Depending on the type of project and what the requirements will determine the type of machine used. This means that a variety of machines will work. Of course, if the job calls for much sophistication, a different type of machine may be called upon to do the work. Anyway, the type of machines used includes:
• Latches, milling machines, drill presses, saws and grinders, and in some cases, high speed robots.
• Expensive machines are used when working with unusually sophisticated procedures.
• CNC (Computer Numerically Control). These type of machines use computer controllers to manipulate the actions of the machine. The process is done by the controller reading a program – a coded list of commands or steps that are performed to make the machine do certain specific movements – and guide the machine in doing each step.
When CNC was introduced, this made it possible for the machinist to be more productive and to produce parts that required greater precision than what standard machines could deliver. And because these movements are stored in a computer, these movements can be repeated continuously, thereby ensuring of steady and reliable parts. It also allows for less labor to be involved, thereby providing more flexibility for the machinist to do other tasks. The main concern for machinist may be to monitor the machine performs every step as programmed in the computer controller.