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ESCO occupation

metalworking lathe operator

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Metalworking lathe operators set up and tend a metalworking lathe manually, which is responsible for cutting metal to its desired size and shape by usage of a gear train or a swapping gear that propels the main lead-screw at a variable speed ratio, thus rotating the metal workpiece on its axis, facilitating the cutting process. They check the lathe equipment for wear and handle the metal workpieces as they have been cut by the lathe.

7223.4.4.1 ISCO 7223 ESCO source
Competences
45
Groups
4
Essential
19
Optional
26

Competences and skills

45 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 4 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Cross-sector

4 competences
lathe machine parts

The different parts of a lathe machine and their applications, such as the compound, the bed, the sadle, the cross slide, the cutting tool, the lathe dog and more.

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quality and cycle time optimisation

The most optimal rotation or cycle time and over-all quality of a tool or a machine's processes.

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types of lathe tools

Types of tools used for the lathe machining process such as high-speed steel tools, carbide-tipped tools and carbide insert tools.

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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.

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Essential skills and competences 15 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
set up lathe compound

Set up the compound of a lathe by tying it in place to a steady position and feed the work material to the compound by hand. Use both hands while turning the lever, setting up the compound, to maintain constant speed for an optimal smooth cutting process.

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Sector-specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Cross-sector

14 competences
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.

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ensure equipment availability

Ensure that the necessary equipment is provided, ready and available for use before start of procedures.

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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.

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monitor gauge

Oversee the data presented by a gauge concerning the measurement of pressure, temperature, thickness of a material, and others.

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monitor moving workpiece in a machine

Monitor the processing of a workpiece in motion, such as a piece of metal or wood moved linearly over a static manufacturing machine.

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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.

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perform product testing

Test processed workpieces or products for basic faults.

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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.

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position cross slide of a lathe

Position, by turning a specific lever, the cross slide of a lathe machine perpendicularly, calculating the size of the workpiece and the type of lathe cutting tools used for ideal positioning.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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tend lathe

Tend a lathe designed for cutting manufacturing processes on metal, wooden, plastic materials and others, monitor and operate it, according to regulations.

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Optional knowledge 11 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

8 competences
ferrous metal processing

Various processing methods on iron and iron-containing alloys such as steel, stainless steel and pig iron.

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manufacturing of heating equipment

The manufacture of electrical ovens and water heaters by metalworking processes.

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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.

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manufacturing of metal structures

The production of metal structures for construction.

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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.

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manufacturing of steel drums and similar containers

The manufacture of pails, cans, drums, buckets, boxes, through metalworking processes.

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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.

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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.

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Cross-sector

3 competences
cutting technologies

The variety of cutting technologies, such as software or mechanics, guiding cutting processes through lasering, sawing, milling etc.

digital
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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.

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types of drill bits

Qualities and applications of various types of drill bits, such as core drill bits, spotting drill bits, countersink drill bits and others.

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Optional skills and competences 15 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
smooth burred surfaces

Inspect and smooth burred surfaces of steel and metal parts.

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Cross-sector

14 competences
advise on machinery malfunctions

Offer advice to service technicians in case of machinery malfunctions and other technical repair tasks.

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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.

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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.

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consult 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.

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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.

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keep records of work progress

Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.

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mark processed workpiece

Inspect and mark parts of the workpiece to indicate how they will fit into the finished product.

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operate lifting equipment

Transport heavy objects using lifting equipment such as cranes, forklifts etc.

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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.

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record production data for quality control

Keep records of the machine's faults, interventions and irregularities for quality control.

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replace machines

Evaluate when to invest in replacing machines or machine tools and take the necessary actions.

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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
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wear appropriate protective gear

Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.

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work ergonomically

Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

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