Machining.Blog® is a weekly blog focused on manufacturing career development. It features blog articles on the fundamentals of manufacturing for aspiring machinists. Our goal is to create an interest in manufacturing in the USA. Our writer Matthew Schowalter has worked in manufacturing for 24 years, and he covers the topics that matter to someone starting their career in manufacturing.
“The soft skills the machinist uses are the unseen tools in their box and can directly impact the success or failure of a dreamed after machining career.”
All in Machining
Preparing for a CNC machinist interview means showing your technical skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities. Employers look for candidates who can operate CNC machines safely, maintain quality, and work efficiently.
Here are some subjects and details that the employer might look for in a applicant.
Machining has its own set of terms and concepts that can be overwhelming at first. Understanding this vocabulary is crucial for safety and confidence in the shop. This guide explains thirty key machining terms every beginner should know, using straightforward language.
If you’ve ever marveled at the precision of an airplane engine, the smooth glide of a medical device, or the intricate parts inside your car, you’ve already seen the handiwork of machinists. Machining is the art and science of shaping raw materials, often metal or plastic into precise components that power our modern world.
A modern machinist typically progresses through five career stages: apprenticeship, journeyman machinist, specialization, senior or expert machinist, and leadership or mentorship roles. Advancement depends on hands-on experience, technical training, certifications, and continuous learning as machining technology evolves.
Many machinists prefer to stay on the shop floor, where their skill and craftsmanship transform raw material into precision parts. Remaining in a hands-on role does not limit career growth; you can continue to advance, increase your earnings, and gain respect without stepping away from the machines.
Debunking common misconceptions about the trade.
Machining is one of those trades that often sits in the shadows of public awareness, until you need a precision part, a custom prototype, or a component that simply must work. Yet, despite its critical role in manufacturing, machining is surrounded by myths that can distort how people view the profession. These misconceptions can discourage new talent, mislead customers, and even slow innovation.
In the world of machining, precision isn’t just a goal, it’s the foundation of the craft. Whether you’re working in a high-tech CNC shop or tinkering in a home garage, the right tools are the difference between a flawless part and a costly mistake. But with so many gadgets and gizmos on the market, how do you know which ones are truly essential?
The shop floor hums before the sun is fully up. The air carries a faint scent of machine oil, and the rhythmic clatter of metal on metal is already underway. For a precision machinist, the day doesn’t just begin with a clock-in, it begins with a mindset: accuracy above all else.
Starting a machine shop can be an overwhelming task. There are many factors to consider while keeping it running efficiently. Besides the operational tasks, we have broken it down on what it might take to have a steady stream of work in your machine shop.
A cobot can add a lot of value to the manufacturing process in a machine shop. It can increase the productivity of the CNC machine, while also contributing to process accuracy and consistency. Cobots can be easy to program and are safe to use.
Each program has a program number, that should be different from other program numbers
Each line of code in a CNC program is called a “Block”. It contains G and M codes in it.
The block cannot have two M-codes in it
The ending of a Block has a End-of-Block symbol and it is a semi-colon. (Example: G1X.5; )
Knowing what features to inspect on machined parts, being aware of machining conditions, and what items and details to deburr can make all the difference in the success of the manufacturing project. By mastering these three items, it will set you apart as a great machinist. Let’s review in detail.
Across the country, educators are searching for meaningful ways to prepare students for life after high school. At Cardinal Manufacturing in Strum, Wisconsin, that preparation is at the core of their mission. The program’s primary goal is to equip students with the technical skills, confidence, and strong work habits that employers look for, such as professionalism, communication and responsibility.
Precision machining is the process of removing material from the workpiece and holding a tight tolerance and finish on the part. The process of removing material from the workpiece is usually done with computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines.
The CNC Machining industry has many specialized terms for tooling, machines, and other technology. Here is our list of things to know about machining with CNC equipment.
Blueprint Reading - The term blueprint reading means that someone interprets ideas that are on a drawing or print.
CAD/CAM Software – CAD is the acronym for Computer Aided Design. CAM is the acronym for Computer Aided Manufacturing. They are computer software that are used in the manufacturing industry.
Caliper – A measuring tool that is used to measure internal and/ or external dimensions on machined parts.
