Final answer:
The skill level required to operate a CNC machine is reduced compared to machinist skill for producing workpieces with conventional machine tools, representing a shift from artisanal skill to more standardized and automated manufacturing processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The skill level required to operate a CNC machine is reduced compared to the machinist skill required for producing workpieces with conventional machine tools. The advent of CNC technology represents a shift from the traditional artisanal craftwork that demanded a high level of skill, to more standardized and automated processes.
Historically, artisans such as carpenters were highly skilled craftsmen who could design and create unique items such as a custom-built chair. However, with the rise of industrialization and factory work, many tasks have been simplified. A lathe operator in a factory might not need the same level of skill as a carpenter because they are often tasked with producing high volumes of standardized products. This shift not only made the process more efficient but also had implications for labor, where workers could be employed at a lower cost due to the less skill-intensive nature of the jobs.
In a similar vein, a CNC machine simplifies complex machining operations that previously would have required a highly skilled machinist to perform manually on conventional machine tools. CNC machines use computer programming to automate the control of machining tools, thereby greatly reducing the manual intervention and skill level needed to produce precision workpieces. While the setup and programming of CNC machines do require a different set of skills, the overall level of manual craftsmanship required is lower than that of traditional machining processes.