Understanding the Role of Quality Control Inspectors in CNC Machining

Quality control inspectors can work in various industries, including metalworking, automotive, aerospace, plastics and transportation equipment manufacturing. They help CNC machinists create some of the most important manufactured parts on the planet using computer numerical control (CNC) machines. The job of a quality control inspector includes checking CNC machines, reading specifications and blueprints, recommending adjustments and inspecting finished items.

CNC machines turn and shape materials like metal, plastic and wood into intricate parts and complete products. Components created using CNC machines are found in medical equipment, cell phones, computers and many other products people use every day. Quality control inspectors ensure that the parts adhere to specifications and meet quality standards.

This is an important job because the quality control inspector is responsible for the final product. A faulty part or component could make an entire product useless or unsafe. To become a quality control inspector, formal training in CNC machining and certifications can be beneficial.

Learn more about what a quality control inspector does, how to become one and what the job outlook is like for CNC inspectors.

CNC Quality Control Inspector Job Description

CNC quality inspectors check finished products made with CNC machines. Sometimes CNC inspectors will inspect the CNC machines and parts during the process to save time and ensure the part comes out correctly. They typically do this when a parts program is still being developed. Once the product is finished, the inspector will check the part again.

The quality control inspection process typically includes the following steps:

• Checking the CNC machine to verify part features and tolerances.
• Reading specifications and blueprints.
• Verifying the key tolerances and features of the part during the process and monitoring operations to ensure they meet production and quality standards.
• Recommending adjustments to the production or assembly process.
• Using statistical process control to inspect the part for quality after the part is removed, using micrometers, rulers, calipers or gauges to measure products.
• Accepting or rejecting finished items and removing materials and products that fail to meet specifications.
• Reporting test and inspection data.

A quality control inspector makes sure parts and products follow the standards of measurements, quality, strength and endurance. If they don’t follow the guidelines, it can turn into a costly and dangerous problem.

How To Become a CNC Quality Control Inspector

If you’re looking to become a quality control inspector, completing a formal training program like the CNC Machining Technology program offered at Universal Technical Institute’s NASCAR Tech campus can give you a great foundation of skills to build on.⁸⁵ During the 36-week program, you can learn how to operate CNC machines and ensure parts are created to the correct specifications.

CNC machine quality control inspectors need to have experience using computers to work with computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology as well as know how to use CNC machine tools and computerized measuring machines.

CNC quality control inspectors must have physical strength and stamina since they’re constantly on their feet working with machinery. They also need to have technical, mechanical and math skills to ensure products are completed successfully.

Certifications are not typically required for CNC quality inspector positions, but formal training and certifications can help make candidates stand out. The American Society for Quality offers a Certified Quality Inspector designation, plus various Six Sigma certifications can help showcase your value to employers. There are also industry-specific programs like the Skills Certification System from The Manufacturing Institute that are available to help train quality control inspectors.

Job Outlook for CNC Quality Control Inspectors

Many quality control inspectors began their careers in CNC machining. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for computer numerically controlled tool operators in the United States was $48,550 in May 2023.³⁴ This means half of CNC machinists earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

Settings in which quality control inspectors can work include:

• Metalworking machinery manufacturing.
• Motor vehicle parts manufacturing.
• Aerospace product and parts manufacturing.
• Plastics product manufacturing.
• Machine shops.
• Transportation equipment manufacturing.
• Durable goods merchant wholesalers.

Whenever parts and goods are manufactured, a quality control inspection needs to happen before they are sold or distributed.

How To Become a CNC Inspector

CNC quality control inspectors have a very important role in ensuring parts and products comply with the requirements. These parts are in machines people use for transportation, equipment that powers hospitals, life-saving products and devices people rely on for work and communication.

If being a CNC quality control inspector sounds appealing to you, grow your skills and knowledge at Universal Technical Institute’s NASCAR Tech campus to help you pursue a career. Request information to learn more about the program, our campus and how to apply!