Analysis of Turning Process Relative to Machining Technician's Skills

The quality of machining and assembling parts significantly depends on the skills of the technician. To achieve high-precision machining, a skilled technician carefully considers various factors and applies suitable machining methods and conditions. Therefore, to correctly evaluate the machining cost-precision tradeoffs of their designs, mechanical engineers should have intimate knowledge of machining methods and techniques. Mechanical engineers should know how machining technicians analyze blueprints and compile machining procedures. In Japan, many skilled technicians have been retiring in recent years—known as the “Year 2007 Problem”—and the shortage of technicians and downfall in the education of practical engineers have become a serious issue. In this study, to develop effective educational methods for apprentice or low-skilled technicians and engineers, we experimentally investigated the decision-making processes of highly skilled turning technicians before and during machining. We found that highly skilled technicians focus on the function and tolerance of the parts, whereas apprentice technicians tend to focus on the ease of machining.