Cutting machine operator

Lathe lathe operator

Cutting machine operator or cutting technician ( Austria ) (formerly: lathe operator and milling cutter ) is a job title and the designation for the associated training occupation. Cutting machine operators use cutting processes such as turning , milling or grinding to produce precision components from different materials.

job profile

Cutting machine operators usually work in metal and plastic processing companies in industry and craft , such as in machine, steel or light metal construction, in foundries or in vehicle construction. There they are directly involved in the planning, production and processing of components. They configure, operate and control conventional and computer-controlled machine tools such as lathe systems , milling machine systems , automatic lathe systems , grinding machine systems and boring mills for both single and series production .

Professional qualifications

The cutting machine operators assess and analyze the technical feasibility of production orders. To do this, they use sources of information and technical documents and select the appropriate manufacturing methods. As a result, they plan the production processes in detail, taking into account scheduling, economic and quality requirements. Furthermore, they adapt the programs for the numerically controlled (NC) and CNC manufacturing systems and monitor production. Knowledge of quality management systems , documentation and safety devices is also required . Further competencies are the maintenance and inspection of the manufacturing systems.

Systems

Turning systems

Here, mainly rotationally symmetrical workpieces made of metal or plastic are manufactured by removing chips. For machining, the workpiece, which is firmly clamped in a lathe chuck, is set in rotation. The tool, the so-called lathe chisel, moves in a uniform movement (feed movement) towards the rotating workpiece. This feed movement is carried out either manually or automatically. A distinction is made between external and internal turning and face turning. With external turning, as the name suggests, the material is removed from the turning tool on the outer layer of the round part. With internal turning, the inner surface of a hole is machined, with face turning, the face is machined.

Automatic lathe systems

Very demanding parts are manufactured in large numbers with the help of modern computer-controlled machines. The technology used is generally called CNC technology ( computerized numerical control ). For CNC machines, mechanics create programs on computers, increasingly using CAM systems. These can be read by the machines and implemented precisely. This means that more shapes can be turned on the machines than on manual lathes. Examples are curves or pyramid-like shapes. The work processes can be automated to the extent that series or mass production is possible. A CNC machine is indispensable for companies that have to produce many different workpieces in large quantities .

Milling systems

Complex workpieces and assemblies are created from a blank by milling on milling machines. For this purpose, the workpiece is z. B. in a machine vice or clamped on a router table. The tool, the so-called milling cutter, is clamped in the tool holder and fixed in the machine spindle. Then the milling cutter is moved in the direction of the workpiece. The milling cutter removes as much material from the surface of the workpiece as was previously determined by the depth of the infeed. In order to guarantee perfect milling, the turning speed of the milling cutter and the feed speed of the tool must also be set before the milling process. When it comes to processing, a basic distinction is made between two processes. The mating - and climb milling .

Grinding systems

Precise surface processing is necessary for crankshafts, for example, where maximum accuracy in the micrometer range is required. It can u. a. particularly hard materials are machined and worked with a very high degree of shape and dimensional accuracy. Similar to milling, the workpiece is clamped on a special table, the grinding table, or, as with cylindrical grinding, in a rotating device. The grinding wheel is guided over the workpiece at a very low feed rate. The sanding table moves back and forth. The grinding wheel is rotating very quickly.

education

To become a cutting machine operator, you should meet the following requirements:

very good vocational maturity or good secondary school leaving certificate
good spatial imagination and mathematical understanding
Willingness to work with computers and high-tech equipment
skilled craftsmanship

As with many professions, there are also different areas of application in machining mechanics:

Germany

Cutting machine operator is a recognized three and a half year apprenticeship according to the Vocational Training Act (BBiG). The training takes place in the dual training system in the training company as well as at the vocational school and ends with the final examination . The training content is based on the professional qualifications and is set out in the framework curriculum. Usually, a specialist group is formed for this training occupation in order to form specialist classes. The vocational school to be attended does not necessarily have to be in the catchment area of the local vocational school.

Austria

In Austria, the official job title was machining technician until May 31, 2011 and is considered a shortage occupation . On June 1, 2011, the training was integrated into the metal technology module apprenticeship. Metal technology apprentices can choose machining technology as a training focus (called the main module). However, the training content has largely remained the same as in Germany. The dual training lasts three and a half or four years and ends with the final apprenticeship examination . After the final apprenticeship examination , Austrian apprentices can also complete further training to become a master craftsman or take the vocational school leaving examination.