what is a CNC turner?
As a CNC turner, you control the turning lathe machine to ensure the precision cutting of parts into cylindrical shapes. The turning operation relies on CNC machines to control the rotation speed as excess material is removed from the workpiece. The turning operation distinguishes the role from milling or drilling, where the tools rotate while the workpiece is stationary.
While CNC turners use computer numerical control, it is important to be familiar with the various types of turning lathes like manual, semi-automatic and automatic lathes. In the manual and semi-automatic turning lathes, position and guide the cutting tool for precision cutting. The automatic lathe only requires the initial setup. However, the CNC turning machines automatically execute instructions from your select programmes.
Your specific tasks as a CNC turner vary based on the degree of automation and the machine. However, all turners achieve the desired objective of cutting a workpiece to the desired shape and dimensions. You require expertise in reading technical drawings before beginning the cutting process. After cutting operations, you perform quality control checks using measuring equipment to ensure the metal piece meets relevant tolerance specifications.
Would working in manufacturing as a CNC turner suit your attentiveness to details? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a CNC turner role.
CNC turner jobsaverage CNC turner salary
According to ONS, a CNC turner earns an average salary of £28,039 per year or hourly rates of £14.38. Entry-level positions usually attract a lower salary of £25,747 annually due to the minimal experience and academic qualifications required. The most experienced CNC turners earn a compensation package of over £34,117 per year.
While benefits aren't part of the standard employment contract, some employers provide medical and life insurance allowances. Working overtime hours or additional shifts also attracts overtime pay at a higher rate. Some companies have annual bonuses instead of overtime pay.
how to boost your CNC turner salary
The salary of a CNC turner depends on the industry, scope of the role and academic qualifications. Most CNC turners work in metalwork industries, while others work in plastics and stone industries. The complexity of the role affects the salary prospects. For instance, a CNC turner working in plastics has minimal responsibilities compared to those working in producing handcrafted products and art pieces. Since producing handcrafted art pieces is complex, the compensation package is higher.
Qualified CNC turners also negotiate higher salaries due to the skills and expertise they bring to the table. Combing your qualifications with experience increases your salary further. Your skills also improve your salary prospects.
types of CNC turners
Some of the types of CNC turners include:
- junior CNC turners: as a junior CNC turner, you check the technical drawings and ensure the cutting tools are used in machining operations. You should be familiar with the turning operations, including face turning, taper turning, and cylinder turning.
- CNC turners' setup operator: as a setup operator, you configure the CNC turners and ensure the cutting tools meet the specifications. As a setup operator, you should understand the properties of the workpieces to ensure you configure the machines for precise and accurate turning.
working as a CNC turner
Working as a CNC turner requires familiarity with various precision tools and mechanical skills. Take a look at the duties, work environments and work schedules of CNC turners before joining the field.
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CNC turner job description
Some of the duties and tasks of a CNC turner include:
- selecting cutting tools for machining operations: as a CNC turner, you determine the cutting tools used in the operations. If the workpiece requires conventional lathes, you determine whether to use semi-automatic or automatic lathes. If the workpiece requires precision cutting into cylindrical shapes, choose the best CNC machines to use for the operations.
- mounting or dismounting workpieces: as a CNC turner, you should be familiar with parts of the turners and lathes. Before cutting, you assemble the machines and test to ensure the parts function properly. You also mount the workpieces on the lathe and ensure the turning process goes smoothly and produces desired cylindrical shapes. Since the workpieces turn inside the cutting tool, it is important to ensure they are properly mounted. After the cutting process, you dismount the workpieces.
- performing roughing and finishing operations: after dismounting the workpieces, it is important to ensure the surfaces are smooth. You should perform the roughing and finishing operations to ensure the measurements match those in the technical drawings. Paying attention to the technical drawings ensures the standards are maintained.
- cleaning the turning lathe and work areas: as a CNC turner, you maintain the tools. You also check the turning lathes to ensure they function properly and lubricate the moving parts. If the turning lathes require repairs, you ensure that the repairs are complete before the work begins. Sometimes, you clean the lathes and the work area to remove the swarfs and chips.
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work environment
A CNC turner works in industrial companies like metalworking facilities and production organisations. CNC turners in manufacturing companies work in a noisy environment due to turning and machining operations. While most production and metalworking plants are indoors, sometimes you work outdoors when cutting the workpieces on site. You should wear protective equipment at production sites to protect your ears and hands. Most employers provide gloves, earmuffs, overalls and gumboots to ensure the safety of employees. The role involves minimal travelling since you perform all duties on the production floors.
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who are your colleagues?
As a CNC turner, your colleagues might include CNC operators, CNC machinists and fitters, depending on the industry you work for. You also work in close proximity to millers, as well as other specialists like production managers, production operatives, factory managers and supervisors.
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work schedule
As a CNC turner, you work an average of 42 to 44 hours weekly. Most employers provide shift schedules of eight to twelve hours for CNC turners working full-time. Part-time job opportunities are also available, or you can work on short-term contracts. CNC turners should be on-site to provide their services. Hence, remote and working-from-home opportunities are not available.
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job outlook
A CNC turner begins their career as a junior turner working under the supervision of senior-level turners. You scale in your career as you gain skills and experience to work productively without supervision. Subsequent career advancement of CNC turners includes becoming a lathe machinist. You can also progress to shift supervisor or department supervisor role. Some CNC turners progress to become production managers. Aside from progressing in a turner role, you can take alternative career paths to learn new machining techniques like milling or operating manual lathes.
Some CNC turners advance their education to become electromechanical maintenance experts or maintenance technicians for mills, turning lathes and other machine tools. This career route eventually leads to maintenance manager roles.
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advantages of finding a CNC turner job through randstad
Finding your CNC turner job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a CNC turner is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Some of the routes of becoming a CNC turner include:
- college course: as a CNC turner, you should complete a college course to learn practical engineering skills. Some of the courses preferred by employers include Level 1 Certificate in performing engineering operations, Level 1 Certificate in engineering and manufacturing and Level 2 Certificate in mechanical engineering. The entry requirements for Level 1 courses are 2 GCSEs in grades 3 to 1, while Level 2 courses require two or more GCSEs in grades 9 to 3.
- apprenticeship: you can become a CNC turner through apprenticeship programmes like intermediate apprenticeships for engineering operatives. You become a junior CNC turner when you complete the apprenticeship and learn under a senior-level turner.
CNC turner skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of a CNC turner include:
- manual skills: as a CNC turner, it is important to be physically fit with manual skills like the ability to operate various conventional and machine tools. Sometimes, you operate manual or semi-automatic CNC turners that requires physical skills. Manual skills also help you lift heavy metal pieces and mount them on the lathes.
- attention to detail: as a CNC turner, you ensure workpieces are cut to precise shapes. Turning operations are also methodical, and attentiveness to details helps you keep track of the work processes. Paying attention to details helps ensure the turning operations are done according to the technical specifications, and the shapes produced match those from the drawings.
- flexibility: as a CNC turner, your job requires flexibility and willingness to work diverse shifts. Sometimes, you work early morning shifts due to the demand for the workpieces or late-night shifts to keep the production going.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a CNC turner
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what is a CNC turning machine?
A CNC turning machine rotates a piece of metal or material to allow cutting and removal of excess materials until the product takes up the desired shape. The lathe machines have a bar that removes excess materials until the measurements are attained. Instead of the cutting tool moving, the workpiece rotates along multiple axes.
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what is the difference between CNC turning and CNC milling?
A CNC milling machine uses a rotating tool to cut metal pieces and achieve the desired size. However, a CNC turner turns the metal or workpiece on multiple axes to allow the removal of excess materials. Both achieve precision cutting despite the different methods.
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what are the skills of a CNC turner?
A CNC turner requires manual skills to handle the machines and work materials. Manual skills are important in mounting the metal pieces onto the lathes. Detail-oriented skills are useful for ensuring precision cutting.
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what does a turner do?
A turner operates lathes and cutting machines that cut metal pieces or plastics into cylindrical shapes. The role involves monitoring the operations of the machine and performing maintenance tasks.
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how do you become a CNC turner?
You become a CNC turner through college courses or apprenticeship programmes. Sometimes, you need work experience to land a role as a CNC turner.
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how do I apply for a CNC turner vacancy?
Applying for a CNC turner job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
