CNC Gear Operator (Computer Numerical Control Gear Operator)
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool OperatorsDescription
Set up and operate CNC hobbing, shaping, and grinding machines to cut and finish gears, splines, and related components to specification. Interpret blueprints and gear data, adjust programs and tooling, monitor quality, and perform basic equipment maintenance.
- • Measure gear dimensions (tooth thickness over pins, pitch, involute profile, lead, runout, bore) using gear analyzers, span mics, CMMs, and gauges.
- • Remove and replace dull or damaged hobs, shaper cutters, and grinding wheels; dress wheels as needed.
- • Mount, align, and secure gear blanks, arbors, fixtures, and tooling using hand tools and precision instruments.
- • Listen for chatter or abnormal vibration and adjust process to correct.
- • Adjust feeds, speeds, depth of cut, offsets, hob shift, or tool data when programs or machines deviate.
- • Stop machines to unload parts, verify quality, change tooling, or reposition setups per sequence.
- • Lift and stage gear blanks and arbors with hoists or cranes.
- • Modify CNC programs to compensate for profile or lead errors and save revisions.
- • Calculate feeds/speeds, roll ratios, index, and depth-of-cut from gear data (DP/module, pressure and helix angles, tooth count).
- • Load control instructions and establish work offsets and zeros to start operations.
- • Verify adequate lubrication and coolant flow, pressure, and temperature during cutting or grinding.
- • Enter gear data and initial dimensions into control panels and probing routines.
- • Set up and operate CNC hobbing, shaping, and grinding machines on steel and other alloys.
- • Confer with supervisors, programmers, or engineers to resolve malfunctions or quality issues and obtain approvals.
- • Review blueprints, process sheets, and AGMA specifications to determine operations, sequencing, and tolerances.
- • Monitor machine status and control displays; compare to specifications to detect malfunctions.
- • Maintain and control coolant, filtration, and mist collection systems.
- • Perform routine maintenance; replace worn arbors, centers, collets, and workholding components.
- • Deburr, clean, and stage finished gears on racks, pallets, or conveyors.
- • Clean machines, tooling, and parts with approved solvents, solutions, and rags.
- • Enter commands or load programs from USB or network into CNC controllers.
- • Transfer programs from servers to CNC modules via DNC or network links.
- • Preset tools and arbors and set up future jobs while machines are running.
- • Implement program changes and enter new gear specifications using the CNC or connected computers.
- • Write or edit simple CNC programs and macros for standard gear operations.
- • Perform double- or single-flank roll testing and document results to verify gear quality.
- • Mark gear root or flank areas for shot peening and load media hoppers when required.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
