What Does a CNC Lathe Operator Do?
A computer numerical control (CNC) lathe operator is responsible for the operation and maintenance of CNC lathes. The lathe is a very important component of nearly all manufacturing facilities, because it allows for raw materials — such as metal, wood and plastic — to be shaped and turned with extreme precision. A lathe works by rotating a piece of raw material at high speeds while a sharp cutting tool shapes and cuts it down to a desired shape or size. Over the decades, lathes mostly have been manually operated, with the workpiece turned through belt drives. Most modern lathes are controlled with a computer, but some work is still required to be carried out by a CNC lathe operator.
