or problems.
Operate machines for test runs to verify adjustments and to obtain product samples.
Set up, or set up and operate textile machines that perform textile processing and manufacturing operations such as winding, twisting, knitting, weaving, bonding, or stretching.
Install, level, and align machine components such as gears, chains, guides, dies, cutters, or needles to set up machinery for operation.
Record information about work completed and machine settings.
Study guides, loom patterns, samples, charts, or specification sheets, or confer with supervisors or engineering staff to determine setup requirements.
Repair or replace worn or defective needles and other components, using hand tools.
Clean, oil, and lubricate machines, using air hoses, cleaning solutions, rags, oil cans, or grease guns.
Adjust machine heating mechanisms, tensions, and speeds to produce specified products.
Wash and blend wool, yarn, or cloth.
Program electronic equipment.

Job Duties: Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Write programs for computer numerical control (CNC) machines to cut metal and plastic materials.

Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.
Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.
Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates.
Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow.
Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools.
Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.
Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.
Compute data, such as gear dimensions or machine settings, applying knowledge of shop mathematics.
Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms.
Move controls or mount gears, cams, or templates in machines to set feed rates and cutting speeds, depths, and angles.
Instruct other workers in machine set-up and operation.
Record operational data, such as pressure readings, lengths of strokes, feed rates, or speeds.
Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars.
Measure and mark reference points and cutting lines on workpieces, using traced templates, compasses, and rules.
Align layout marks with dies or blades.
Write programs for computer numerical control (CNC) machines to cut metal and plastic materials.

Job Duties: Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing

Set up, program, or control computer-aided design (CAD) or computer numerical control (CNC) machines.

Set up, program, operate, or tend computerized or manual woodworking machines, such as drill presses, lathes, shapers, routers, sanders, planers, or wood-nailing machines.
Examine finished workpieces for smoothness, shape, angle, depth-of-cut, or conformity to specifications and verify dimensions, visually and using hands, rules, calipers, templates, or gauges.
Start machines, adjust controls, and make trial cuts to ensure that machinery is operating properly.
Monitor operation of machines and make adjustments to correct problems and ensure conformance to specifications.
Examine raw woodstock for defects and to ensure conformity to size and other specification standards.
Adjust machine tables or cutting devices and set controls on machines to produce specified cuts or operations.
Install and adjust blades, cutterheads, boring-bits, or sanding-belts, using hand tools and rules.
Change alignment and adjustment of sanding, cutting, or boring machine guides to prevent defects in finished products, using hand tools.
Determine product specifications and materials, work methods, and machine setup requirements, according to blueprints, oral or written instructions, drawings, or work orders.
Feed stock through feed mechanisms or conveyors into planing, shaping, boring, mortising, or sanding machines to produce desired components.
Push or hold workpieces against, under, or through cutting, boring, or shaping mechanisms.
Select knives, saws, blades, cutter heads, cams, bits, or belts, according to workpiece, machine functions, or product specifications.
Remove and replace worn parts, bits, belts, sandpaper, or shaping tools.
Secure woodstock against a guide or in a holding device, place woodstock on a conveyor, or dump woodstock in a hopper to feed woodstock into machines.
Inspect and mark completed workpieces and stack them on pallets, in boxes, or on conveyors so that they can be moved to the next workstation.
Inspect pulleys, drive belts, guards, or fences on machines to ensure that machines will operate safely.
Clean or maintain products, machines, or work areas.
Attach and adjust guides, stops, clamps, chucks, or feed mechanisms, using hand tools.
Trim wood parts according to specifications, using planes, chisels, or wood files or sanders.
Grease or oil woodworking machines.
Unclamp workpieces and remove them from machines.
Start machines and move levers to engage hydraulic lifts that press woodstocks into desired forms and disengage lifts after appropriate drying times.
Operate gluing machines to glue pieces of wood together, or to press and affix wood veneer to wood surfaces.
Control hoists to remove parts or products from work stations.
Sharpen knives, bits, or other cutting or shaping tools.
Set up, program, or control computer-aided design (CAD) or computer numerical control (CNC) machines.