The introduction of CNC machines in the 40s and 50s replaced manually controlled machines but with it came new opportunities, CNC Machinists. Prior to the swift transition from analog-to-digital computerized processing in the 60s, these machines used punched tape technology.
CNC-computer numerical control machines have been used to execute key functionalities in product production with extreme precision. The number of CNC technicians is expected to be on an upward trajectory, given companies’ transformation to a more automated manufacturing industry.
This is aided by computer-aided design (CAD), Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and Computer-aided engineering (CAE) computer programs. The automation of these machines and the accuracy with which they perform tasks improves productivity, hence endearing more to companies aiming at improving or maintaining a certain level of production quality.
What Is CNC Machining?
This involves the creation of products carried out by computerized devices controlled by programming languages (G-code and M-code). The machines employ high intensity and efficiency in creating highly precise and complex-shaped products.
The motion of these tools is within the X and Y axes with a tool spindle that moves across the depth (Z-axis). Classified either as vertical or horizontal machining centers, these machines are divided into various axes of machining centers from 3-axis, 4-axis to 5-axis.
The increase in the number of axes to multiple angles and secondary machining poses a data deviation problem. To provide the intended motion accuracy the tool is driven by servo or direct-drive stepper motors.
Step down gears, open-loop control and closed-loop controls can also be used to attain the speed, accuracy, and repeatability required. Its application can be witnessed in plasma cutting, lathe, electric discharge machining (EDM), Sinker EDM, Wire EDM, punch press, water jet cutter, multi-spindle machine, and milling machines.
Automatic tool changers, turntables, or tool magazines have enhanced the development of milling machines.
CNC Machining Employment Projection and Statistics
Fears over the sustainability and availability of machining jobs can be attributed to the low fraction of the US population (360,340) currently on this job. The fears have been galvanized with the eventual take over by robots.
While this may be so, the process is gradual and not abrupt, which means that there are still gaps needed to be filled by machinists across the globe. The highest employment opportunities, 92,070 (27.1%) are in machine shops in manufacturing turning products, including nuts, screws, and bolts.
However, the highest paying industry is natural gas distribution ($96,470) and scheduled air transport ($89,320) though they both have a low employment rate of 40 and 380, respectively.
With such remuneration, CNC machining is not only an exciting career path but rewarding as well.
Silver-Lining On CNC Machinists
Outsourcing of manufacturing jobs to other countries due to cheap labor has caused a ripple effect, causing the loss of 7.5 million manufacturing jobs since 1980 that are supposed to fuel the demand for machinists.
However, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, it’s estimated that the number of jobs in this profession is going to increase by 7%, equivalent to 29,700 jobs within a 10-year period from 2020.
Given one’s experience, education, state, certification, industry, and job performance, you can rake anything from $38,220-$96,470 annually. In states where the number of machinists is relatively low, like in Alaska, the pay is as high as $64,270. In contrast, in states where the number is high, as, in the case of Illinois, the pay is as low as $45,370.
Having 5-9 years of job experience will give you the propensity to earn $22.62 an hour compared to a rookie with less than a year, earning $15/hr. As for job availability, in 2020 alone, there were 425,300 job openings and a further annual job availability of 47,500 is estimated, in the next decade from 2020.
