Write programs for computer numerical control (CNC) machines to cut metal and plastic materials.

“Write programs for computer numerical control (CNC) machines to cut metal and plastic materials.” is a supplemental task performed by Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. Among the occupation's 21 rated tasks, workers place it 4th by importance (#18 most important). About 38% of workers say it is relevant to their job.

This is a single occupation-specific task statement from O*NET. The figures below describe how central the task is to the job and what independent studies measure about AI and this kind of work — not a prediction that the task will be automated.

Work activities this task rolls up to

O*NET groups concrete tasks into broader work activities shared across many occupations.

• Program computer systems or production equipment. in Working with Computers

AI exposure

The OpenAI / Eloundou “GPTs are GPTs” study rates this task E1. Direct exposure — a language model could plausibly cut the time to do this task by at least half.

Exposure measures whether a model could meaningfully speed the task up — it is an estimate of overlap with model capabilities, not a measure of whether the work will be done by software. The study's intermediate score (β) for this task is 1.00. Automation potential label: T3.

Other tasks in this occupation

• Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments. · importance 4.6
• Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists. · importance 4.4
• Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences. · importance 4.3
• Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools. · importance 4.3
• Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary. · importance 4.2
• Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces. · importance 4.2
• Measure and mark reference points and cutting lines on workpieces, using traced templates, compasses, and rules. · importance 4.1
• Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools. · importance 4.1
• Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates. · importance 4.0
• Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow. · importance 4.0
• Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs. · importance 4.0
• Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools. · importance 4.0
• Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required. · importance 3.9
• Compute data, such as gear dimensions or machine settings, applying knowledge of shop mathematics. · importance 3.9

See all tasks on the Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic page.

Sources for this page

Every figure above traces to a named public dataset and the exact release below — not hand-written opinion. See the full methodology for what each measure does and does not mean.

• O*NET 30.3 U.S. Department of Labor / National Center for O*NET Development
• “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130 OpenAI / academic

Data compiled June 2, 2026. Figures are estimates, not advice.

@misc{singulariki-task-23937,
  title  = {Write programs for computer numerical control (CNC) machines to cut metal and plastic materials.},
  author = {{Singulariki}},
  year   = {2026},
  note   = {O*NET 30.3; “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130. Accessed June 7, 2026},
  url    = {https://singulariki.com/tasks/task-23937}
}