INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING/ENGINEERING PATHWAY
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Precision Machining Checklist

Manufacturing Cluster Technical Knowledge and Skills
High School/College PRECISION MACHINING Student Checklist

2 1 N CODE

N = Not Exposed to Performance Element
1 = Progressing with Performance Element
2 = Mastery of Performance Element

2 1 N CODE MACHINE SAFETY (PM.MS)
PM.MS.1 Demonstrates personal safety
PM.MS.2 Demonstrates general shop safety
PM.MS.3 Understands and practice safe operation of the machines now being used
PM.MS.4 Demonstrates knowledge of proper actions to be taken in an emergency
PM.MS.5 Knows and demonstrate an understanding of safety codes and rules used to safeguard self, other workers and the equipment and tooling
PM.MS.6 Applies good hygiene in the use of cutting fluids and/or other chemicals typically used for machining
PM.MS.7 Is able to read, understand and follow a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
PM.MS.8 Demonstrates safe work habits when performing any of the machining, bench work, material handling or measurement competencies
PM.MS.9 Uses a MSDS sheet, determine and explain the steps to be taken related to the cleanup and reporting of a chemical spill in a typical machine shop situation
PM.MS.11 Recognizes and corrects unsafe work practices

2 1 N CODE MATH AND MEASUREMENTS (PM.MM)
PM.MM.1 Identifies basic metal-working tools used in measuring
PM.MM.2 Uses visual measuring tools to accuracy of 1/32 of an inch
PM.MM.3 Selects the most suitable measuring tool for the tolerance specified
PM.MM.4 Uses layout and marking tools as required
PM.MM.5 Applies basic arithmetic skills to solve problems
PM.MM.6 Applies functional algebra, geometry, trigonometry to solve problems
PM.MM.7 Uses formulas, handbook tables, charts and technical reports to solve problems or make decisions
PM.MM.8 Is able to chart, interpret and explain statistical process control and inspection data
PM.MM.9 Is able to calculate the correct amount of grind stock to be left on a part when doing roughing operations
PM.MM.10 Calculates center offsets for taper turning and compound slide settings for angle turning
PM.MM.11 Measures test parts to the nearest 0.001"
PM.MM.12 Calculates CNC speeds and feeds
PM.MM.13 Calculates programming coordinates from the drawing
PM.MM.14 Calculates radius tangent points
PM.MM.15 Calculates stock utilization and setup
PM.MM.16 Calculates tolerances
PM.MM.17 Can calculate mass properties (volume, density, etc.)
PM.MM.18 Verifies part measurements to standards

2 1 N CODE INTERPRETING DATA (PM.ID.)
PM.ID.1 Reads, interpret, conceptualize and be able to report (orally, handwritten note or paper document) common manufacturing processes related to precision machining and relate them to features of a part or engineering drawing of a part
PM.ID.2 Interprets single or multiple page engineering drawings or sketches (inch or metric) to determine features to be machined
PM.ID.3 Translates geometric tolerance symbols and other part specifications contained within feature control symbols used in machining and measurement. (ASME Y14.5-1982)
PM.ID.4 Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of projection theory and other engineering drawing principles
PM.ID.5 Is able to produce an appropriate freehand orthographic, oblique, isometric or perspective
Sketch of a part to be machined
PM.ID.6 Writes or letters legibly
PM.ID.7 Enters, retrieve, update, change or analyze computer- stored data related to machining or inspection
PM.ID.8 Is able to orally explain machining procedures and/or practices
PM.ID.9 Scale usage is known
PM.ID.10 Knows how to sketch
PM.ID.11 Reads Orthographic views
PM.ID.12 Reads Auxiliary views
PM.ID.13 Reads Sectional views
PM.ID.14 Can Dimension and use tolerance including geometric dimensioning and tolerances
PM.ID.15 Reads Detail and assembly drawings
PM.ID.16 Presentation/pictorial drawings
PM.ID.17 Locates Materials and specifications on a print
PM.ID.18 Uses of reference materials
PM.ID.19 Can create or interpret Computer-generated 3-D models
PM.ID.20 Transfers information from drawing to CAD drawing
PM.ID.21 Creates a CAD file for manufacturing
PM.ID.22 Can document a manufacturing process
PM.ID.23 Exports a CAD file
PM.ID.24 Reads and interpret technical blue prints
PM.ID.25 Understand all symbols on technical blue prints, such as geometric tolerances, surface-finish symbols, corner-break symbols, etc
PM.ID.26 Documents inspection and calibration frequencies

2 1 N CODE PROCESS CONTROL (PM.PC.)
PM.PC.1 Uses current industrial engineering drawings and work pieces, make precision measurements for specific features
PM.PC.2 Demonstrate ability to select and use the proper measuring device (inch or metric) for the feature to be measured
PM.PC.3 Understand and be able to explain the reason for using calibrated measuring tools
PM.PC.4 Is able to make the appropriate calculations to set up the measuring device or to mathematically determine location of part features
PM.PC.5 Demonstrate knowledge of and be able to select, assemble and disassemble gage black sets using the least block method
PM.PC.6 Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to measure surface finishes
PM.PC.7 Is able to effectively use common precision machining measuring tools (inch or metric) such as: steel rules; combination square sets, depth gages, spring calipers, outside/inside/ depth micrometers, vernier/dial/digital calipers, vernier/digital height gage, protractor, mechanical/electronic indicators, go/no-go gages; comparators; surface plates, angle plates, parallel blocks, inspection centers, sine bars/ plates, and profilometer/surface finish comparison devices
PM.PC.8 Is able to physically measure for: parallelism; squareness; roundness; concentricity; axial run out; flatness; hole location/size; angles; tapers; threads; linear
PM.PC.9 Knows which manufacturing processes are capable of producing specific surface finishes economically.
PM.PC.10 Demonstrates knowledge of the general classes of fits
PM.PC.11 Demonstrates a knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) terminology and ability to use quality

2 1 N CODE PHYSICAL SCIENCE (PM.PS.)
PM.PS.1 Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of principles of mechanics, machines, heat, light, sound and other forms of energy in relation to cutting and work holding tooling used in both manual and CNC machining.
Is able to read and use machinability tables to determine the effect the work piece material has on such things as cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut, cutter selection, tool wear, surface finish, etc.
PM.PS.2 Is able to describe the physical and/or metallurgical characteristics of cast irons, steels, nonferrous metals, composites, plastics and other materials that could be machined
PM.PS.3 Understands and be able to discuss the effects of heat-treating and coating processes on materials used for work pieces and/or cutting tools
PM.PS.4 Is able to explain the process by which carbide and/or ceramic cutting tool inserts are made

2 1 N CODE HAND TOOLS (PM.HT)
PM.HT.1 Demonstrates ability to use layout hand tools (in conjunction with the measuring tool competencies listed in the next section) including coating materials, surface plates, v-blocks, scribers, dividers, trammels, keyseat rules, hermaphrodite calipers, angle plates, surface gage, and prick and center punches
PM.HT.2 Is able to find the center of a square, cylindrical, rectangular work piece; layout bolt circles and hole locations; layout features to be produced
PM.HT.3 Demonstrates ability to properly use hammer, screwdrivers, files, chisels, wrenches, hand taps and tap wrenches, threading dies, hand reamers, hand hack saws and blade applications, and a bench vise
PM.HT.4 Knows how to deburr work pieces after machining or hand operations
PM.HT.5 Is able to hand letter or number stamp parts

2 1 N CODE SAWS AND GRINDERS (PM.SG.)
PM.SG.1 Demonstrates knowledge of power and hack sawing and band sawing processes including: machine types and applications; work holding accessories; basic setup considerations, blade/ band selection; special safety precautions
PM.SG.2 Demonstrates knowledge of surface, cylindrical, centerless and internal grinding machines and their applications
PM.SG.3 Has the Ability to set up and operate a manual horizontal reciprocating surface grinder
PM.SG.4 Performs surface grinding operations to produce flat, parallel, stepped and angle surfaces
PM.SG.5 Has the Ability to use a permanent magnet chuck (table) on a surface grinder
PM.SG.6 Has Ability to determine proper infeed, work speed and crossfeed speed
PM.SG.7 Has Ability to dress the wheel
PM.SG.8 Demonstrates knowledge of grinding wheel characteristics, construction, standards and selection including: wheel markings, wheel shapes, proper storage for wheels and how to inspect a grinding wheel
PM.SG.9 Demonstrates knowledge of cutting fluids used in grinding operations
PM.SG.10 Demonstrates knowledge of superabrasive technology and applications
PM.SG.11 Has the Ability to obtain and hold surface finish tolerances
PM.SG.12 Has the Ability to obtain and hold close inch or metric dimensional tolerances
PM.SG.13 Selects the correct machine or blade for the job to be done
PM.SG.14 Mounts a blade and prepare the machine for use
PM.SG.15 Identifies various types of offhand grinders
PM.SG.16 Dresses and true a grinding wheel
PM.SG.17 Prepares a grinder for safe operation
PM.SG.18 List safety rules for using abrasives and saws

2 1 N CODE MANUAL DRILLS (PM.MD.)
PM.MD.1 Prepares the drill including selecting proper RPM for the cutting tool being used
PM.MD.2 Selects and safely mounts work-holding device
PM.MD.3 Properly mounts work piece in work-holding device
PM.MD.4 Selects the proper cutting tool for the job
PM.MD.5 Performs drilling, countersinking, counterboring, spot-facing, reaming and tapping operations
PM.MD.6 Demonstrates knowledge of drill press classifications and their applications
PM.MD.7 Demonstrates knowledge of common drill press cutting tool types and applications
PM.MD.8 Demonstrates knowledge of common drill press work-holding devices and their applications

2 1 N CODE MANUAL LATHE (PM.ML.)
PM.ML.1 Is able to set up machine for single or multiple part production, which includes setting machine stops, proper speeds, feeds and depth of cuts for the material to be machined and the type of cutting tools available
PM.ML.2 From the cutting tools available (could be HSS, cast alloys or carbide), select the best tool for the operation and mount properly
PM.ML.3 Performs basic turning operations: work between centers, three or four-jaw chuck work, collet work, center drilling, straight turning, shoulder and end facing, chamfering, radius turning, grooving, cutting off, drilling, boring, reaming, taper and angle turning, roughing (leaving grind stock) and finishing, knurling, filing and polishing and internal and external thread chasing.
PM.ML.4 Demonstrates the ability to hold inch and/or metric dimensional, geometric and surface finish tolerance requirements
PM.ML.5 Is able to identify and discuss the application of other types of lathes and the advantages of each

2 1 N CODE VIRTICAL MILL (PM.VM.)
PM.VM.1 Is able to set up machine for single or multiple part production, which includes setting machine stops, calculating proper cubic feet per minute, chip load, depth of cut, speeds and feeds for the material being machined and the type of cutters available
PM.VM.2 Is able to select the proper work-holding device and set it up properly to withstand the cutting forces present
PM.VM.3 Is able to make table setups, using straps and clamps, vise setups, V-block setups and indexing devices
PM.VM.4 Is able to select the proper cutting tool holding device; mount it properly; determine correct direction of rotation; determine when a cutter is dull; be able to change inserts and chip breakers
PM.VM.5 Performs basic milling operations that include plain, face, end, side, form, angle, grooving, keyway/keyseat and cut-off
PM.VM.6 Demonstrates ability to setup and use a dividing head and/or rotary table
PM.VM.7 Demonstrates the ability to tram in the machine head, milling vise or other work holding devices
PM.VM.8 Demonstrates knowledge of cutter types, styles and materials

2 1 N CODE CNC MILL AND LATHE (PM.CNC)
PM.CNC 1 Use of a PC and keyboarding skills, using offline CNC programming software, ability to program, setup and operate basic CNC machines
PM.CNC 2 Writes and verifies CNC program without the use of CAM software (competitor has the opportunity to correct any program errors on the machine)b. Display complete knowledge of DIN/ISO programming (G and M codes)c. Apply the correct use of cutter compensation (G41/G42)d. Adjust speeds and feeds as needed
PM.CNC.3 Setup machine and establish a zero reference point for machining the part
PM.CNC.4 Selects and mount necessary tools from the provided set
PM.CNC.5 Establishes tool offsets and enter them into the CNC machine control
PM.CNC.6 Enters any necessary tool corrections into the CNC machine control
PM.CNC.7 Creates process plan (Job Plan)
PM.CNC.8 Reads-in CAD export file
PM.CNC.9 Creates tool path
PM.CNC.10 Creates CNC code
PM.CNC.11 Sends CNC code to machine tool
PM.CNC.12 Process ECO
PM.CNC.13 Verifies CNC file existence
PM.CNC.14 Verifies toolpath
PM.CNC.15 Setup part on a mill or lathe
PM.CNC.16 Demonstrates the knowledge of In-process quality assurance
PM.CNC.17 Performs tool changes
PM.CNC.18 Performs multiple machining operations in one setup
PM.CNC.19 Verifies (TQM) process and part
PM.CNC.20 Understands machine capabilities to determine proper speeds, feeds and depth of cuts for the cutting tools available and the material being machined
PM.CNC.21 Knows the operational sequence required for machining linear and circular interpolation profiles
PM.CNC.22 Writes a CNC program to machine a simple part using offline programming software on a personal computer
PM.CNC.23 Demonstrates knowledge of types of CNC machines including machining centers; axes designations; advantages of CNC; CAD/CAM; work-holding systems; and cutting tools used with CNC machining
PM.CNC.24 Knows the operational sequence required for machining cylindrical parts
PM.CNC.25 Knows the use of G02 and G03 codes for arcs and contours; macro code for the incremental feed command on a fixed cycle
PM.CNC.26 Verifies the CNC program using graphic verification with offline programming software on a personal computer

2 1 N CODE MACHINE KNOWLEDGE (PM.MK.)
PM.MK.1 Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the components that boost machine performance and cut costs
2. Selection of the best cutting tool for the material being machined
3. Selection of proper cutting tool geometry related to horsepower of machine and the material being machined
4. Capability of the machine to produce the tolerance required
6. Testing for and maintaining machine geometries to manufacturer specifications
7. Awareness of new or emerging precision machining technologies
PM.MK.2 Be able to discuss the variables that could cause machining problems such as tool/work overhang, tool grade/geometry, machine condition/ power, cutting fluid, shape of work, chip breakers, material hardness, etc.
PM.MK.3 Be able to discuss what chip shape and color can tell you about optimum cutting
PM.MK.4 Be able to discuss the relative machinability of steels
PM.MK.5 Explain a technical issue related to precision machining technology such as sequence of operations, one piece vs. production set-ups; related non-machining operations such as heat treating, deburring, material handling, etc. or
PM.MK.6 Analyze a specific machining related problem and then make an oral report
PM.MK.7 From photographs, identify and explain the proper use or application of precision machining technology related machinery or tooling
PM.MK.8 From a list of modern precision machining technology related terms, explain the meaning of each term and discuss the current application of each term
PM.MK.9 Be able to set up machine for single or multiple part production, which includes setting machine stops, calculating proper cubic feet per minute, chip load, depth of cut, speeds and feeds for the material being machined and the type of cutters available
PM.MK.10 Be able to select the proper work-holding device and set it up properly to withstand the cutting forces present
PM.MK.11 Be able to make table setups, using straps and clamps, vise setups, V-block setups and indexing devices
PM.MK.12 Be able to select the proper cutting tool holding device; mount it properly; determine correct direction of rotation; determine when a cutter is dull; be able to change inserts and chip breakers
PM.MK.13 Perform basic milling operations that include plain, face, end, side, form, angle, grooving, keyway/keyseat and cut-off
PM.MK.14 Demonstrate ability to setup and use a dividing head and/or rotary table
PM.MK.15 Demonstrate the ability to tram in the machine head, milling vise or other workholding devices
PM.MK.16 Demonstrate knowledge of cutter types, styles and materials
NIMS Skill Standards

Contact the National Institute For Metalworking Skills (NIMS), Duties and Standards for Machining Skills, Levels I and II. Information on how to obtain these skill standards may be obtained directly from NIMS by calling (703) 352-4971, or on the Web at www.nimsskills. org.