How to Be Machine Tool Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 3, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The job of a Machine Tool Technician is to maintain and repair a wide range of machines and tools used in industrial manufacturing. This work requires significant technical knowledge and skills in mechanics and electrical engineering. The technician is responsible for troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic problems, as well as providing preventive maintenance.

As a result of their work, production operations can remain on-schedule, and businesses can save money on costly repairs and replacements. Without the expertise of a Machine Tool Technician, many manufacturing businesses would be unable to run efficiently, affecting their ability to produce quality products.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. In order to become a machine tool technician, individuals must first earn a high school diploma or GED.
Complete an Apprenticeship. Completion of a machine tool technician apprenticeship is the primary path to becoming a machine tool technician. These programs usually involve a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training.
Earn Certification. Certification is not required, but it can help machine tool technicians stand out from their peers. The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) offers certification in the areas of machining and grinding.
Pursue Continuing Education. Voluntary continuing education is important for machine tool technicians to stay abreast of new technologies and techniques in the field.
Join Professional Organizations. Professional organizations provide additional learning opportunities and can help machine tool technicians network with colleagues in the industry.

Becoming an ideal and qualified Machine Tool Technician requires a combination of education, experience, and technical training. Education includes a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by post-secondary training in either a certificate or associates degree program. Experience can include internships, apprenticeships, or hands-on training in the field.

Technical training must be up-to-date and include knowledge of CNC machining, blueprint reading, and computer-aided design. Once this foundation is established, the technician must be able to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain a variety of machine tools, as well as use proper safety measures to ensure the safety of themselves and others. With the right combination of education, experience, and technical training, a Machine Tool Technician can be highly valued and excel in their chosen field.

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Job Description

Perform routine maintenance and repair on machine tools.
Diagnose problems and troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues.
Install, adjust, and calibrate machine tools according to manufacturer specifications.
Operate a variety of machine tools, including lathes, milling machines, and grinders.
Use micrometers, calipers, and other precision measuring instruments to inspect parts.
Work with blueprints, technical drawings, and sketches to understand the required specifications of each job.
Fabricate parts and components for machine tools as needed.
Utilize computer numerical control (CNC) programming to control machine operations.
Train other technicians and operators in proper machine tool usage and safety procedures.
Monitor performance of machine tools to ensure optimal production output.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of machine tool principles and operation.
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose machine tool issues.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and blueprints.
Proven ability to use precision measuring tools and instruments.
Proficiency in using hand tools and other power tools.
Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
Ability to lift heavy objects and work in awkward positions.
Demonstrated knowledge of safety regulations and protocols.

Being a machine tool technician requires a wide range of technical skills, but the most important skill to have is an understanding of the principles of machine tool operation. This knowledge allows the technician to troubleshoot and diagnose issues quickly and accurately, and it is essential for the safe and efficient operation of the machine. Without this fundamental understanding, any repairs or maintenance performed by the technician would be significantly hindered.

a machine tool technician should have experience in the use of various hand tools and other specialized equipment, as well as a strong grasp of industrial safety protocols. By having these skills, a machine tool technician can ensure that their work is accurate and efficient, and that their workplace is safe for them and their colleagues.

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Frequent Interview Questions

How much experience do you have in operating machine tools?
Describe a challenging project you have completed using a machine tool.
What safety precautions do you take when using a machine tool?
How do you ensure accuracy when using a machine tool?
How well do you understand blueprints and machining instructions?
How do you stay current with new developments in machine tool technology?
What troubleshooting techniques do you use when dealing with machine tool issues?
Describe a time when you had to make adjustments to a machine tool to improve performance.
What techniques do you use for measuring and checking parts being machined?
How do you prioritize tasks and manage time effectively when working with multiple machine tools?

Common Tools in Industry

Lathe. A machine tool that rotates a workpiece on its axis to perform various operations such as cutting, sanding, and drilling (eg: metal lathe).
Milling Machine. A machine tool that uses a rotating cutter to shape or cut a workpiece (eg: vertical mill).
Drill Press. A machine tool used to drill holes in materials such as metal, wood, and plastic (eg: radial arm drill press).
Grinder. A machine tool used to shape or finish a workpiece using an abrasive wheel (eg: belt grinder).
Saw. A machine tool used to cut wood, metal, or other materials (eg: circular saw).
Boring Machine. A machine tool used to enlarge existing holes in materials such as wood or metal (eg: jig borer).
Planer. A machine tool used to produce flat surfaces on a workpiece (eg: surface planer).
Shaper. A machine tool used to cut metal, wood, or other materials into specific shapes (eg: slotter).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)
National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA)
Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT)
American Machine Tool Distributors' Association (AMTDA)
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
International Society of Automation (ISA)
International Machine Tool and Manufacturing Technology Association (IMTMA)
American Society for Precision Engineering (ASPE)
Japan Society for Precision Engineering (JSPE)
National Tooling and Machining Association Europe (NTMA-E)

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Common Important Terms

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) A type of technology that uses computers to control a variety of machine tools, such as lathes, mills, routers, and grinders.
Machine Tool Any machine used to shape, cut, or finish a material, such as metal or wood.
Lathe A machine tool used to shape a piece of material by rotating it against a cutting tool.
Milling A machining process that uses a rotary cutting tool to remove material from a workpiece.
Drilling A machining process that uses a rotating drill bit to cut or form a hole in a material.
Grinding A machining process that uses an abrasive wheel to shape or finish a workpiece.
CAD (Computer-Aided Design) A type of software used to create and edit designs for products and structures.
CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) A type of software used to control manufacturing processes such as milling and drilling.
Tool & Die Making The design and production of tools and dies used in manufacturing processes.
Quality Control The process of ensuring that products and services meet certain standards of quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Machine Tool Technician?

A Machine Tool Technician is a skilled worker who operates and maintains machinery used to fabricate, shape, and assemble metal parts.

What education or qualifications are required?

A Machine Tool Technician typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent and may need to complete a postsecondary certificate or associate's degree program in machine tool technology.

What kind of tasks does a Machine Tool Technician perform?

A Machine Tool Technician may be responsible for operating lathes, milling machines, drill presses, and other machines to fabricate and shape metal parts; setting up and adjusting production machines; testing parts for accuracy; reading blueprints and schematics; troubleshooting and repairing machines; and performing routine maintenance on equipment.

What skills are important for a Machine Tool Technician?

Key skills for a Machine Tool Technician include manual dexterity, problem-solving, attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and knowledge of mathematics and computer-aided design (CAD) software.