Are you wondering if it's worth learning how to use CNC machines? Do you need to undertake specialized studies to use numerically controlled machine programs? The answer to such questions is not straightforward. However, the good news is that you don't need to study engineering at university to start learning CNC and develop as a competent CNC specialist. The fact is, however, that CNC machines require certain skills and predispositions that will help you succeed with this equipment.
CNC Machine Processing (Numerically Controlled) - What Does It Involve?
As of today, many people claim that CNC machining involves CNC programming. This is a misconception. CNC programming (or G-code programming) refers to the basic language used by CNC machines to perform material machining operations using a machine tool. CNC programming is a skill that you must have. Regardless of the industry in which you will later develop as a CNC professional. Simply put, if you plan to learn CNC for a profession or as a hobby, the programs you learn for machining will increase your productivity and help achieve the expected results. Moreover, the use and knowledge of CNC machine and machine tool software is applied in many different fields, including aviation, bioengineering, new technologies, etc. A CNC machine programmer must have not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills. Want to know if being a CNC machine programmer or operator is the job for you? Read on!
CNC Work
Using a CNC processing program is not a job for everyone. Many young people plan to start their career in CNC, but over time they realize that machines, processing, using machine tools, or CNC or CAM program is too much responsibility. A CNC operator job is not an office job. Performing assigned tasks on a CNC machine does not mean that you will work lightly and at a desk. You need to get to know the structure of the CNC machine, familiarize yourself with it and learn how to use it properly. Practice is the most important thing for a person who wants to understand the operation of CNC machines and the use of machine tools. Traits that testify to your advantage are creativity and a desire to create things from scratch. Are you good at using a hand tool for daily work? That's a good omen. A CNC machine and machine tool operator should seek alternatives and solutions when a given component does not perform its function. CNC processing is creativity and passion associated with creating new things. CNC technology is constantly evolving. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on gaining more and more knowledge and experience. A machine operation course, another experienced machine tool operator, professional experience, and passion - these are more important than any university. This is a job in which you should not count the time until its completion. Numerically controlled machines must interest you, otherwise such a job will become boring over time. Also, remember that teamwork counts. You won't get far on your own. A machine tool operation course and knowledge about whether there is numerical programming of equipment are hard skills. A good equipment operator can get along with the team and has a range of soft skills. You need to know how to solve a given problem, understand the people who work with you, and jointly apply various solutions to difficult situations.
CNC is a passion
A proper education has never harmed anyone. Having theoretical knowledge of metalworking, information about what CNC machine control looks like, analytical information that is useful for a programmer - these are a few elements that will expand your possibilities at work. Most universities offer their students familiarization with machine elements, understanding of production processes, creation of technical drawings, or undertaking materials cutting practice. Practice in learning is very rarely applied. Are you going to study, which will enable you to gain knowledge in the field of machine tool operation? That's great. Appropriate documents are the basis for a job interview for a given company. However, when creating a scientific work, focus on the CNC topic that actually interests you. If the lecturer gives you such an opportunity, that's great. You will see if expanding your knowledge in this field interests you in any way. Treat scientific work as a way of learning to develop knowledge and skills in a specific area of interest. Do you like welding? Show your lecturer the material you have welded and discuss this topic with him.
How to get a CNC education?
If you've decided that working with CNC machines is what you really want to do, the next step is to consider where you can acquire the appropriate knowledge in this field. There are several solutions to this situation:
University
As mentioned before, you can enroll in a polytechnic or higher education institution to study engineering. It should be remembered that an engineering education is acquired over a period of 3 to 5 years. It is best to start this type of study right after the maturity exam. Universities prefer individuals who have knowledge of mathematics and physics.
Vocational Training
This is a great solution that helps in the development of knowledge in the field of CNC. Instead of a template curriculum, which is mainly theoretical, vocational training mainly uses practical solutions that every machine tool operator should know. Such a course will prepare you well for the start of work. This type of training is the best there can be, as it gathers enthusiasts of this field and allows them to gain practical and immediate knowledge of machine tool operation, or from the general scope of material processing. Good training offers practice on CNC machine tools (with the presence of a supervisor). The leader in training in this field is the HAAS Technical Education Center. You can find the offer in this area here.
Online Training
In recent years, online training has been developed as one of the top three sectors for acquiring knowledge. You can find a machine operator course and various programs on dedicated e-learning platforms such as Udemy, Coursera etc. However, remember that these are solutions aimed at showing you the theory of machine tools, explaining the meaning of coordinates, the direction of development, and various theoretical problem-solving possibilities. No online course will show you the practice, and it should be known that in this field, practical experience is extremely important.
Trainings and workshops in the company
This is an interesting concept that is related to your practice in a given company. If the company has the resources, it organizes CNC professional training, which allows its employees to gain even more knowledge and experience. Moreover, such training is beneficial not only for the employees but also for the company itself. Usually, an entire group participates in them at one time, and the knowledge they gain is actually used for the benefit of the entity. It happens that company training is accompanied by workshops with real demonstrations of specific methods and techniques. In this way, not only will you be trained in CNC, but you will also see how the theories you may be taught are put into practice.
CNC - which areas are worth knowing?
CNC is a broad technical field that requires the operator to have a wide range of knowledge from various subjects in their work. One course may not be sufficient to educate an operator. A CNC professional must have knowledge in the following areas:
- Technical drawing – it's the best and most reliable form of communication, serving as a language between engineers and production teams worldwide. This is where you should start. It is the fundamental source of knowledge about the product being processed. Awareness of technical drawing will help define the shape of the part being processed, its individual dimensions, and all existing relationships between its features. Technical drawing will make you more accurate, increase your productivity, and maintain safety.
Improve your qualifications
CNC technologies are constantly being modernized. This means that you need to keep up with them if you want to learn the latest control methods. There are courses for operators who already have experience in their field and want to further their education. You cannot afford to fall behind the latest trends. Let's observe new solutions and appropriately implement the content of courses and programs into new technologies. The Internet offers many solutions for gaining knowledge about programs. Thematic social groups, YouTube, blogs, and educational websites – these are just a few ways to know more. CNC is also closely related to other topics concerning equipment, speed and feed rates, tools and accessories, work setting practices, automation, and cutting fluids, among many other elements. A great way to gain knowledge about machining and CNC tools is through trade fairs. This is a place where you can not only stay up-to-date with the latest achievements, but also have the opportunity to participate in workshops and seminars. You can also meet potential clients, or specialists in your field, who will help you fulfill your orders. It's the perfect place for business and knowledge development. It's also an opportunity to meet company directors, co-founders, course sellers, product sellers, goods, and many other aspects of this business. Get a contact and establish it after the event. Connections are useful in every field.
Summary
Do you want to work in CNC and learn the principles of automation and various types of software that will help you gain experience and your dream job? Enroll in studies or practical vocational courses. Remember that theory in the field of software and machine construction are just the basic elements of work in this profession. You have to be interested in it and constantly educate yourself. If you have a predisposition for exact subjects and have the opportunity to take a programmer's course and learn about machine construction, then such a profession can bring you joy.