The art of precise metalworking

Metal is a very popular material. Its properties are durability and malleability. It presents a technical challenge when it comes to processing. Working with metal requires experience, knowledge and technology. Modern CNC milling machines can be used to carry out precise metalwork. 

The CNC router is the person who controls the process. Nowadays, the machines are digitally controlled and no movement is random. The human being's task here is to monitor, control and adjust the machines. 

There are many industries in which CNC milling cutters are used. We will go into this in more detail below. 

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

How does the process from blank to component work?

At the start of the work, the workpiece is ready as a solid blank. This can be aluminum, steel or stainless steel. In rare cases, titanium is used. The milling cutter clamps the workpiece. The CNC machine recognizes the initial position via sensors.

The program then starts its work and the milling head moves. The coarse parts of the material are removed first. This is followed by the fine cuts. Modern CNC milling machines change the tools automatically. The cooling of the milling machine also runs synchronously with the cut, as metal heats up considerably during milling. 

At the end of the work, the milling cutter measures the result using digital measuring devices. He checks lengths, diameters and angles. If there are deviations, he intervenes immediately. The goal is zero tolerance.

What are CNC specialists and what does the job market look like for them?

Many companies are currently looking for CNC specialists. Unfortunately, it is difficult to find young talents in this field and at the same time the machines are becoming increasingly complex. Many apprenticeships in this field are currently vacant in Germany. 

Numerous German companies therefore find themselves in a situation where they have to make use of temporary and agency staff. There are many skilled workers in Eastern European countries in particular who have the relevant training. Poland, the Czech Republic and Romania train strong technicians. Many of them have years of experience with CNC machines. They are reliable, efficient and quality-conscious.

Recruitment companies specifically place these experts in German companies. The cooperation is usually project-related. Order peaks can be absorbed in this way. The quality remains constant. Long-term assignments are also possible.

What are the challenges of integration?

It is not always enough for an employee to have specialist skills. They also need appropriate language skills. This is the only way communication with colleagues can work. Many team leader positions in companies are filled by staff who are bilingual. 

Of course, it is also important that employees are involved. This is done through training, but good working conditions are also important here. Employees need clear working hours, fair pay and appreciation for the work they do. Many Eastern European milling cutters stay in the same company for years. They take on responsibility, operate machinery independently and train new colleagues.

How is digitalization changing the way we work?

Digitalization is also advancing in modern CNC machines. They are becoming networked. Data is transmitted in real time, which reduces production costs. Milling cutters read programs on the monitor. They correct parameters directly in the system. They detect errors early on. They avoid downtimes by intervening quickly.

Many maintenance processes are now also digital. Sensors monitor the condition of the machine. The system reports wear and tear, irregularities and temperature deviations. The milling cutter reacts in a targeted manner. Downtimes are reduced.

This has also changed the role of the milling cutter. He needs much more technical understanding. He must be familiar with software, but also have learned his traditional trade. 

What materials are available and what are their special features?

The materials behave differently. Aluminum is known for being easy to mill. It is light, conducts heat and forgives small errors. Stainless steel demands more. It is hard, tough and heat-sensitive. The choice of tools is crucial. Speeds must be exactly right. Otherwise there is a risk of tool breakage.

Titanium is the heaviest material due to its strength and low weight. It is frequently used in aviation in particular. A CNC milling cutter needs maximum concentration here. Every deviation has an effect. Defects remain visible in the material.

The milling cutter selects the cutting speed and feed rate deliberately. If the values are too high, heat is generated. Values that are too low increase the machining time. Balance brings the best result. Experience helps.

What are CNC milling machines like in different industries?

Every industry also has different requirements. In automotive production, there is series production. In the Mechanical engineering dimensional accuracy is important. Maximum precision is required in aviation and medical technology relies on flawless surfaces. 

The production process remains flexible because the CNC milling machines adapt. Of course, they have to be programmed individually. CAD data provides the basis for this. CAM software calculates the tools. The milling cutter translates theory into practice.

Speed and accuracy count in prototype production. Milling cutters often have to improvise. They use standard tools for special solutions. Creativity plays a role. Series production follows clear specifications. This is where repeatability and process reliability count.

What does the future of CNC manufacturing look like?

There will be much more automation in this area in the future. The use of robots to perform various tasks will become increasingly important. However, humans will remain indispensable in programming, control and adaptation. The CNC milling cutter accompanies the processes. They must also undergo continuous further training to keep up with the times. 

How does the recruitment of CNC specialists from Eastern Europe work?

Regrettably, the shortage of skilled workers persists. Many young people are put off by the different techniques and skills. This is why many companies rely on personnel from Eastern Europe. There are many agencies here that specialize in Eastern European personnel. Many of these companies have local offices. These agencies deal with suitable personnel. They check qualifications, language skills and professional experience. The selection process is structured.

If there are applicants in this area, they must submit their certificates. They also have to pass application tests and take part in video interviews. There are also many cases in which the German companies visit the companies in Eastern Europe. This allows them to see for themselves what the level of training and motivation of the employees is like. There are many collaborations that are very successful.

Once a suitable employee has been found, an assignment plan is drawn up for them. The agencies take care of obtaining visas. They also arrange transportation to Germany and take care of finding suitable accommodation. In addition, they accompany the employee during the initial period when they are in Germany. Many of the employment agencies have their own translators who help the employees with visits to German authorities, for example.

What role does temporary work play in CNC production?

Direct Temporary work can be very helpful in production. Companies that suddenly have to produce large quantities often have a short-term need for skilled workers. The company's employees are overloaded and the situation needs to be resolved quickly. External support is therefore quickly required.

It is also important to remember that by using temporary staff, you are protecting your own employees from working overtime. Overtime is dangerous in these areas, because overtired employees can quickly make mistakes that you can't afford, especially in production. Temporary work allows you to react quickly to customer requests. There are often special productions that require a quick response time. It is then important for a temporary employment agency to have employees who are on call and can be deployed quickly. 

This principle has proven itself in the CNC world. The machines run reliably. The processes remain stable. Milling cutters from Eastern Europe bring a breath of fresh air. They bring ideas, experience and new perspectives.

Many of these assignments lead to long-term cooperation. Companies take on employees after the project phase. This creates sustainability in recruiting. Skilled workers find a perspective. Companies secure their production sector.

Find CNC specialists - Zeitarbeit International

CNC milling cutters are highly qualified specialists who are indispensable in many industrial sectors. They operate, program and monitor computer-controlled milling machines for the precise machining of metal, plastic or other materials. As part of the Recruitment and Temporary employment in Eastern Europe we place Production employeesCNC specialists and auxiliary personnel for industrial manufacturing and production from Eastern Europe and and the Baltic States: