CNC Programmer Training

If you have considered becoming a CNC programmer than you will want to look into CNC programmer training in order to give yourself the very best chance of success in your field.  But what exactly is a CNC programmer and how do you become one?

A CNC programmer is a person who does precision machine work with the help of computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment.  While this may sound complex, it is really quite a bit easier than you may suspect, especially if you go through the right kind of training and luckily there are plenty of CNC training programs available.  However, once you have become a CNC programmer, what exactly is it that you will do?  Perhaps it would help if you first understood just what CNC equipment is used for.

In some fields there is a limit to what the human hand can accomplish.  While this may sound limiting, it is simply the truth, for the human eye and the body’s reflexes can only deal with a certain level of precision type of work when it comes to engraving and etching, but with the advent of computer driven equipment this precision work can be done far more precisely and (most importantly) uniformly; something that is very important when you are considering those things that need to be made the same time after time after time.  This is where CNC machines come in very handy indeed.

Computer Numerically Controlled equipment (better known as CNC equipment) is precision machinery that makes different kinds of machine parts such as those used for automobiles or airplanes by using three dimensional computer aided design outlines.

These design outlines are created by CNC programmers who use the computer aided designs to determine just which steps will be needed in order to make the part most effectively and efficiently.  Once the steps have been determined the programmer programs the CNC machine with the directions which are then used to run the program; creating identically crafted machine parts that cannot be differentiated from each other.

While it is the programmer that designs and programs the computer, it is the computer itself that enacts the precision work; guiding the machinery to make the machine parts to exacting specifications.  These parts can then be used interchangeably in the same machines.  This is a very cost effective way to produce machine parts and enables companies to save money when they create machines for they are able to make many parts (all of them interchangeable) without having to resort to making parts specific to each machine.

While CNC equipment has been around since the 1970’s the improvement of the computer programs over the last decade have improved this particular area so that it is hardly recognizable from the computer designs of years gone by.  Today’s programs are user friendly and can do just about anything that a person can think up including precision work and details that would not have been possible with older and bulkier equipment.

There are a number of things necessary in order for you to become a CNC Programmer.  These include things like having a knowledge of not only computers but machining as well and, believe it or not, it is also necessary to be fairly in shape physically.  While most programmers learn their trade on the job, you can cut out months, even years of on the job training by taking actually classes towards learning how to do the job of a CNC programmer.  So, how do you become a programmer?

The first thing to do is to understand the job.  It doesn’t help to take training towards becoming a programmer if, when you have completed it, you find that you really don’t enjoy the job at all.  This means that you need to do research into just what it is that a programmer does and what they are responsible for.

The second order of business is to be able to determine just what the educational requirements for becoming a programmer are.  This includes knowing what courses you should take in high school so that you can enter directly into training program.  These programs can sometimes take years to complete, especially if you are planning on becoming a setup programmer or operator.

Once you have determined the length of education that you are going to need as well as what programs are available, then you need to actually go out and get the education necessary for the job, but even once you have completed the schooling you are not finished, for then you have to complete an apprenticeship (on the job training) that will ensure that you can work under pressure.  Then, and only then, can you get your certification from The National Institute of Metalworking Skills as a CNC programmer.

Earning certification will of course ensure that you can get a better job (and faster) than you would otherwise.  It also proves to those you are working for that you are serious about the job, something that always looks good on your resume and job training record, so look into CNC Programmer training today and watch your career take flight!