As part of our Toolmakers Series, we talked to one of our CNC Programmers about their experiences.
Read on to learn more.
The Job Description
CNC programmers are key members of the Adept Tooling and Moulding team. And we’re very lucky to have three incredibly experienced programmers available in-house.
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❓How long have you been a CNC programmer, and how did you get into it?
✅ LEIGH:
I have been a CNC Programmer for 30 years.
Started in the toolroom as an apprentice, moved to another company who then purchased a new CNC Machine that no one knew how to run. So I learned it. And that’s been my career ever since.
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❓Tell us in a few words – what does a CNC programmer do?
✅ LEIGH:
A CNC Programmer takes a CAD (Computer Aided Design) model and creates a path which the cutting tool on the CNC Machine follows to cut the required shape.
We sometimes have to create up to 100 different programmed sequences to complete a job.
There is a roughing path which removes the bulk of material then a lot of finishing paths to finish the part to the required tolerance.
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❓ Talk to us about a complex job you’ve worked on.
✅ LEIGH:
I’ve had many complex jobs in the past. Cannot single just one out, but I’ve managed to work through machining complex parts using 5-axis technology. I have worked on producing parts for America’s Cup sailing boats to injection moulds to race car parts.
Having many years of experience helps a lot.
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❓ What is the most valuable skill/lesson you've learnt and how does that serve you now?
✅ LEIGH:
For me, it would have to be the skill to assess a part to be machined at the start and understanding how to create a strategy that works faultlessly.
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❓ Any advice for people who want to get into CNC programming as a career?
✅ LEIGH:
It’s a very interesting and satisfying job in machining. When you create a component, it’s nice to be able to see a finished article you can be proud of.
If this is your passion, then it can be very satisfying.
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For more information on CNC Programming as a career, talk to your local tertiary provider.