How to become Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer in 2024

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer is Also Know as

In different settings, Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer is titled as

  • CAD CAM Programmer (Computer-Aided Design Computer-Aided Manufacturing Programmer)
  • Computer Numerical Control Machinist (CNC Machinist)
  • Computer Numerical Control Programmer (CNC Programmer)
  • Programmer

Education and Training of Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer is categorized in Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Experience Required for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Education Required for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Degrees Related to Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer

Training Required for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Related Ocuupations

Some Ocuupations related to Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer in different industries are

What Do Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer do?

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

Qualities of Good Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer

  • Near Vision: The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Information Ordering: The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
  • Perceptual Speed: The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
  • Problem Sensitivity: The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
  • Mathematical Reasoning: The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
  • Visualization: The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
  • Category Flexibility: The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
  • Selective Attention: The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
  • Number Facility: The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  • Inductive Reasoning: The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • Deductive Reasoning: The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Oral Comprehension: The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Written Comprehension: The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Control Precision: The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
  • Flexibility of Closure: The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
  • Written Expression: The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
  • Speech Clarity: The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  • Speech Recognition: The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  • Reaction Time: The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
  • Finger Dexterity: The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
  • Oral Expression: The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Fluency of Ideas: The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
  • Speed of Closure: The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness: The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Auditory Attention: The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
  • Far Vision: The ability to see details at a distance.
  • Originality: The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
  • Multilimb Coordination: The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
  • Memorization: The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
  • Manual Dexterity: The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • Hearing Sensitivity: The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
  • Time Sharing: The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
  • Depth Perception: The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
  • Trunk Strength: The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
  • Visual Color Discrimination: The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
  • Rate Control: The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
  • Wrist-Finger Speed: The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
  • Response Orientation: The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
  • Extent Flexibility: The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  • Static Strength: The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  • Stamina: The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
  • Gross Body Coordination: The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
  • Dynamic Strength: The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
  • Gross Body Equilibrium: The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
  • Speed of Limb Movement: The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
  • Explosive Strength: The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
  • Spatial Orientation: The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
  • Sound Localization: The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
  • Night Vision: The ability to see under low-light conditions.
  • Peripheral Vision: The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
  • Glare Sensitivity: The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
  • Dynamic Flexibility: The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Tools Used by Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer

  • Adjustable squares
  • Bore gauges
  • Computer numerical control CNC grinders
  • Computer numerical control CNC lasers
  • Computer numerical control CNC notchers
  • Computer numerical control CNC press brakes
  • Computer numerical control CNC punch presses
  • Computer numerically controlled CNC lathes
  • Coodinate meauring machines CMM
  • Dial indicators
  • Digital angle gauges
  • Digital calipers
  • Digital height gauges
  • Digital micrometers
  • Drill presses
  • Fillet gauges
  • Optical comparators
  • Pin gauge sets
  • Precision surface plates
  • Screw machines
  • Screw pitch gauges
  • Sine bars
  • Thickness gauges
  • Toolmaker's microscope
  • Transfer gages
  • Vernier bevel protractors
  • Vernier calipers
  • Vertical boring mills
  • Vertical computer numerically controlled CNC milling machines
  • Vertical turret lathes VTL
  • Wire gauges

Technology Skills required for Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer

  • 1CadCam Unigraphics
  • 3D Systems GibbsCAM
  • Aptean Made2Manage
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Autodesk Fusion 360
  • Autodesk PartMaker
  • Autodesk PowerMill
  • Autodesk PowerShape
  • BobCAD-CAM
  • Celeritive Technologies VoluMill
  • CGTech Vericut CNC
  • Cimatron CimatronE
  • Computer aided design CAD software
  • Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • Delcam FeatureCAM
  • Delcam PartMaker
  • Dolphin CAD/CAM
  • DP Technology ESPRIT
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • FaceTime
  • FANUC CNC
  • FastCAM
  • G-code
  • Geometric Technologies CAMWorks
  • GeoPath CAD/CAM System
  • Gerber Technology CutWorks
  • GibbsCAM
  • GO2cam
  • Hypertherm ProNest
  • ICAM CAM-POST
  • Intelitek spectraCAM Milling
  • Intelitek spectraCAM Turning
  • Kubotek KeyCreator Machinist
  • LAB SUM3D
  • M-code
  • MachineWorks Ltd. MachineWorks
  • Manusoft Technologies IMOLD
  • Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software
  • MecSoft Corporation RhinoCAM
  • MecSoft Corporation VisualMILL
  • MecSoft Corporation VisualTURN
  • Metalcam Fikus Visualcam
  • Metalix CAD/CAM System cncKad
  • Metamation MetaCAM
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Missler Software TopSolid
  • Open Mind Software hyperMILL
  • Post-processor software
  • PTC Creo Parametric
  • RADAN Radbend
  • SAP software
  • SharpCam Ltd. SharpCam
  • Siemens NX
  • Siemens Teamcenter
  • Simulation software
  • SmartCAMcnc SmartCAM
  • SolidCAM CAM software
  • SolidCAM iMachining
  • Sprut Technology SprutCAM
  • Tebis computer aided design software
  • Technos Astra R-Nesting
  • Technos Astra S-Nesting
  • Top Systems T-FLEX CAM
  • Uncamco Ucam
  • Vero Software ALPHACAM Milling
  • Vero Software ALPHACAM Turning
  • Vero Software Edgecam
  • Vero Software machining STRATEGIST
  • Vero Software PEPS
  • Vero Software RADAN
  • Vero Software SMIRTsoftware
  • Vero Software SURFCAM
  • Vero Software VISI
  • Vero Software WorkNC