In modern CNC machining, there is a lot of talk about operators, setters, and quality control, but it is the technologist who is responsible for the foundation of the entire process.
It is the technologist who defines how a part is to be made, selects the tools, determines the sequence of operations, and prepares the program that the machine will later execute. The repeatability, safety, and efficiency of production depend on the technologist’s decisions.
At SIM Gdynia, the role of the technologist is clear: to translate the requirements from the customer’s drawing into a process that will be stable in series production, maintainable over time, and compliant with quality requirements.
Below, we present how this works in practice, exactly as we do it every day.
Table of Contents
From inquiry to technology concept
The process begins in the sales department, which receives an inquiry along with a technical drawing or 3D model of a new part.
Before a feasibility statement is issued, the documentation is sent to the technologist. The technologist assesses whether the part can be manufactured under the specified production conditions.
The technologist analyzes the material, tolerances, geometric requirements, and complexity of the part. They check the number of operations required, the availability of machines and tools, the need to purchase additional equipment, and the possibility of fitting within economically justified cycle times.
On this basis, a preliminary technology concept is developed: the sequence of operations, the selection of machines, tools, and equipment, as well as the estimated processing time.
This document is the basis for preparing a quote, which the sales representative presents to the customer as an offer to manufacture a new part.
Operation plan – from the saw to the milling machine
When the inquiry becomes a real order, the technologist prepares a detailed operation plan.
At this stage, he determines how many steps will be involved in the production of the part and what machines will be used.
At SIM Gdynia, we use an internal abbreviation to describe the sequence of processes, for example, P–T–T–C, where P stands for material preparation, T for turning, and C for milling.
It is crucial to arrange the operations in such a way that the entire process is stable and economical.
The technologist analyzes the machining bases, limits the number of retooling operations, and avoids unnecessary movement of the part between stations.
Only after a logical and feasible plan has been established can we move on to the next stage, which is the preparation of programs for CNC machines.
Programming and tool selection
The preparation of CNC programs is one of the key stages of a technologist’s work.
Based on the 3D model, technical documentation, and previously established technology, tool paths are created, along with the selection of feeds, rotational speeds, and machining strategies.
The goal is to create a process that is stable, efficient, and repeatable in series.
If the production of a part requires tools that are not part of the standard equipment, the technologist determines their specifications and orders their purchase.
This applies to both special tools and the ongoing replenishment of the basic range of tools needed for production. This ensures that the machine has a complete set of equipment before a new order is placed.
After preparing the programs, the technologist provides the planning department with information on the cycle time, type of tooling, and the specific machine on which the process should be carried out. On this basis, the part is entered into the schedule and sent for processing.
Start of production – setup, control, stabilization
When the part reaches the designated machine, the technologist enters the program and supervises the process setup.
This stage includes the selection of bases, tool zeroing, and verification of compliance with the documentation. The first pieces are always treated as a trial stage, during which measurements are taken and minor adjustments are made.
Setting up the first pieces
The operator and technologist jointly observe the behavior of the tools, surface quality, and dimensional stability.
If it is necessary to adjust the parameters or make minor changes to the trajectory, they are introduced at this stage.
Transition to serial production
Once the process is stable and the measurement results are repeatable, the order goes into serial mode.
Nevertheless, the technologist remains on standby to provide support, as the machining conditions may need to be adjusted during the production of the batch.
Tools – when standard clamping is not enough
Many parts, especially forgings, castings, or irregularly shaped components, require individual clamping solutions. Standard vices or jaws will not provide stability or tool access, so it is necessary to prepare dedicated tooling.
Tooling design
At SIM Gdynia, a designated technologist is responsible for tooling design. Their task is to prepare the clamping so that:
- It provides stable support,
- It allows tools to access key surfaces,
- It does not introduce additional deformation of the workpiece.
Machining on the tool
Only after the tool has been made and checked is it possible to safely machine complex parts that cannot be clamped in the standard way.
Drawing changes and technology updates
During cooperation with customers, modifications to details often arise: changes in chamfers, diameters, tolerances, or additional features. Each such update requires a review of the entire technology.
Technologist’s response to changes
The technologist analyzes the new documentation, updates the CNC programs, and makes corrections to the process cards. Sometimes this takes a moment, and sometimes it requires a complete overhaul of the machining concept.
The best versions of the programs
At the same time, operators and foremen refine the programs on the machine, adapting them to the working conditions of a specific workstation.
When the program achieves full stability and optimal cycle time, the technologist saves it as a reference version to maintain full repeatability in subsequent series.
The technologist as a link between the office and the shop floor
The role of the technologist combines engineering work with manufacturing practice. On the one hand, they analyze documentation, tolerances, and customer requirements, and on the other, they know the machines, tools, and real limitations of the process.
A key function in the organization
At SIM Gdynia, the technologist works with the sales, production, and quality control departments.
It is their decision that determines whether a part will be feasible in a stable series and whether the process will meet both design and production requirements.
Thanks to this, a new project can be carried out from the drawing board to the finished part in a predictable manner and without the risk of unexpected downtime.