WHAT DOES A CNC PROGRAMMER DO?

Updated: Dec 04, 2024 - The CNC Programmer develops and sequences complex machining operations, ensuring strict compliance with inspection requirements. Utilizing part drawings and machine specifications, aligns tool operations and workpiece positions for optimal performance. Collaborates closely with Tooling Engineering and Manufacturing teams to plan new work and maintain production efficiency while upholding quality and safety standards.

A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for CNC Programmer

1. CNC Programmer Duties

  • CAD/CAM Review: Review 3D and 2D CAD or CAM programs.
  • Drawing Verification: Back check drawing dimensions and profiles with the program.
  • Program Editing: Edit program faults and tolerances.
  • Tool Path Creation: Create new tool paths and correct tool usage.
  • CNC Simulation: Run CNC simulation, when available, to check programs.
  • Program Efficiency: Create or edit programs to increase efficiency and workflow.
  • Operator Collaboration: Work with operators who will be running programs.
  • Project Communication: Communicate with Project Managers and detailing companies.
  • Supervisor Communication: Communicate with Supervisors at the fabrication plant.
  • Purchasing Communication: Communicate with Purchasing for ship dates and releases.
  • Email Management: Check emails on a daily basis for new jobs and further instruction.

2. CNC Programmer Details

  • Maintenance: Machine maintenance, tooling and workload management, and parts tracking.
  • CNC Operation: Primarily operating CNC routers to produce metal and plastic parts for mechanical assemblies.
  • Secondary Operations: Secondary machining operations.
  • Preparation: Preparing parts for powder-coating and finishing processes.
  • Machine Cleanliness: Machine maintenance and cleanliness.
  • Work Area Cleanliness: Maintaining a clean, organized work area.
  • Material Handling: Material handling and organization.
  • Supervision: Answers to Machine Shop Supervisor.
  • Tool Usage: Use of general shop power and hand tools.
  • Setup and Fixturing: General manual and CNC machine setup, fixturing, and maintenance.
  • Technical Drawings: Read and work from technical drawings.

3. CNC Programmer Responsibilities

  • Program Development: Develop, revise, and update scripted programs and set up sheets, and recommend appropriate tooling for numerically controlled production equipment.
  • Work Planning: Work from Engineering drawings, sketch, and CAD/CATIA files to plan the sequence of work and operations to manufacture parts to blueprint specifications.
  • CNC Monitoring: Monitor CNC equipment organization and maintenance needs, assist in ordering CNC operating supplies, and provide process improvement input to the Area Supervisor.
  • Equipment Setup: Set up and operate equipment in assigned areas, inspect assigned work, and route parts using material handling equipment.
  • Programming Knowledge: Expected to continually upgrade programming knowledge for self-development within the role.
  • Quality Standards: Achieve and maintain quality and productivity standards, maintain an acceptable dependability level, and follow established safety guidelines.
  • CNC Operation: Operate and maintain CNC equipment, including routers, water jet machine, plasma cutter, and laser cutter/engraver.
  • Blueprint Reading: Ability to read and interpret blueprints required.

4. CNC Programmer Accountabilities

  • Drawing Creation: Create and interpret production drawings and fabrication schedules (cut lists).
  • Layout Planning: Layout drawings for best yield of material for production.
  • Material Planning: Provide the planning team with material and time requirements for the job.
  • Team Coordination: Work with the drafting, customer service, and production teams to correctly program jobs.
  • Drawing Coordination: Coordinate with Engineering and/or drafting on drawing requirements.
  • Process Improvement: Lead in efforts on process improvement of existing jobs in an attempt to reduce setup and develop robust systems driving down cycle times.
  • Programming: Write new programs utilizing MasterCAM software.
  • CNC Operation: Work with 3, 4, and 5 axis CNC machines.
  • Precision Work: Perform duties within close tolerances.
  • Customized Drawings: Work with customized drawings for low volume production.

5. CNC Programmer Tasks

  • Operation Layout: Layout operations and sequences, tooling requirements, machine setup instructions, and details for multiple and complex machining operations on complicated and involved work having strict inspection requirements.
  • Drawing Utilization: Works largely from part drawings, machine, and electronic control data and specifications, utilizing established methods and standards.
  • Tool Operation Coding: Align and code steps for tool operations, speed feeds, and workpiece positions to conform with operational sequences.
  • Setup Observation: Observe and check out setups and operations for prove-outs to assure proper methodology, sequences, tooling arrangements, and quality of the completed workpiece.
  • Collaboration: Work closely with Tooling Engineering and Manufacturing personnel to plan new work relative to tooling requirements and production library, records, and reference files.
  • Programming: Ability to program parts within all complexity ranges in a timely manner.
  • Efficiency Input: Aware of setup and run times for piece part manufacturing and provide input to maximize run efficiency.
  • Quality and Safety: Maintain quality and safety standards.
  • Blueprint Reading: Ability to read and understand blueprints.