Examples

• Level 1 refer to WHMIS labels to identify safety precautions required when working with hazardous materials.
• Level 1 read shift notes and log book entries about the status of various jobs, special machining instructions and changes to customers' orders.
• Level 2 read memos about company-specific changes and bulletins about industry-wide news. For example, they read memos about staffing changes and bulletins which provide details of new contracts, equipment or technologies.
• Level 3 read entries in supplier catalogues to obtain information about new tools or to find tools to suit a particular purpose. They may compare tool specifications and descriptions to identify which ones suit their machining needs.
• Level 3 read instructions on work orders. They may read several paragraphs of text describing the steps required to machine parts. They read critically to ensure that the instructions are complete and consistent with other documentation and scale drawings.
• Level 4 read sections of manuals to learn how to carry out work. For example, they refer to machining manuals to find formulae or procedures for carrying out unfamiliar metal-working tasks. They refer to equipment manuals to identify troubleshooting procedures or to learn how to perform routine maintenance. They read computer numerical control (CNC) manuals to learn how to program automated equipment.
• Level 4 peruse trade magazines and industry journals such as the Canadian Machining and Metalworking to learn about new equipment, technologies, industry trends, and changes to manufacturing processes. For example, they read articles to learn about employment trends in various regions and manufacturing industries, or automation and high speed machining.

Examples

• Level 1 scan job tags or labels attached to parts to identify customer information and job number and to verify the job prior to starting work. They may identify job status or priorities by the colours of the tags.
• Level 1 complete checklists and other administrative forms to document work completed, place requests and identify problems and deficiencies. For example, they complete tracking sheets and inspection checklists to record work status.
• Level 2 refer to work schedules to learn which jobs they have been assigned and with which equipment they will operate.
• Level 2 scan work orders presented in tables to locate tasks assigned, materials required, shipping dates, order numbers and client names.
• Level 2 may review statistical data in graph format to identify trends in machining cycles. For example, they may review graphs that record machining output to learn when parts are machined outside acceptable tolerances.
• Level 3 review photographs and sketches of parts when scale drawings are not available. They use the sketches and photographs to estimate measurements and gauge contours but they also read annotations which record exact angles and dimensions.
• Level 4 interpret scale drawings at various points throughout machining processes. They study assembly drawings, sectional views and drawings showing parts from different perspectives. They review drawings prior to jobs to understand critical dimensions and machining tolerances and to identify missing information or measurements. They take measurements from drawings and make related calculations when planning, sequencing and verifying the accuracy of their work.
• Level 4 view three-dimensional representations of parts and machining processes on the display panels of CNC machinery. They review these computer-generated models of finished parts to locate tool paths and other programming data.

Examples

• Level 1 write brief notes to record procedures for setting up or carrying out jobs and to inform other machinists about work status and problems encountered on the job.
• Level 2 write e-mail and memos to supervisors, engineers and computer programmers. They make written requests for equipment repairs, tool replacements and new computer programs.
• Level 3 write reports describing problems encountered on the job, corrective actions taken and recommendations for improvements. For example, they complete defective materials or damaged tooling reports to document situations that resulted in scrapped or damaged material or equipment. They write requests to engineering to suggest changes to scale drawings that would result in more streamlined work processes.
• Level 3 write lengthy work instructions to record details of machining jobs for other machinists. They describe tools and materials required and each step of complex machining processes.

Examples

• Level 1 take length, height and weight measurements of raw materials such as metal blocks and bars using tape measures and scales. They measure to determine whether materials are of suitable sizes to produce specified parts and to verify that they will fit on lathes or mills.
• Level 1 compare measurements of machined parts to measurements on scale drawings to ensure parts are machined within specified tolerances.
• Level 1 monitor speed settings and feed rates for drills, lathes and mills. They ensure that machines are operating within specified or acceptable ranges and make adjustments as required.
• Level 2 calculate amounts of materials to be removed and the number of machine passes required to machine workpieces within tolerance. They calculate the difference between raw and finished dimensions. They divide the excess amount by the depth of cut to calculate the number of passes required.
• Level 2 may calculate averages. For example, they chart the average number of times or the average cycle time that tools can be used in particular machining processes before they must be replaced.
• Level 2 estimate the duration of machining jobs. They consider the size and complexity of parts to be produced, the type of machining processes required and other work which may take priority.
• Level 2 may estimate the amount of material required to carry out machining jobs. They factor in the parts to be produced, the material and machining processes required.
• Level 3 adjust daily work schedules to accommodate rush jobs or jobs that take longer than estimated. They consider whether others are affected by changes to workflow and try to minimize the disruption. For example, they may change machining processes or the order of jobs to meet new scheduling demands.
• Level 3 calculate all finished product dimensions of a part before starting a job. Using measurements recorded on scale drawings as a starting point, they find the values of lengths, cuts, circumferences and angles whose dimensions are not recorded. They use formulae to find missing values, for example to calculate heights and angles of triangular parts and circumferences of circular parts.
• Level 3 measure parts using precision instruments such as callipers, micrometers and protractors.
• Level 3 may review quality control data in order to examine trends in machine performance. For example, they may compare finished product dimensions of parts taken at regular intervals over the course of a machining cycle to identify when to replace tooling or recalibrate machinery.
• Level 4 calculate starting positions, feed rates and speed settings for machines. They use the dimensions of parts to be machined and tool sizes to determine appropriate starting positions and settings. For example, they enter the diameter of pipes or bars into formulas to calculate cutting speeds in revolutions per minute.
• Level 4 use formulae to calculate the placement of holes, sprocket teeth and shaft threads. For example, to distribute holes around a circular face plate, they enter the radius and the starting angle of the first hole into a formula to get the angle and position of subsequent holes.

Examples

• Level 1 exchange information with co-workers. They provide updates about work performed to other machinists during shift changeovers. They request new programs from computer programmers or engineers.
• Level 2 share information and opinions with co-workers and colleagues. For example, they ask other machinists how to approach unfamiliar machining tasks.
• Level 2 discuss work plans and coordinate tasks with other machinists to complete large orders. They discuss scheduling and workloads to ensure jobs meet timelines recorded on work orders.
• Level 2 clarify work instructions with supervisors or other staff when scale drawings or work orders are unclear or incomplete.
• Level 2 may interact with customers on the phone or in person to clarify orders or to inform them about the status of orders.
• Level 2 may instruct or direct less-experienced machinists or apprentices. For example, they may instruct apprentices to prepare materials for upcoming machining jobs. They have to be clear and direct to ensure that the work is done properly and safely.
• Level 2 may discuss features and compare specifications of new tooling products with suppliers. They ask questions and describe work processes to ensure products meet their requirements.
• Level 3 discuss machining jobs during meetings with supervisors and other team members. They may negotiate job timelines and work schedules.

Examples

• Level 1 encounter defective materials. They adjust the machining process to accommodate minor defects. They scrap workpieces that are unsalvageable.
• Level 1 find that parts or materials required to perform a machining job are not available. They either substitute materials or order what they need and adjust their work schedules.
• Level 2 discover that finished products do not meet specifications. If possible, they correct the error, but if the products cannot be adjusted, they salvage whatever materials they can and re-do the order.
• Level 2 realize that damaged products are being machined because equipment fails and tools break. They perform routine troubleshooting to determine the cause of equipment failures and attempt to salvage materials. They make adjustments to their schedules to accommodate changes in workflow.
• Level 3 are given drawings or instructions that are vague or missing key information. For example, they find that scale drawings are missing instructions or critical dimensions required to plan machining jobs. They make their own calculations to fill in missing numbers. They rely on their experience and knowledge of the parts to determine suitable ways to carry out the machining. When necessary, they ask designers, engineers or supervisory staff to provide additional information.

Examples

• Level 1 decide when to recalibrate or replace tools and when to perform routine maintenance on equipment. They consider how long the tools or equipment have been in use and the required tolerances of parts being produced.
• Level 1 decide when parts must be scrapped. They consider whether the parts' measurements meet tolerance specifications on engineering drawings and work instructions.
• Level 2 decide which equipment, tools and measuring instruments are most appropriate for individual machining jobs. They consider the size and quantities of parts to be produced, the materials required and the job status or priority.
• Level 2 may decide which materials to use for jobs. For example, they decide whether to fashion parts out of solid blocks of metal or from several smaller pieces. They consider material costs and machining processes when making their decisions.
• Level 3 sequence tasks for machining particular parts. They consider the size of the parts, materials, tolerances and the quantities they are asked to produce. They determine sequences of operations after they have carefully analyzed engineering drawings and work instructions.

Examples

• Level 2 judge the suitability of tools and equipment for machining jobs. They consider the work process, materials and their own experience with different tools and equipment to determine whether the tools suit the purpose.
• Level 2 assess the quality of cuts and grinding throughout the machining process. They consider whether measurements taken at each stage meet tolerances set out in scale drawings.
• Level 3 assess the severity of deviations of machined parts from specifications to determine whether they will pass inspection. They consider whether non-conforming measurements are critical or whether corrections can be made in subsequent machining steps. They must understand reasons for non-conformities in order to know whether and how they can be repaired.
• Level 3 judge the most likely interpretation of sketches when information is vague or missing. They use their knowledge of machining processes to interpret sketches with missing information.
• Level 3 may judge the degree to which features illustrated on scale drawings are integral to the parts. They use their experience and knowledge of the parts' functions and forms to consider alterations to drawings that will streamline machining processes without compromising the parts' quality.

Examples

• remember codes and abbreviations associated with materials, tools and CNC programming.
• recall similar machining processes performed in the past when considering how to approach new jobs.
• recall repair histories on different machining equipment.
• remember conversion formulae for measurement units.

Examples

• Level 1 use manuals to look up formulae, tolerances and other key information when interpreting job specifications.
• Level 1 refer to work orders to find out specifics of a job, such as materials required or shipping date. They check scale drawings to find critical dimensions and tolerances.
• Level 1 use log books to find out what happened with jobs on previous shifts.
• Level 2 consult co-workers and supervisors to gather information missing from scale drawings.

Examples

• Level 2 may use databases to access documents. For example, they may access internal process documents or work orders to be followed when carrying out machining jobs.
• Level 2 use communications software. For example, they exchange e-mail with supervisors, customers and suppliers. They write messages and attach drawings or other documents.
• Level 2 may use the Internet. For example, they access online tooling catalogues and other supplier information. They perform keyword searches and bookmark useful sites.
• Level 4 use computer-assisted design, manufacturing and machining software. For example, they create new CNC programs or refine existing programs to machine parts. They enter codes or select settings for tools, dimensions, speeds and machining paths from menus when setting up new programs. They create three-dimensional models and run test programs to ensure programs will meet work specifications. They may also use computer-assisted design software. For example, they may produce basic drawings of parts and fixtures.

Physical Aspects

Machinists spend most of their time standing at machines. They use upper-limb coordination to place materials on machines and hand-eye coordination to ensure parts are machined within tolerances. They use multiple-limb coordination and medium strength to lift and carry materials, including blocks and bars of metal and other supplies. They may sit at computer work stations when working on CNC machinery.

Attitudes

Machinists should be detail-oriented, conscientious, confident, and able to work independently as well as with others. They should be positive and flexible when facing problems and willing to work to deadlines.

Future Trends Affecting Essential Skills

Technological changes, most notably the use of computer-assisted design and computer numerically-controlled machining equipment, may eventually eliminate manual machining operations. Machinists will require additional computer skills to keep pace with the technological advancements in their trade. Machinists will also need improved document use skills to comply with the requirements for extensive and detailed documentation mandated by international quality and manufacturing process standards.