General-purpose metalworking machine operator
はんようきんぞくこうさくきかいこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Technician who manually operates machine tools such as general-purpose lathes and milling machines to machine metal parts, ensuring dimensional accuracy and surface quality.
Description
General-purpose metalworking machine operators use machine tools such as general-purpose lathes, milling machines, and drill presses to machine parts from metal stock materials. Based on the dimensions and shapes in product drawings, they select cutting tools, secure tools and workpieces, adjust cutting speeds and feeds, and achieve the specified dimensional accuracy and surface roughness. After machining, they measure using calipers or micrometers, perform deburring, and hand finishing. Depending on production lots and product types, they perform tool setup changes and tool replacements, requiring accurate and efficient operations.
Future Outlook
As domestic manufacturing advances in automation, demand for NC machining expands, while for small-lot multi-variety production, inheritance of general-purpose machine skills remains important, with labor shortages and skill succession as challenges.
Personality Traits
Dexterous hands and good at fine work / High concentration / Meticulous
Work Style
Career Path
General machine operator → Machining center operator → Machining technician → Manufacturing line leader → Production engineering engineer
Required Skills
General-purpose lathe operation / General-purpose milling machine operation / Hand finishing (deburring) / Use of measuring tools
Recommended Skills
Basic CAD/CAM knowledge / Machine tool maintenance / Machining center operation
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Attention to detail is required to not miss minute dimensional deviations. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | High physical stamina is required to handle heavy materials and tools for extended periods. |
Related Qualifications
- Crane Operator (Type 3)
- Forklift Operation Skills Training
- National Skills Test: Machining (General) Technician (Grade 3・2)
Aliases
- General lathe operator
- Metalworking machine operator
- Milling machine operator
Related Jobs
- Machining center operator
- Machining technician
- Metal cutting worker
- NC lathe operator