Manufacturing & ProductionISCO 7222
Precision mechanic
A precision mechanic is a person who makes accurate metal components and assembles them into working units, measuring and control instruments among them.
Check yourself in a minute: precision mechanic
Rate 5 of the 13 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
supply machine with appropriate tools
perform test run
secure working area
monitor automated machines
assemble machines
About precision mechanic
Precision mechanics means working to tolerances the eye cannot see. The mechanic machines components on milling machines, drills, grinders and honing machines, handles high-precision tools and measures a part as the work proceeds, because at such tolerances the final dimension is reached with the last, finishing pass.
The mechanic also brings components together into a functional unit: setting clearances, fits, alignment and preload, fitting parts by lapping, and checking that a mechanism runs evenly across its whole range of movement. They make electronic measuring and control elements as well, and join them to the mechanical part of the device.
The mechanic runs test trials, configures machine control panels, monitors automatic machines, consults technical resources on an unusual part, and secures the work zone. All of this work draws on knowledge of mechanics and precision mechanics: how mechanisms work and how parts are made to very small dimensional tolerances.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a precision mechanic.
1
Precision Machine Operation
- Set up controllers and precision machinery according to technical specifications and drawings
- Operate milling, drilling, grinding, and honing machines with precision and consistency
- Monitor automated machines during operation and adjust parameters as needed
- Perform test runs and verify component accuracy against specifications
2
Component Manufacturing and Assembly
- Manufacture precision metal components using milling, drilling, grinding techniques
- Assemble manufactured components into functional units and sub-assemblies
- Build electronic measuring and control components with exacting precision
- Supply and load machines with appropriate materials and tools for each operation
3
Precision Measurement and Quality Control
- Operate precision measuring equipment to verify component tolerances and specifications
- Use precision tools and calipers to ensure manufacturing accuracy
- Record measurement data and document quality control results
- Identify and report defects or components that do not meet specifications
4
Technical Documentation and Problem-Solving
- Consult technical drawings, blueprints, and documentation for accurate component manufacturing
- Consult with technical resources and engineers when issues or questions arise
- Troubleshoot machinery problems and implement corrective adjustments
- Recommend solutions to improve manufacturing efficiency and precision
5
Workplace Safety and Organization
- Secure and organize the working area to maintain safety standards and prevent accidents
- Follow proper procedures for machine operation and material handling
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of tools and equipment
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (13)
precision mechanicsprecision mechanicsPrecision or fine mechanics is a subdiscipline in engineering that focuses on the design and development of smaller precision machines.mechanicsmechanicsTheoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.supply machine with appropriate toolssupply machine with appropriate toolsSupply the machine with the necessary tools and items for a particular production purpose. Monitor the stock and replenish when needed.perform test runperform test runPerform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, ...secure working areasecure working areaSecure the operation site fixing boundaries, restricting access, placing signs and taking other measures in order to guarantee public and staff safety.monitor automated machinesmonitor automated machinesContinuously check up on the automated machine's set-up and execution or make regular control rounds. If necessary, record and interpret data on the operating conditions of installations and equipment...assemble machinesassemble machinesPut together devices, and components according to drawings. Program and install the components where needed.supply machinesupply machineEnsure the machine is fed the necessary and adequate materials and control the placement or automatic feed and retrieval of work pieces in the machines or machine tools on the production line.consult technical resourcesconsult technical resourcesRead and interpret technical resources such as digital or paper drawings and adjustment data in order to properly set up a machine or working tool, or to assemble mechanical equipment.set up the controller of a machineset up the controller of a machineSet up and give commands to a machine by dispatching the appropriate data and input into the (computer) controller corresponding with the desired processed product.micromechanicsmicromechanicsThe design and production of micromechanisms. Micromechanisms combine mechanical and electrical components in a single device that is less than 1mm across.use precision toolsuse precision toolsUse electronic, mechanical, electric, or optical precision tools, such as drilling machines, grinders, gear cutters and milling machines to boost accuracy while machining products.operate precision measuring equipmentoperate precision measuring equipmentMeasure the size of a processed part when checking and marking it to check if it is up to standard by use of two and three dimensional precision measuring equipment such as a caliper, a micrometer, an...
Optional (24) — show
electronicselectronicsThe functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications.manufacturing of pumps and compressorsmanufacturing of pumps and compressorsThe manufacture of different types of pumps, such as air, vacuum or engine pumps as well as hand pumps, and compressors.manufacturing of office equipmentmanufacturing of office equipmentThe manufacture of calculators, staplers, cartridges, binding equipment, photocopy machines, boards and all types of equipment and machines used in an office.maintain records of maintenance interventionsmaintain records of maintenance interventionsKeep written records of all repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, including information on the parts and materials used, etc.resolve equipment malfunctionsresolve equipment malfunctionsIdentify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions. Communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.assemble metal partsassemble metal partsAlign and arrange steel and metal parts in order to assemble complete products; use the appropriate hand tools and gauges.operate welding equipmentoperate welding equipmentUse welding equipment to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel, wearing protective eyewear during the working process.record test datarecord test dataRecord data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptiona...troubleshoottroubleshootIdentify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.dispose of hazardous wastedispose of hazardous wasteDispose of dangerous materials such as chemical or radioactive substances according to environmental and to health and safety regulations.assemble electrical componentsassemble electrical componentsAssemble switches, electrical controls, circuit boards and other electrical components by using hand and soldering equipment.conduct quality control analysisconduct quality control analysisConduct inspections and tests of services, processes, or products to evaluate quality.tend CNC milling machinetend CNC milling machineTend a computer numerical controlled (CNC) milling machine designed for cutting manufacturing processes on metal, wooden, plastic materials and others, monitor and operate it, according to regulations...assemble electronic unitsassemble electronic unitsConnect various electronic and computer parts to form an electronic product or device.conduct routine machinery checksconduct routine machinery checksCheck machinery and equipment to ensure reliable performance during use and operations in worksites.tend CNC grinding machinetend CNC grinding machineTend a computer numerical controlled (CNC) grinding machine designed for manufacturing processes on metal, wooden, plastic materials and others, monitor and operate it, according to regulations.use testing equipmentuse testing equipmentUse equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.tend CNC drilling machinetend CNC drilling machineTend a computer numerical controlled (CNC) drilling machine designed for cutting manufacturing processes on metal, wooden, plastic materials and others, monitor and operate it, according to regulation...apply precision metalworking techniquesapply precision metalworking techniquesComply with precision standards specific to an organisation or product in metalworking, involved in processes such as engraving, precise cutting, welding.tend CNC laser cutting machinetend CNC laser cutting machineMonitor and operate a computer numerical controlled (CNC) laser cutting machine according to regulations.tend computer numerical control lathe machinetend computer numerical control lathe machineTend a computer numerical controlled (CNC) lathe and turn machine designed for cutting manufacturing processes on metal, wooden, plastic materials and others, monitor and operate it, according to regu...operate soldering equipmentoperate soldering equipmentUse soldering equipment to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel, such as a soldering gun, soldering torch, gas-powered iron, and others.manufacturing of taps and valvesmanufacturing of taps and valvesThe manufacture of industrial, sanitary or heating taps and valves.perform machine maintenanceperform machine maintenancePerform regular maintenance, possibly including corrections and alterations, on a machine or machine tool to ensure it remains in a proper productive state.
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
gear machinist8 shared essential skillscomputer numerical control machine operator7 shared essential skillsengraving machine operator7 shared essential skillslaser cutting machine operator7 shared essential skillsboring machine operator6 shared essential skillsgrinding machine operator6 shared essential skillslathe and turning machine operator6 shared essential skillsmetal planer operator6 shared essential skills
Frequently asked questions
What does a precision mechanic do?
Precision mechanics manufacture precision metal components for machines and assemble them into functional units. They also build electronic measuring and control components. Precision mechanics use milling, drilling, grinding and honing machines.
What skills does a precision mechanic need?
A precision mechanic needs 13 essential skills, including precision mechanics, mechanics, supply machine with appropriate tools, perform test run, secure working area.
Will AI replace precision mechanic jobs?
The AI disruption score for precision mechanic is 41/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: record test data, monitor automated machines, maintain records of maintenance interventions. Most resilient: operate welding equipment, secure working area, dispose of hazardous waste.
AI Replacement Risk
41/ 100
Moderate Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
ISCO GroupMetal, machinery and related trades workers
Essential Skills13
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