CNC Operator Level 4:

Brief Job Description

Machining Technician is also known as Machinist or CNC machine operator. The role covers operations of different machine tools performed both manually and through automatic/ CNC machines/ robots. This role primarily involves all kinds of machining and in-line inspection activities for quality verification, ad hoc repair work, change of worn out parts, gauging and de-burring activities.

Personal Attributes

The individual should be detailed oriented, observant; should have the ability of operation monitoring i.e., observing gauges , dials etc., good level of hand eye coordination, two hand coordination, maintaining arm steadiness, ability to quickly move hand to grasp and assemble objects (Dexterity), reading, writing and communication skills and sensitivity towards safety for self and equipment.

Maintain a safe and healthy working environment:

Elements and Performance Criteria

Identify and report the risks identified

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:

PC1..    Identify activities which can cause potential injury through sharp objects, burns, fall, electricity, gas leakages, radiation, poisonous fumes, chemicals ,loud noise

PC2.     Inform the concerned authorities about the potential risks identified in the processes, workplace area/ layout, materials used etc

PC3.     Inform the concerned authorities about machine breakdowns, damages which can potentially harm man/ machine during operations

PC4.     Create awareness amongst other by sharing information on the identified risks

Create and sustain a Safe, clean and environment friendly work place

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:

PC5..    Follow the instructions given on the equipment manual describing the operating process of the equipments

PC6..    Follow the Safety, Health and Environment related practices developed by the organization

PC7.     Operate the machine using the recommended Personal Protective Equipments (PPE)

PC8. . Maintain a clean and safe working environment near the work place and ensure there is no spillage of chemicals, production waste, oil, solvents etc

PC9.     Maintain high standards of personal hygiene at the work place

PC10. Ensure that the waste disposal is done in the designated area and manner as per organization SOP.

PC11. Inform appropriately the medical officer/ HR in case of self or an employees illness of contagious nature so that preventive actions can be planned for others

Knowledge and Understanding (KU)

The individual on the job needs to know and understand:

KU1. relevant standards, procedures and policies related to Health, Safety and Environment followed in the company

KU2. basic knowledge of Safety procedures( fire fighting, first aid) within the organization

KU3. knowledge of various types of PPEs and their usage

KU4. basic knowledge of risks/hazards associated with each occupation in the organization

KU5. how to safely operate various tools and machines and risksassociated with the tools/ equipment

KU6. knowledge of personal hygiene and how an individual an contribute towards creating a highly safe and clean working environment

Generic Skills (GS)

User/individual on the job needs to know how to:

GS1.     write basic level notes and observations

GS2.     read safety instructions put up across the plant premises

GS3.     read safety precautions mentioned in equipment manuals and panels to understand the potential risks associated

GS4.     effectively communicate information to team members

GS5.     informemployees in the plant and concerned functions about events, incidents & potential risks observed related to Safety, Health and Environment.

GS6.     question operator/ supervisor in order to understand the safety related issues

GS7.     attentively listen with full attention and comprehend the information given by the speaker during safety drills and training programs

GS8.     use common sense and make judgments during day to day basis

GS9.             use reasoning skills to identify and resolve basic problems

GS10. use common sense and make judgments during day to day basis

GS11. use reasoning skills to identify and resolve basic problems

Maintain 5S at the work premises:

Elements and Performance Criteria

Ensure sorting

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:

PC1..     follow the sorting process and check that the tools, fixtures & jigs that are lying on workstations are the ones in use and unnecessary items are not cluttering the workbenches or work surfaces.

PC2..     ensure segregation of waste in hazardous/ non hazardous waste as per the sorting work instructions

PC3..     follow the technique of waste disposal and waste storage in the proper bins as per sop

PC4..     segregate the items which are labelled as red tag items for the process area and keep them in the correct places

PC5.      sort the tools/ equipment/ fasteners/ spare parts as per specifications/ utility into proper trays, cabinets, lockers as mentioned in the 5s guidelines/ work instructions

PC6. .    ensure that areas of material storage areas are not overflowing

PC7.      properly stack the various types of boxes and containers as per the size/ utility to avoid any fall of items/ breakage and also enable easy sorting when required

PC8.      return the extra material and tools to the designated sections and make sure that no additional material/ tool is lying near the work area

PC9.      follow the floor markings/ area markings used for demarcating the various sections in the plant as per the prescribed instructions and standards

PC10.    follow the proper labeling mechanism of instruments/ boxes/ containers and maintaining reference files/ documents with the codes and the lists

Ensure proper documentation and storage ( organizing , streamlining)

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:

PC11.    check that the items in the respective areas have been identified as broken or damaged

PC12.    follow the given instructions and check for labelling of fluids, oils. lubricants, solvents, chemicals etc. and proper storage of the same to avoid spillage, leakage, fire etc

PC13.    make sure that all material and tools are stored in the designated places and in the manner indicated in the 5s instructions

Ensure cleaning of self and the work place

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:

PC14.    check whether safety glasses are clean and in good condition

PC15.    keep all outside surfaces of recycling containers are clean

PC16.. ensure that the area has floors swept, machinery clean and generally clean. in case of cleaning, ensure that proper displays are maintained on the floor which indicate potential safety hazards

PC17.. check whether all hoses, cabling & wires are clean, in goodcondition and clamped to avoid any mishap or mix up

PC18.. ensure workbenches and work surfaces are clean and in good condition

PC19.    follow the cleaning schedule for the lighting system to ensure proper illumination

PC20.    store the cleaning material and equipment in the correct location and in good condition

PC21.    ensure self-cleanliness – clean uniform, clean shoes, clean gloves, clean helmets, personal hygiene

Ensure sustenance

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:

PC22.    follow the daily cleaning standards and schedules to create a clean working environment

PC23.    attend all training programs for employees on 5 s

PC24.    support the team during the audit of 5 s

PC25.    participate actively in employee work groups on 5s and encourage team members for active participation

PC26.    follow the guidelines for what to do and what not to do to build sustainability in 5s as mentioned in the 5s check lists/ work instructions

Knowledge and Understanding (KU)

The individual on the job needs to know and understand:

KU1.     relevant standards, procedures and policies related to 5S followed in the company

KU2.     have basic knowledge of 5S procedures

KU3.     know various types 5s practices followed in various areas

KU4.     understand the 5S checklists provided in the department/ team

KU5.     have skills to identify useful & non useful items

KU6.     have knowledge of labels , signs & colours used as indicators

KU7.     knowledge on how to sort and store various types of tools, equipment, material etc.

KU8.     know , how to identify various types of waste products

KU9.     understand the impact of waste/ dirt/ dust/unwanted substances on the process/ environment/ machinery/ human body

KU10. have knowledge of best ways of cleaning & waste disposal

KU11. understand the importance of standardization in processes

KU12. understand the importance of sustainability in 5S

KU13. have knowledge of TQM process

KU14. have knowledge of various materials and storage norms

KU15. understand visual controls, symbols, graphs etc.

The Difference Between a CNC Operator and a CNC Machinist

Generic Skills (GS)

User/individual on the job needs to know how to:

GS1.     write basic level notes and observations

GS2.     note down observations (if any) related to the process

GS3.     read 5S instructions put up across the plant premises

GS4.     effectively communicate information to team members inform employees in the plant and concerned functions about 5S

GS5.     question the process head in order to understand the 5S related issues

GS6.     attentively listen with full attention and comprehend the information given by the speaker during 5S training programs

GS7.     use common sense and make judgments during day to day basis

GS8.             use reasoning skills to identify and resolve basic problems using 5S

GS9.             persuade co team members to follow 5 S

GS10. ensure that the co team members understand the importance of using 5 S tool

GS11. use innovative skills to perform and manage 5 S activities at the work desk and the shop floor

GS12. exhibit inquisitive behaviour to seek feedback and question on the existing set patterns of work

GS13. do what is right, not what is a popular practices

GS14. follow shop floor rules& regulations and avoid deviations; make 5S an integral way of life

GS15. ensure self-cleanliness on a daily basis

GS16. demonstrate the will to keep the work area in a clean and orderly manner

Carry out pre-machining activities:

Elements and Performance Criteria

Understanding the component requirements

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:

PC1. .     before starting the machining operations, obtain a detailed and thorough understanding of the task at hand: o understand the output product requirement by reading the engineering drawing specified in the work instructions/ work order o reading the control panel instructions/ job orders to determine the correct output product specifications o understanding the tooling instructions (fixtures, cutting tools, jigs etc.) as specified in the operating manual/ work instructions or standard operating procedures o selection of proper coolant and lubricant required for machining the required component

Checking the dimensions for the component

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:

PC2. .     set the machine stops or guides or programmes as per the specified lengths indicated through scales or work instructions

PC3. .     measure and mark reference points/ cutting lines on the work pieces, using compasses, callipers, rulers and other measuring tools

PC4. .     understand acceptance requirements/ limits of machining e.g. surface finish, specific orientation, gauge inspection etc.

PC5. .     understand any other specific requirement for machining

Programming the machine for specific tool operations

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:

PC6. .     assist the master machining technician in programming the cnc/ numerically controlled machine as per the work instructions

PC7..      set the right material removal rate while programming the machine as per specified requirements e.g. for hobbing set the ratio for the rotation of the shafts/spindle which determine the number of teeth made on the work piece

PC8. .     discuss technical matters related to machine programming with engineer/ supervisory/ personnel in the maintenance team

Performing wheel dressing activities for grinding operations

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:

PC9. .     always put machine guards in place before turning on grinding wheel

PC10..    run the wheels for a least one minute before actual work begins

PC11. . ensure proper balancing and dressing of wheels before use

PC12. . select and mount grinding wheels on machine, according to work instructions

PC13. . using hand tools and applying knowledge of abrasives and grinding procedures

PC14. . always use eye protection while performing these activities

Knowledge and Understanding (KU)

The individual on the job needs to know and understand:

KU1.     relevant standards and procedures followed in the company

KU2.              different types of products manufactured by the company

KU3.              different types of machining processes/ tools available

KU4.              different types of machining processes

KU5.     basic fundamentals of machines and mechanics

KU6.     different types of tools used in the machining process with respect to type of process to be conducted

KU7.     basic principles of 5 S in manufacturing Cleaning, sorting, scrap handling etc.

KU8.     the application of coolant and lubricants

KU9.     impact of various machining processes on the final product outcome

KU10. basic Arithmetic and calculation methods for tolerance limits

KU11. safety guidelines related to different machines

Generic Skills (GS)

User/individual on the job needs to know how to:

GS1.     write basic level notes and observations

GS2.     draw basic level geometrical/ mechanical drawings and charts

GS3.     read and interpret workplace related documentation

GS4.     read and interpret engineering drawings and sketches to understand the dimension of the output product

GS5.     discuss task lists and job requirements with co-workers

GS6.     effectively communicate information to team members

GS7.     discuss with supervisor in order to understand the nature of the problem

GS8.     attentively listen with full attention and comprehend the information given by the speaker

GS9.     judge when to ask for help from a supervisor

GS10. suggest options to operators in case any issue is observed during operations

GS11. plan work assigned on a daily basis and provide estimates of time required for each piece of work

GS12. prioritize actions to achieve required outcomes

GS13. analyse the complexity of work to determine if it can be successfully carried out

GS14. ability to visualize the final product from the engineering drawing/ machine drawing, sketch provided by the supervisor

GS15. analyse the cause of defects related to e.g. cutting tools, machine, fixtures etc

GS16. learn from mistakes by analysing and discussing with peers/ seniors

GS17. discuss new ideas and participate in new initiatives

GS18. follow instructions and work on areas of improvement identified

GS19. complete the assigned tasks with minimum supervision

GS20. complete the job defined by the supervisor within the timelines and quality norms

Perform different kinds of machining operations:

Elements and Performance Criteria

Setting up machine as per work instructions

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:

PC1. .     change the cutting tool of the Special Purpose Machine as per the process requirement

PC2. .     set-up, adjust machine tools, fixtures/ jigs and cutting tools in order to perform machining operations and keep dimension within the specified tolerance limit specified in the Standard Operating Procedures/ Operating manuals/ Control Panel

PC3. .     lift the work piece/ metal stock manually or through hoist and position the same securely in the machine using fasteners and hand tools and verify their positions with measuring instruments

PC4. .     check the centring and facing of the work pieces and check for alignment of the work pieces as per the final product output specifications

PC5. .     check the working of different holding fixtures, gears, stops etc. to control work piece movement, using hand tools, power tools, measuring instruments

PC6. .     while performing Grinding/ Boring machining activities, mark spots on the work piece/ metal stock before performing the operation

PC7. .     move controls to adjust, start, or stop equipment during grinding process

PC8..      clearly understanding the does and donts of the manufacturing process as defined in SOPs/ Work Instructions or defined by supervisors

Performmachining on the component

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:

PC9. .     start the lathe/ turning/milling/ shaping/ grinding/ boring/ broaching/ hobbing / facing/ shaping/ blanking/ piercing/ special purposemachine for operations

PC10..    select the right cutting/ grinding/ broaching (teeth) tool as per tooling instructions and as per the work / supervisor s instructions

PC11. . for manual grinding activities ensure the following: o Clear understanding of the metallurgical properties of the machined parts o two hand coordination is appropriate o checking the surface of the grinding plate to identify any abrasions, holes, plate inclination o Checking the rotation of the grinding wheel o understanding the usage of hardness testing machine

PC12..    for milling operations check to ensure: o revolution ridges/marks are within the defined roughness limits associated with surface finish of the work piece o two hand coordination is appropriate as for manual operations o gap setting between milling rod and component is appropriate o correct angle is selected for cutting the parts o usage of measurement such as scales, venire calipers is made as per the work instructions

PC13. . ensure that the right command is entered in the CNC machine as defined machining parameters

PC14. . in case of boring operations ensure that the length to bore diameter is fixed so that is does not cause deflection in the cutting tool

PC15. . operate hand wheels or valves in order to feed the component and allow cooling and lubricating to the tool

PC16. . turn on the coolantvalves and start their flow to maintain temperature in the machine chamber

PC17. . brush or spray lubricating material on work pieces where applicable

PC18. . move tool holders manually or by turning the hand wheels in order to feed tools along the machined component/ piece

PC19. . take appropriate action in case of any irregularities e.g. power failure, rejection, tool breakage etc.

PC20. . extract or lift jammed pieces from machines through use of wire hooks, lift bars, hands etc.

Observe/ Record the machining operations

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:

PC21. . observe machine operations to detect defects in the component manufactured

PC22..    observe the machine operations for any malfunctions and immediately inform the supervisor/ maintenance team of any malfunction observed to prevent damage to the machining equipment/ output product

PC23. . ensure recording operational data such as pressure readings, length of strokes, feed rates, speed etc. in the formats specified by the supervisor

PC24. . ensure tool replacement as per recommended tool life in no. of pieces

PC25..    enter readings of key dimensions on control charts/ SPC record; provide required tool offsetting with the help of supervisor on correct side based on the reading

Knowledge and Understanding (KU)

The individual on the job needs to know and understand:

KU1.     relevant standards and procedures followed in the company

KU2.              different types of products manufactured by the company

KU3.              different types of machining processes/ tool available

KU4.     process flow/ routing of various components in the machine shop/ organization

KU5.     different types of machining processes

KU6.     different types of tools used in the machining process and their identification

KU7.     basic fundamentals of machines and mechanics

KU8.     how to read machine drawing and machining the part to create the output as defined in the machine drawing

KU9.     knowledge of metal properties/ metallurgy

KU10. knowledge of gear changing techniques and minor maintenance as per checklist

KU11. basic principles of 5 S in manufacturing Cleaning, sorting, scrap handling etc.

KU12. the application of coolants and lubricants

KU13. basic Arithmetic and calculation methods for tolerance limits

Generic Skills (GS)

User/individual on the job needs to know how to:

GS1.     write basic level notes and observations

GS2.     draw basic level drawings and charts

GS3.     read& comprehend documents and notes, process documentation & Control Plan

GS4.     interpret/ Comprehend the information given in the documents and notes

GS5.     read and interpret symbols given on equipments and work area

GS6.     read machine drawings/ engineering drawings, sketches

GS7.             discuss task lists and job requirements with co-workers

GS8.             effectively communicate information to team members

GS9.     question supervisor in order to understand the nature of the problem

GS10. attentively listen with full attention and comprehend the information given by the speaker

GS11. judge when to ask for help from a supervisor

GS12. suggest options to operators in case any issue is observed during operations

GS13. plan work assigned on a daily basis and provide estimates of time required for each piece of work

GS14. ensure that customer needs are assessed and every effort is made to provide satisfactory service

GS15. recognise a workplace problem or a potential problem and take action

GS16. determine problems needing priority action

GS17. refer problems outside area of responsibility to appropriate person

GS18. gather information and provide assistance as required to solve problems

GS19. use common sense and make judgments during day to day basis

GS20. use reasoning skills to identify and resolve basic problems

GS21. follow instructions and work on areas of improvement identified

GS22. complete the assigned tasks with some supervision

GS23. complete the job defined by the supervisor within the timelines and quality norms

GS24. analyse, evaluate and apply the information gathered from observation, experience, reasoning, or communication to act efficiently

Conduct all post machining operations:

Elements and Performance Criteria

Perform minor machine maintenance activities

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:

PC1..      maintain the machine as per proper operational condition/ daily maintenance check

PC2. .     perform minor machine maintenance activities such as oiling or cleaning machine and its components per the schedules given in the maintenance plan

PC3..      clean the hydraulic tank/ gauge/ tools/ fixtures as per the cleaning schedule and the process mentioned in the work instruction/ sop manual

PC4. .     add coolant and lubricant in machine reservoir as per the sops

PC5. .     removing chips from different machine areas and dispose of scrap or waste material into the disposal area in accordance with the company policies and environmental regulations

PC6. .     for broaching operations ensure that the broaching teeth is not broken and is flushed out of any metal chips

PC7. .     perform minor repairs and adjustments to the machine and notify supervisor/ maintenance team when major service/ repair is required

Perform de burring activity on the machined components

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:

PC8. .     with the help of the correct tool remove the extra burrs, sharp edges, rust and chips from the metal surface

PC9. .     use files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools for performing de burring operations.ensure usage of personal protective equipment like eye glasses and hand gloves

PC10..    trim, scrape, or deburr objects or parts, using chisels, scrapers, and other hand tools and equipment

PC11. . for automated processes perform shot blasting/ vibro processes for completing de-burring operations

Check quality of machined component (Gauging)

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:

PC12..    measure the specifications of the finished component and verify conformance as per control plan/ work instruction

PC13. . use devices like micrometers, vernier calipers, gauges, rulers and any other inspection equipment for measuring specificationswith valid calibration status.

PC14..    note down the observations of thebasic inspection process and identify pieces which comply with the specified standards

PC15..    separate the defective pieces into two categories pieces which can be repaired/ modified and pieces which are beyond repair and maintain records of each category

PC16. . for all special parameters get the inspection done by qa/ standard room as per the frequency in the control plan and record the observations

PC15..    separate the defective pieces into two categories – pieces which can be repaired/ modified and pieces which are beyond repair and maintain records of each category

Tool Changing Process

To be competent, the user/individual on the job must be able to:

PC17. . organize changing different worn machine accessories, such as cutting/ grinding/ broaching/ hobbing tools( as per tool life listed, recommended) other hand tools

PC18..    ensure that the blunt tool is timely and safely replaced by a new tool

PC19..    replace machine part as per work instructions, using hand tools or notify supervisor/ engineering personnel for taking corrective actions

PC20. . for automated process observe the tool change cycle in order to ensure that the selected tool is transferred to the spindle from magazine after the previous tool is transferred to the magazine from the spindle

PC21. . ensure that the zero offset value is chosen at the time of tool changing process

Knowledge and Understanding (KU)

The individual on the job needs to know and understand:

KU1. relevant standards and procedures followed in the company

KU2. different types of products manufactured by the company

KU3. different types of machining processes

KU4. different types of tools used in the machining process and de-burring process

KU5. basic principles of 5 S in manufacturing Cleaning, sorting

KU6. post machining processes like deburring

KU7. Impact of presence of burrs, edges, chips on the final product performance KB6. the application of coolant and lubricants

KU8. basic Arithmetic and calculation methods

Generic Skills (GS)

User/individual on the job needs to know how to:

GS1.     write basic level notes and observations

GS2.     draw basic level drawings and charts

GS3.     read documents and notes

GS4.     interpret/ Comprehend the information given in the documents and notes

GS5.     read and interpret symbols given on equipments and work area

GS6.     discuss task lists and job requirements with co-workers

GS7.     effectively communicate information to team members

GS8.     question operator/ supervisor in order to understand the nature of the problem

GS9.     attentively listen with full attention and comprehend the information given by the speaker

GS10. analyse information and evaluate results to discuss the best solution with the operator to solve problemse.g. inspection results, rework status

GS11. plan work assigned on a daily basis and provide estimates of time required for each piece of work

GS12. recognise a workplace problem or a potential problem and take action by referring problems to the supervisor/ machine setter

GS13. gather information and provide assistance as required to solve problems

GS14. use common sense and make judgments during day to day basis

GS15. use reasoning skills to identify and resolve basic problems

GS16. escalate problem beyond individuals scope

GS17. follow instructions and work on areas of improvement identified

GS18. complete the assigned tasks with some supervision

GS19. complete the job defined by the supervisor within the timelines and quality norms

Assessment Guidelines

  1. Criteria for assessment for each Qualification Pack will be created by the Sector Skill Council. Each Element/ Performance Criteria (PC) will be assigned marks proportional to its importance in NOS. SSC will also lay down proportion of marks for Theory and Skills Practical for each Element/ PC.