Precision mechanic

Precision mechanics manufacture precision metal components for machines and assemble them into functional units. They also build electronic measuring and control components. Precision mechanics use milling, drilling, grinding and honing machines.

The following job titles also refer to precision mechanic:

precision operations mechanic
precision engineering supervisor
precision process engineer
precision processing engineer
precision engineering operations supervisor
precision mechanical engineer
mechanical precision engineer

A high school diploma is generally required to work as a precision mechanic.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Precision mechanic is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to precision mechanic.

gear machinist
industrial machinery assembler
industrial machinery mechanic
fluid power technician
container equipment assembler

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of precision mechanic. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of precision mechanic with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

pneumatic engineering technician
industrial engineering technician
process engineering technician
production engineering technician
automated assembly line operator

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of precision mechanic.

• Precision mechanics: Precision or fine mechanics is a subdiscipline in engineering that focuses on the design and development of smaller precision machines.
• Micromechanics: The design and production of micromechanisms. Micromechanisms combine mechanical and electrical components in a single device that is less than 1mm across.
• 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.

These skills are necessary for the role of precision mechanic.

• Supply machine with appropriate tools: Supply the machine with the necessary tools and items for a particular production purpose.
• 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.
• 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.
• Secure working area: Secure the operation site fixing boundaries, restricting access, placing signs and taking other measures in order to guarantee public and staff safety.
• 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.
• Assemble machines: Assemble machines according to instructions and specifications.
• 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.
• Consult technical resources: Read and interpret such 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.
• Use precision tools: Use electronic, mechanical, electric, or optical precision tools for precision work.
• 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.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of precision mechanic. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Manufacturing of taps and valves: The manufacture of industrial, sanitary or heating taps and valves.
• Electronics: The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications. Apply this knowledge to ensure electronic equipment runs smoothly.
• Manufacturing of pumps and compressors: The manufacture of different types of pumps, such as air, vacuum or engine pumps as well as hand pumps, and compressors.
• Manufacturing of office equipment: The manufacture of calculators, staplers, cartridges, binding equipment, photocopy machines, boards and all types of equipment and machines used in an office.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of precision mechanic. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Maintain records of maintenance interventions: Keep written records of all repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, including information on the parts and materials used, etc.
• Resolve equipment malfunctions: Identify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions; communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.
• Assemble metal parts: Align and arrange steel and metal parts in order to assemble complete products; use the appropriate hand tools and gauges.
• Operate welding equipment: Use welding equipment to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel; wear protective eyewear during the working process.
• Record test data: Record data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptional or unusual input.
• Troubleshoot: Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
• Dispose of hazardous waste: Dispose of dangerous materials such as chemical or radioactive substances according to environmental and to health and safety regulations.
• Assemble electrical components: Assemble switches, electrical controls, circuit boards and other electrical components by using hand and soldering equipment.
• Conduct quality control analysis: Conduct inspections and tests of services, processes, or products to evaluate quality.
• Tend CNC milling machine: Tend a computer numerical controlled (CNC) milling machine designed for cutting manufacturing processes on metal, wooden, plastic materials and others, monitor and operate it, according to regulations.
• Assemble electronic units: Assemble and maintain electronic components and electronic circuits.
• Conduct routine machinery checks: Check machinery and equipment to ensure reliable performance during use and operations in worksites.
• Tend CNC grinding machine: Tend a computer numerical controlled (CNC) grinding machine designed for manufacturing processes on metal, wooden, plastic materials and others, monitor and operate it, according to regulations.
• Use testing equipment: Use equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.
• Tend CNC drilling machine: Tend a computer numerical controlled (CNC) drilling machine designed for cutting manufacturing processes on metal, wooden, plastic materials and others, monitor and operate it, according to regulations.
• 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.
• 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.
• Tend CNC laser cutting machine: Monitor and operate a computer numerical controlled (CNC) laser cutting machine according to regulations.
• Tend computer numerical control lathe machine: Tend a computer numerical controlled (CNC) lathe and turn machine designed for cutting manufacturing processes on metal, wooden, plastic materials and others, monitor and operate it, according to regulations.
• Operate soldering equipment: Use soldering equipment, such as a soldering gun, a soldering torch or a gas-powered iron, to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel.

7222 – Toolmakers and related workers

---

References

1. Precision mechanic – ESCO