Some mill drivers are trained in CNC programming and can write code for the equipment.
Factory machinists produce manufacturing parts. More specifically, they work with various metals to produce parts tailored to precise specifications. The work is done on various equipment such as milling machines, lathes, drills and other tools. While some of these tools may require manual manipulation, the vast majority of the equipment is computer numerically controlled (CNC).
A machinist may be responsible for testing and calibrating the equipment.
Various skill levels are required to be a mill machinist. For example, a factory operator must know how to calibrate different pieces of equipment to specifications provided by a design engineer. Using these “specs” as a blueprint, the milling machine engineer sets up each piece of equipment used to precisely cut and drill each piece of metal, often done in a batch job. This step of the machining process also involves programming the correct sequence of operations to be performed by the machining equipment, as well as calculating the speed and depth of cut required to complete the task.
A CNC milling machine driver must accompany the work, making all the necessary adjustments.
Although the sequence of events is largely automated after setup, the mill driver must still monitor the process. For example, if something goes wrong with the feed where the metal feedstock passes through the equipment, the entire operation can be disrupted and the equipment damaged. It is also necessary to observe any irregularities, such as overheating caused by the expansion of metal parts. The design may also be compromised by vibrations caused by dull cutting tools. Since the mill driver follows operations closely, he is sometimes referred to as a production driver.
Some machinists may monitor, repair, and adjust industrial CNC equipment.
Some mill drivers are trained in CNC programming and write their own code. For this reason, the position is also known as a CNC Machinist, or simply CNC Machinist. Others may be trained in repairing and maintaining used machine parts to make new parts. Additionally, some mechanics may be trained to operate advanced milling equipment, such as those powered by water, electricity, or lasers.
In terms of the work environment, a mill driver can expect to be on their feet most of the day and be exposed to a reasonable level of noise. Because of this, certain safety equipment must be worn, such as ear and eye protection. As the job involves handling and powering machinery that pulls raw material, care must be taken to avoid injury to hands and fingers. In fact, long-sleeved or loose-fitting clothing, or jewelry of any kind, is not recommended.
In general, the pay scale for a milling machine driver is considered to be good, especially for those who work in the automotive or aerospace industries. There are often regular opportunities for overtime, especially during peak production periods. However, some workshops also close at certain times of the year when production is expected to be low, most commonly for a few weeks in December or January.