manufacturing processes
The steps required through which a material is transformed into a product, its development and full-scale manufacturing.
Computer numerical control machine operators set-up, maintain and control a computer numerical control machine in order to execute the product orders. They are responsible for programming the machines, ensuring the required parameters and measurements are met while maintaining the quality and safety standards.
Competences and skills
158 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 3 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Cross-sector
3 competencesquality standards
The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.
statistical process control
Method of quality control that uses statistics to monitor processes.
Essential skills and competences 16 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
1 competenceuse automatic programming
Utilise specialised software tools to generate computer code from specifications, such as diagrams, structured informations or other means of describing functionality.
digital
- Scope note
- Includes visual programming.
Cross-sector
15 competencesconsult technical resources
Read and interpret technical resources such as digital or paper drawings and adjustment data in order to properly set up a machine or working tool, or to assemble mechanical equipment.
ensure equipment availability
Ensure that the necessary equipment is provided, ready and available for use before start of procedures.
monitor automated machines
Continuously check up on the automated machine's set-up and execution or make regular control rounds. If necessary, record and interpret data on the operating conditions of installations and equipment in order to identify abnormalities.
digital
operate precision measuring equipment
Measure the size of a processed part when checking and marking it to check if it is up to standard by use of two and three dimensional precision measuring equipment such as a caliper, a micrometer, and a measuring gauge.
perform machine maintenance
Perform regular maintenance, possibly including corrections and alterations, on a machine or machine tool to ensure it remains in a proper productive state.
perform test run
Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, and adjust settings accordingly.
program a CNC controller
Set up the desired product design in the CNC controller of the CNC machine for product manufacturing.
digital
read standard blueprints
Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.
remove inadequate workpieces
Evaluate which deficient processed workpieces do not meet the set-up standard and should be removed and sort the waste according to regulations.
remove processed workpiece
Remove individual workpieces after processing, from the manufacturing machine or the machine tool. In case of a conveyor belt this involves quick, continuous movement.
set up the controller of a machine
Set up and give commands to a machine by dispatching the appropriate data and input into the (computer) controller corresponding with the desired processed product.
digital
supply machine
Ensure the machine is fed the necessary and adequate materials and control the placement or automatic feed and retrieval of work pieces in the machines or machine tools on the production line.
supply machine with appropriate tools
Supply the machine with the necessary tools and items for a particular production purpose. Monitor the stock and replenish when needed.
troubleshoot
Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
use CAM software
Use computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programmes to control machinery and machine tools in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation as part of the manufacturing processes of workpieces.
digital
Optional knowledge 90 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
67 competences3D printing process
The process of reproducing 3D objects by using 3D printing technologies.
digital
ABAP
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in ABAP.
digital
AJAX
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in AJAX.
digital
APL
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in APL.
digital
ASP.NET
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in ASP.NET.
digital
Assembly (computer programming)
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Assembly.
digital
C#
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in C#.
digital
C++
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in C++.
digital
COBOL
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in COBOL.
digital
CoffeeScript
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in CoffeeScript.
digital
Common Lisp
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Common Lisp.
digital
electron beam welding machine parts
The various parts of a metalworking machine designed to join metal pieces together using electron beams, such as the vacuum chamber, primary anode, cathode or electron gun, focusing coil, deflection coil, prism, telescope, and others.
electron beam welding processes
The various processes of welding using electron beams, such as electron beam focusing, beam defelection, penetration, and others.
Erlang
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Erlang.
digital
ferrous metal processing
Various processing methods on iron and iron-containing alloys such as steel, stainless steel and pig iron.
Groovy
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Groovy.
digital
Haskell
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Haskell.
digital
Java (computer programming)
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Java.
digital
JavaScript
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in JavaScript.
digital
Lisp
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Lisp.
digital
maintenance of printing machines
Upkeep procedures and technical working of machines that produce printed graphical material.
manufacture of small metal parts
The manufacture of metal cable, plaited bands and other articles of that type, uninsulated or insulated cable not capable of being used as a conductor of electricity, coated or cored wire as well as barbed wire, wire fencing, grill, netting, cloth etc. Manufacture of coated electrodes for electric arc-welding, nails and pins, chain and springs (except watch springs), as well as leaves for springs.
manufacturing of cutlery
The manufacture of different cutlery items, such as forks, spoons, knives, razors or scissors.
manufacturing of daily use goods
The manufacturing of items used in the daily life, personal use or daily practice. These products include protective safety equipment, drawing equipment, stamps, umbrellas, cigarette lighters, baskets, candles, and many other miscellaneous articles.
manufacturing of door furniture from metal
The manufacture of metal items that can be attached to a door in order to support its function and appearance. The manufacture of padlocks, locks, keys, hinges and the like, and hardware for buildings, furniture, vehicles etc.
manufacturing of doors from metal
The manufacture of metal doors, windows and their frames, shutters and gates, and the metal room partitions for floor attachment.
manufacturing of heating equipment
The manufacture of electrical ovens and water heaters by metalworking processes.
manufacturing of jewellery
The manufacturing of different type of jewellery such as rings or necklaces out of various metal types such as silver, gold, diamond and other precious stones.
manufacturing of light metal packaging
The manufacture of tins and cans for food products, collapsible tubes and boxes, and of metallic closures.
manufacturing of metal assembly products
The manufacture of rivets, washers and similar non-threaded products, screw machine products, screws, nuts and similar threaded products.
manufacturing of metal containers
The manufacture of reservoirs, tanks and similar containers of metal, of types normally installed as fixtures for storage or manufacturing use. The manufacture of metal containers for compressed or liquefied gas.
manufacturing of metal household articles
The manufacture of flatware , hollowware , dinnerware and other non-electrical utensils for use at the table or in the kitchen.
manufacturing of metal structures
The production of metal structures for construction.
manufacturing of sports equipment
The manufacture of products and equipment used for both outdoor and indoor sports activities, such as balls, rackets, ski's, surfboards, fishing, hunting, skating or fitness centre equipment.
manufacturing of steam generators
The manufacture of steam or other vapour generators, the manufacture of auxiliary plant for use with steam generators: condensers, economisers, superheaters, steam collectors and accumulators. The manufacture of nuclear reactors, parts for marine or power boilers. Also the production of pipe system construction comprising further processing of tubes generally to make pressure pipes or pipe systems together with the associated design and construction work.
manufacturing of steel drums and similar containers
The manufacture of pails, cans, drums, buckets, boxes, through metalworking processes.
manufacturing of tools
The manufacture of knives and cutting blades for machines or for mechanical appliances, hand tools such as pliers, screwdrivers etc. The manufacture of non-power-driven agricultural hand tools, saws and saw blades, including circular saw blades and chainsaw blades. The manufacture of interchangeable tools for hand tools, whether or not power-operated, or for machine tools: drills, punches, milling cutters etc. The manufacture of press tools, moulding boxes and moulds (except ingot moulds), vices and clamps, and blacksmiths’ tools: forges, anvils etc.
manufacturing of weapons and ammunition
The manufacture of heavy weapons (artillery, mobile guns, rocket launchers, torpedo tubes, heavy machine guns), small arms (revolvers, shotguns, light machine guns), air or gas guns and pistols, and war ammunition. Also the manufacture of hunting, sporting or protective firearms and ammunition and of explosive devices such as bombs, mines and torpedoes.
MATLAB
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in MATLAB.
digital
Microsoft Visual C++
The computer program Visual C++ is a suite of software development tools for writing programs, such as compiler, debugger, code editor, code highlights, packaged in a unified user interface. It is developed by the software company Microsoft.
digital
milling machines
Milling and mills and their operation in theory and practice.
ML (computer programming)
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in ML.
digital
non-ferrous metal processing
Various processing methods on non-ferrous metals and alloys such as copper, zinc and aluminium.
- Scope note
- Excludes precious metals.
Objective-C
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Objective-C.
digital
OpenEdge Advanced Business Language
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in OpenEdge Advanced Business Language.
digital
Pascal (computer programming)
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Pascal.
digital
Perl
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Perl.
digital
PHP
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in PHP.
digital
precious metal processing
Various processing methods on precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum.
printing materials
The materials, such as paper, film, metal foils, and glass, on which texts or designs can be transferred by applying ink through direct pressure or with intermediate rollers.
printing on large scale machines
Methods, processes, and restrictions related to printing on machines that produce large quantities and sizes of graphic print materials.
digital
Prolog (computer programming)
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Prolog.
digital
Python (computer programming)
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Python.
digital
R
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in R.
digital
Ruby (computer programming)
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Ruby.
digital
SAP R3
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in SAP R3.
digital
SAS language
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in SAS language.
digital
Scala
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Scala.
digital
Scratch (computer programming)
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Scratch.
digital
Smalltalk (computer programming)
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Smalltalk.
digital
Swift (computer programming)
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Swift.
digital
trigonometry
The subdiscipline of mathematics which explores relationships among angles and lengths of triangles.
types of metal manufacturing processes
Metal processes linked to the different types of metal, such as casting processes, heat treatment processes, repair processes and other metal manufacturing processes.
types of plastic
Types of plastic materials and their chemical composition, physical properties, possible issues and usage cases.
TypeScript
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in TypeScript.
digital
VBScript
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in VBScript.
digital
Visual Basic
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms in Visual Basic.
digital
Cross-sector
23 competencesabrasive blasting processes
The various processes, methods and materials used in abrasive blasting technologies, such as wet abrasive blasting, wheel blasting, hydro-blasting, sand blasting, and others.
computer programming
The techniques and principles of software development, such as analysis, algorithms, coding, testing and compiling of programming paradigms (e.g. object oriented programming, functional programming) and of programming languages.
digCompdigital
cutting technologies
The variety of cutting technologies, such as software or mechanics, guiding cutting processes through lasering, sawing, milling etc.
digital
electric current
Flow of electric charge, carried by electrons or ions in a medium such as an electrolyte or a plasma.
electrical discharge
The qualities and applications of electrical discharge, including voltage and electrodes.
electrical engineering
The field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
electricity
The principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.
engraving technologies
The characteristics of various materials and methods used to engrave something on a surface.
geometry
Branch of mathematics related to questions of shape, size, relative position of figures and the properties of space.
laser engraving methods
The various engraving methods emplying lasers to make incisions, such as the X-Y table method, the cylindrical workpiece method, the galvo mirrors method, and others.
laser marking processes
The various engraving processes employing lasers to make incisions, such as raster engraving, vector engraving, and others.
laser types
The various types of lasers, their specific qualities and their applications, such as for cutting, engraving, welding, and others.
maintenance operations
The preservation and restoration of products and systems, and the methods and logistics of these practices.
mechanics
Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.
metal joining technologies
The various technologies used for the joining and assembling of fabricated metal workpieces.
metal smoothing technologies
The various technologies used for the smoothening, polishing and buffing of fabricated metal workpieces.
printing techniques
The techniques and processes to reproduce text and images using a master form or template such as letterpress printing, gravure, and laser printing.
quality and cycle time optimisation
The most optimal rotation or cycle time and over-all quality of a tool or a machine's processes.
types of engraving needles
Various types of needles used for engraving, their qualities and their applications.
types of metal
Qualities, specifications, applications and reactions to different fabricating processes of various types of metal, such as steel, aluminium, brass, copper and others.
types of sawing blades
Types of cutting blades used in the sawing process, such as band saw blades, crosscut blades, plytooth blades and others, made from tool steel, carbide, diamond or other materials.
water pressure
Physical laws, qualities and applications of liquid or water pressure.
welding techniques
The different methods of welding together pieces of metal using various equipment, such as oxygen-acetylene welding, gas metal arc welding and tungsten inert gas welding.
Optional skills and competences 49 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
8 competencesmaintain mechanical equipment
Observe and listen to machinery operation to detect malfunction. Service, repair, adjust, and test machines, parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical principles. Maintain and repair vehicles meant for cargo, passengers, farming and landscaping.
monitor stock level
Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
operate 3D computer graphics software
Use graphical ICT tools, such as Autodesk Maya, Blender which enable digital editing, modelling, rendering and composition of graphics. These tools are based in mathematical representation of three-dimensional objects.
digital
operate printing machinery
Operate machinery for various types of printed documents, adjusting the font, paper size, and weight. This allows ascenders and descenders to be correctly placed.
smooth burred surfaces
Inspect and smooth burred surfaces of steel and metal parts.
tend electron beam welding machine
Tend a metalworking machine designed to join metal pieces by use of an electron beam exuding a concentrated heat source, monitor and operate it according to regulations.
tend laser beam welding machine
Tend a metalworking machine designed to join metal pieces by use of a laser beam exuding a concentrated heat source, monitor and operate it according to regulations.
tend water jet cutter machine
Tend a jet cutter machine, operating and monitoring the machine, according to regulations.
Cross-sector
41 competencesadjust temperature gauges
Operate temperature gauges to maintain food and drink items at appropriate temperatures.
advise on machinery malfunctions
Offer advice to service technicians in case of machinery malfunctions and other technical repair tasks.
apply control process statistical methods
Apply statistical methods from Design of Experiments (DOE) and Statistical Process Control (SPC) in order to control manufacturing processes.
digital
apply cross-reference tools for product identification
Employ cross-reference tools and programmes, listing file names and line numbers, to identify part numbers, descriptions, and the vendor as source of origin.
apply isopropyl alcohol
Use isopropyl alcohol in order to improve the morphology and therefore the surface quality of the engraved material in a moderate and safe manner.
apply precision metalworking techniques
Comply with precision standards specific to an organisation or product in metalworking, involved in processes such as engraving, precise cutting, welding.
apply preliminary treatment to workpieces
Apply preparatory treatment, through mechanical or chemical processes, to the workpiece preceding the main operation.
determine suitability of materials
While designing products, determine if materials are suitable and available for production.
dispose of cutting waste material
Dispose of possibly hazardous waste material created in the cutting process, such as swarf, scrap and slugs, sort according to regulations, and clean up workplace.
ensure correct gas pressure
Ensure the necessary, usually constant, pressure of gas which is part of a machine or tool, such as torching equipment, used to process metal workpieces during metal fabrication processes.
ensure correct metal temperature
Ensure the necessary, usually constant, temperature of processed metal workpieces during metal fabrication processes.
ensure necessary ventilation in machining
Turn on the ventilation systems, such as a vacuum pump or blower, of a manufacturing machine in order to remove noxious fumes, smoke, dust, or for other removal of debris from the surface of the workpiece.
inspect quality of products
Use various techniques to ensure the product quality is respecting the quality standards and specifications. Oversee defects, packaging and sendbacks of products to different production departments.
interpret geometric dimensions and tolerances
Understand and assess the models and symbolic language of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) systems indicating engineering tolerances.
keep records of work progress
Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
liaise with managers
Liaise with managers of other departments ensuring effective service and communication, i.e. sales, planning, purchasing, trading, distribution and technical.
maintain vacuum chamber
Maintain the chamber or tank used in production processes to manufacture a workpiece in vacuum by preconditioning it, cleaning it, performing gas purging, changing the door seals, changing the filters, and others.
mark processed workpiece
Inspect and mark parts of the workpiece to indicate how they will fit into the finished product.
monitor conveyor belt
Monitor the flow of the work pieces on the conveyor belt as they are processed by the machine to ensure optimal productivity.
monitor gauge
Oversee the data presented by a gauge concerning the measurement of pressure, temperature, thickness of a material, and others.
operate metal sheet shaker
Operate shaker by opening up an air valve allowing for slugs, the parts of the workpiece punched out, to fall into the shaker and be mixed and shaken before they're either recycled and reused or discarded, depending on the material.
operate scrap vibratory feeder
Operate a vibratory feeder which gradually feeds scrap or other waste material into a bin.
operate welding equipment
Use welding equipment to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel, wearing protective eyewear during the working process.
perform product testing
Test processed workpieces or products for basic faults.
prepare pieces for joining
Prepare metal or other material workpieces for joining processes by cleaning the workpieces, checking their measurements with the technical plan and marking on the pieces where they'll be joined.
procure mechanical machinery
Procure adequate machinery. Research the market to find the best machinery, staying within budget limits, and negotiate the purchase. Maintain records.
record production data for quality control
Keep records of the machine's faults, interventions and irregularities for quality control.
replace machines
Evaluate when to invest in replacing machines or machine tools and take the necessary actions.
replace sawing blade on machine
Replace the old blade of a sawing machine with a new one by removing the chip brush, taking away the front blade guide, loosening the blade tension and removing the blade. Assemble and install new blade by replacing the front blade guide, installing the chip brush, replacing the blade cover and adjusting blade tension.
spot metal imperfections
Observe and identify various kinds of imperfections in metal workpieces or finished products. Recognise the best fitted manner of fixing the problem, which could be caused by corrosion, rust, fractures, leaks, and other signs of wear.
tend CNC engraving machine
Monitor and operate a computer numerical controlled (CNC) engraving machine according to regulations.
digital
tend CNC grinding machine
Tend a computer numerical controlled (CNC) grinding machine designed for manufacturing processes on metal, wooden, plastic materials and others, monitor and operate it, according to regulations.
digital
tend CNC laser cutting machine
Monitor and operate a computer numerical controlled (CNC) laser cutting machine according to regulations.
digital
tend CNC milling machine
Tend a computer numerical controlled (CNC) milling machine designed for cutting manufacturing processes on metal, wooden, plastic materials and others, monitor and operate it, according to regulations.
digital
tend computer numerical control lathe machine
Tend a computer numerical controlled (CNC) lathe and turn machine designed for cutting manufacturing processes on metal, wooden, plastic materials and others, monitor and operate it, according to regulations.
digital
tend metal sawing machine
Tend sawing machine designed for metal cutting processes, monitor and operate it, according to regulations.
tend punch press
Tend a punch press, monitor and operate it, according to regulations.
use CAD software
Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.
digital
use spreadsheets software
Use software tools to create and edit tabular data to carry out mathematical calculations, organise data and information, create diagrams based on data and to retrieve them.
digital
wear appropriate protective gear
Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.
work ergonomically
Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.