Computers play a significant role in much of the world today, with many organizations using technology to help streamline business operations. The manufacturing industry is no exception, and you can make yourself an indispensable part of the future of manufacturing by training to become a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinist. This online CNC Machinist course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to prove competency and begin your career quickly.
Prepare for a career as a computer numerical control (CNC) machinist, CNC machine operator, CNC lathe operator, CNC mill operator, CNC operator, machine operator, or machinist
Gain the skills you need to confidently perform your job
How the course is taught
Self-paced, online course
12 Months to complete
Open enrollment, begin anytime
195 course hours
Outline
Abrasives
Grinding Processes 201
Grinding Safety 211
Basics of the Surface Grinder 231
Setup for the Surface Grinder 241
Surface Grinder Operation 251
Introduction to Grinding Fluids
Grinding Ferrous Metals 311
Grinding Nonferrous Materials 321
Grinding Wheel Materials 331
Dressing and Truing 341
Grinding Wheel Geometry 361
CNC
Introduction to CNC Machines 201
Basics of the CNC Lathe 211
Basics of the CNC Mill 212
CNC Specs for the Mill 220
Coordinates for the CNC Lathe 221
Coordinates for the CNC Mill 222
CNC Specs for the Lathe 225
Basics of the G Code Programming 231
Introduction to CAD and CAM for Machining 241
Control Panel Functions for the CNC Lathe 251
Control Panel Functions for the CNC Mill 252
Offsets on the CNC Lathe 261
Offsets on the CNC Mill 262
Creating a CNC Turning Program 301
Creating a CNC Milling Program 302
Calculations for Programming the Lathe 311
Calculations for Programming the Mill 312
Canned Cycles for the Lathe 321
Canned Cycles for the Mill 322
CNC Controls: Fanuc
Fanuc Mill: Control Panel Overview 250
Fanuc Lathe: Control Panel Overview 255
Fanuc Mill: Entering Offsets 260
Fanuc Lathe: Entering Offsets 265
Fanuc Mill: Locating Program Zero 270
Fanuc Lathe: Locating Program Zero 275
Fanuc Mill: Program Execution 280
Fanuc Lathe: Program Execution 285
Fanuc Mill: Program Storage 310
Fanuc Mill: Program Storage 315
Fanuc Mill: First Part Runs 320
Fanuc Mill: First Part Runs 325
CNC Controls: Haas
Haas Mill: Classic Control Panel Overview 250
Haas Lathe Classic Control Panel Overview 256
Hass Mill Classic Controls: Entering Offsets 260
Hass Lathe Classic Controls: Entering Offsets 265
Haas Mill Classic Controls: Locating Program Zero 270
Haas Lathe Classic Controls: Locating Program Zero 275
Haas Mill Classic Controls: Program Execution 280
Haas Lathe Classic Controls: Program Execution 285
Haas Mill Classic Controls: Program Storage 310
Haas Lathe Classic Controls: Program Storage 315
Haas Mill Classic Controls: First Part Runs 320
Haas Lathe Classic Controls: First Part Runs 325
CNC Controls: Mazak
Mazak Mill: Control Panel Overview 250
Mazak Lathe: Control Panel Overview 255
Mazak Mill: Locating Program Zero 270
Mazak Lathe: Locating Program Zero 275
Mazak Mill: Entering Offsets 280
Mazak Lathe: Entering Offsets 285
Creating an EIA/ISO Program for the Mazak Mill 286
Creating an EIA/ISO Program for the Mazak Lathe 287
Creating a Mazatrol Program for the Mill 288
Creating a Mazatrol Program for the Mazak Lathe 289
Mazak Mill: Program Execution 290
Mazak Lathe: Program Execution 295
Mazak Mill: Program Storage 310
Mazak Lathe: Program Storage 315
Mazak Mill: First Part Runs 320
Mazak Lathe: First Part Runs 325
Electrical Systems
Safety for Electrical Work 111
Inspection
Basic Measurement 101
Calibration Fundamentals 111
Basics Tolerance 121
Blueprint Reading 131
Hole Standards and Inspection 141
Thread Standards and Inspection 151
Surface Texture and Inspection 201
Interpreting Prints 231
Introduction to GD&T 301
Major Rules of GD&T 311
Inspecting with Optical Comparators 351
Inspecting with CMMs 361
In-Line Inspection Applications 381
Lean
Lean Manufacturing Overview 101
Continuous Process Improvement: Managing Flow 124
Continuous Process Improvement: Identifying and Eliminating Waste 125
Total Productive Maintenance 141
5S Overview 151
Cell Design and Pull Systems 161
Intro to Six Sigma 171
Troubleshooting 181
Conducting kaizen Events 191
SPC Overview 211
Metrics for Lean 231
Process Flow Charting 241
Strategies for Setup Reduction 251
Value Stream Mapping: The Current State 301
Six Sigma Goals and Tools 310
Value Stream Mapping: The Future State 311
Manual Machining
Manual Mill Basics 201
Engine Lathe Basics 211
Manual Mill Setup 221
Engine Lathe setup 231
Benchwork and Layout Operations 241
Manual Mill Operation 251
Engine Lathe Operation 261
Holemaking on the Manual Mill 271
Threading on the Engine Lathe 301
Taper Turning on the Engine Lathe 311
Materials
Introduction to Physical Properties 101
Introduction to Mechanical Properties 111
Introduction to Metals 121
Introduction to Metal Manufacturing 180
Classification of Steel 201
Essentials of Heat Treatment of Steel 211
Hardness Testing 221
Ferrous Metals 231
Nonferrous Metals 241
Exotic Alloys 301
Metal Cutting
Safety for metal Cutting 101
Cutting Processes 111
Overview of Machine tools 121
Basic Cutting Theory 201
Band Saw Operation 211
Introduction to Metal Cutting Fluids 221
Metal Cutting Fluid Safety 231
Toolholders for Turning 260
Speed and Feed for the Lathe 301
Speed and Feed for the Mill 311
Cutting Tool Materials 321
Machining Titanium Alloys 325
Carbide Grade Selection 331
ANSI Insert Selection 341
Lathe Tool Geometry 351
Mill Tool Geometry 361
Drill Tool Geometry 371
Quality
ISO 9001: 2015 Review 122
Approaches to Maintenance 131
Process Design and Development 133
Production System Design and Development 136
Customer-Focused Quality 155
Safety
Introduction to OSHA 101
Ergonomics 102
Personal Protective Equipment 111
Noise Reduction and Hearing Conversation 121
Respiratory Safety 131
Lockout/Tagout Procedures 141
SDS and Hazard Communication 151
Bloodborne Pathogens 161
Walking and Working Surface 171
Fire Safety and Prevention 181
Flammable/Combustible Liquids 191
Hand and Power Tool Safety 201
Safety for Lifting Devices 211
Powered Industrial Truck Safety 221
Confined Spaces 231
Environmental Safety Hazards 241
Machine Guarding 271
Shop Essentials (Applied Mathematics)
Math Fundamentals 101
Math: Fractions and Decimals 111
Units if Measurement 112
Algebra Fundamentals 141
Geometry: Lines and Angles 151
Geometry: Triangles 161
Geometry: Circles and Polygons 171
Trigonometry: The Pythagorean Theorem 201
Trigonometry: Sine, Cosine, Tangent 211
Trigonometry: Sine Bar applications 221
Statistics 231
Stamping
Press Basics 110
Supervisor Essentials
Essentials of Leadership 100
Managing Performance: Best Practices 130
Managing Performance: Corrective Actions 135
Basics of Manufacturing Costs 140
Intro to Managerial Accounting 145
Conflict Resolution Principles 150
Conflict Resolution for Different Groups 155
Team Leadership 160
Manufacturing Management 180
Personal Effectiveness 190
Managing the Diverse Workplace 210
Harassment and Discrimination 215
Performance Management and the Law 230
Welding
Fabrication Process 232
Workforce Essentials
Essentials of Communication 115
Workholding
Introduction to Workholding 101
Supporting and Locating Principles 111
Locating Devices 121
Clamping Basics 131
Chucks, Collets, and Vises 141
Fixture Body Construction 200
Fixture Body Construction 200
Fixture Design Basics 201
Drill Busing Selection 230
Virtual Labs/Simulations (optional)
Safety Awareness in Manufacturing
Fire Safety
5S and Hand Tool Identification
Inspecting Outer Diameters I
Inspecting Outer Diameters II
Inspecting Groove Width
Inspecting Thread Sizes
Inspecting Inside Diameter
Inspecting Depth
Establishing Datums
Instructors & Support
This is not an instructor facilitated course; however, support will be provided through email.
Requirements
Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, this course requires basic computer skills, including the ability to open and manage windows, navigate websites, and perform common online tasks such as downloading files, completing forms, and using web-based tools.
Requirements:
Hardware Requirements:
This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
Software Requirements:
PC: Windows 8 or later.
Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.
FAQ
According to Indeed.com, the average salary of a CNC machinist in the United States is $80,619 per year.
According to Manufacturing.org, advanced manufacturing refers to the use of innovative technologies to create new and existing products.
No.
A few of the specific advanced manufacturing skills you learn in this include: precision measurement, CNC Programming, machine maintenance, and tool setting and calibration.
Yes, this course has one lesson on Lean and one lesson on Quality. The lessons focus on ISO 9001, customer-focused quality, lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma.
Traditional Manufacturing
Definition: Uses manual or semi-automated tools like lathes, mills, and drills operated by human workers.
CNC Relation: Little or no use of CNC (Computer Numerical Control); most operations rely on manual setups and hand-guided machining.
Efficiency: Slower, less precise, and more labor-intensive.
Customization: Difficult and time-consuming to switch between different part designs.
Advanced Manufacturing
Definition: Uses technology-driven processes like CNC machining, robotics, automation, and smart software to enhance production.
CNC Relation: Heavy reliance on CNC machines that are computer-controlled, ensuring high precision and repeatability.
Efficiency: Faster, more consistent, less waste, and ideal for complex or high-volume parts.
Customization: Easy to reprogram CNCs for different parts with minimal downtime.
A simple example with CNC machining and making a metal gear:
Traditional Manufacturing:
A machinist manually sets up a lathe.
Measures and cuts by hand.
Risk of small errors.
Takes maybe an hour to make one gear.
Advanced Manufacturing with CNC:
A CNC machine is programmed with a CAD file.
Automatically cuts the gear to exact specs.
Identical gears can be made in minutes with near-zero error.
Can switch to a different gear design just by loading a new program.
This CNC machinist training prepares you for entry-level advanced manufacturing roles, such as CNC operator and CNC machinist.
Yes, this course covers the advanced manufacturing topics of CNC on a Fanuc Mill and Lathe, Hass Mill and Lathe, Mazak Mill and Lathe.
This course will prepare you for an entry-level role as a CNC operator or CNC machinist.
This course serves as a foundational steppingstone towards advanced studies, equipping you with the essential skills and knowledge required to pursue a career as a CNC programmer or lead machinist within the dynamic field of advanced manufacturing.
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive twelve (12) months to complete the course.
The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.
Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us" form.