{"schemaVersion":"1.0","exportedAt":"2026-05-15T12:40:48.161Z","occupation":{"soc":"51-4194.00","title":"Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners","group":"Production","sector":"31-33","jobZone":2,"jobZoneInferred":false},"framework":{"version":"v.26.05","description":"","contextCovered":"This framework covers tool grinding, filing, and sharpening work performed in metal fabrication and production toolroom environments, from entry-level machine operation under supervision through senior-level process leadership and workforce development.","levels":{"emerging":{"label":"Emerging","statements":["Grinding machine operations — monitor under direct supervision to detect abnormal sounds or vibrations on a production shop floor.","Workpiece surfaces and dimensions — inspect visually and by feel using basic gauges under technician guidance in a metal fabrication setting.","Simple blueprints and work orders — read and interpret to identify basic grinding sequences with supervisor assistance in a toolroom environment.","Grinding wheels — select and mount on designated machines according to written specifications using hand tools under close direction.","Coolant flow valves — turn and adjust to direct coolant against cutting wheels and workpieces as instructed during grinding operations.","Manual measurement tools such as micrometers and scales — use to verify basic workpiece dimensions under step-by-step guidance.","Grinding or polishing machines — operate for straightforward metal workpiece tasks such as deburring parts under a lead operator's oversight.","Grinding wheel dressing procedures — perform on standard wheels following a prescribed checklist under direct supervision.","Equipment maintenance schedules — follow pre-written checklists to clean and lubricate grinding machines at the start and end of shifts.","Electronic mail and spreadsheet software — use to receive job assignments and log basic production data in a manufacturing environment."]},"developing":{"label":"Developing","statements":["Machine operation conditions — monitor routinely across multiple grinding stations and make minor adjustments to speed or feed without prompting.","Workpiece surfaces, angles, and tolerances — inspect using calipers, micrometers, and surface gauges to confirm conformance to specifications with limited oversight.","Blueprints and layout drawings — study independently to plan grinding procedures and determine operational sequences for familiar part types.","Abrasive wheel grades and bond types — select appropriately for different materials and mount securely on machines applying knowledge of grinding procedures.","Cutting tool dimensions and angles — compute using scales and standard formulas, then adjust tool settings to produce specified cuts on repeat job types.","Coolant systems — regulate flow rates and nozzle positioning to optimize wheel and workpiece cooling across varying grinding conditions.","Grinding and polishing machines — set up and operate for a range of metal workpieces including dies and tooling components with minimal supervision.","Grinding wheel dressing — execute according to job specifications, selecting appropriate dressing tools to maintain correct wheel profile and finish.","Equipment malfunctions — troubleshoot common issues such as wheel glazing or chatter, applying learned diagnostic steps to restore normal operation.","CAM software and database interfaces — use to retrieve job parameters and record inspection results in a production tracking system."]},"proficient":{"label":"Proficient","statements":["Multi-axis grinding machine operations — monitor across an entire production run, identifying subtle process drift and intervening before defects occur.","Complex workpiece geometries — inspect and measure using full range of precision instruments, evaluating surface finish and dimensional accuracy against tight tolerances.","Detailed engineering blueprints and CAD outputs — analyze autonomously to develop efficient grinding sequences and setup plans for non-routine or first-article parts.","Abrasive selection and wheel specification — determine optimal wheel composition, grit, and structure for uncommon materials or difficult geometries in a toolroom environment.","Cutting tool geometry calculations — perform independently for complex angles and compound profiles, adjusting machine parameters to achieve specified cuts on custom tooling.","Coolant chemistry and delivery systems — evaluate and optimize to extend wheel life and improve surface quality across varied grinding operations.","Grinding and polishing machine setups — configure from scratch for new part families, verifying alignment, speed, and feed parameters before full production runs.","Grinding wheel dressing programs — develop and refine for CNC grinding machines to maintain profile accuracy on precision tools and dies.","Quality control analysis — conduct root-cause investigations on out-of-tolerance workpieces, recommending and implementing corrective process changes.","CAD/CAM and manufacturing software — apply to translate part designs into machine-ready programs, validating outputs against blueprint requirements."]},"advanced":{"label":"Advanced","statements":["Production grinding workflows — design and standardize across multiple machine cells to maximize throughput and minimize scrap in a high-volume manufacturing facility.","Inspection and measurement protocols — develop and implement shop-wide standards for workpiece verification, ensuring consistent quality across all operators and shifts.","Blueprint interpretation training — lead structured instruction for junior grinders on reading technical drawings and planning operational sequences for complex parts.","Abrasive and tooling procurement specifications — establish and evaluate vendor qualifications, setting organizational standards for wheel selection and approval.","Tooling geometry engineering decisions — advise engineering and production teams on feasibility and optimal parameters for cutting tool designs in new product development.","Coolant and grinding fluid programs — direct facility-wide management including selection, maintenance, and disposal in compliance with environmental regulations.","Machine capital investment recommendations — assess grinding equipment capabilities and provide justified proposals for new technology adoption to plant leadership.","Grinding wheel dressing and truing programs — oversee organization-wide standards development and operator certification for CNC and manual dressing techniques.","Continuous improvement initiatives — lead root-cause elimination projects using quality data to reduce defect rates and downtime across the grinding department.","Mentorship and workforce development — guide apprentices and developing grinders through structured on-the-job training plans aligned to production competency milestones."]}}},"sources":{"onet":"v30.2 (CC BY 4.0)","crosswalk":"https://skillscrosswalk.com","generator":"LER.me"},"attribution":"© EBSCOed"}