Stecker Machine Blog

We’ve raved for years about the capabilities of CNC (computer numerical control) machines. And with good reason!

CNC machined parts repeatedly meet exact specifications and achieve extremely tight tolerances in large quantities. Transforming materials into finished, usable parts is valued throughout numerous industries across the world. Exactly how that happens may seem like a mystery, so this article is dedicated to sharing 4 types of CNC machines: how they operate, what materials they handle, examples of each, and more.

Precision machining, particularly CNC (computer numerical control) machining, is vitally important in today’s economy, specifically for industries needing parts with unparalleled accuracy and complexity.

YOU likely can be a CNC machine operator.

We say that with confidence because of our decades of experience within the precision machining industry. That doesn’t mean it’s easy. It means excelling as a CNC machine operator doesn’t require extraordinary strength, a superior IQ, a college degree, or decades of experience. If you possess any of those, more power to you — they certainly help — but, you don’t need them.

Still with us? Good! Consider this article to be a checklist of the best practices and skills that you should have in order to begin and enjoy a long, fulfilling career as a CNC machine operator.

Pre-programmed computer software dictates the movements of a milling machine, lathe, robot, or other types of machines. Precision can be incredible — cutting to 0.001” or about 1/4 the width of a human hair — and their repeatability makes CNC machining so efficient.

That complexity may intimidate someone unfamiliar with CNC machine operations, but it shouldn’t. Expert CNC machine training can quickly get a new operator up to speed, producing precise and valuable machined parts and components.