CNC transformation: from material to prototype part

A skilled engineer

Greg Gorman is our Lead Programmer in the CNC Department. When he joined Prototype Projects, back in 2017, he was an all-rounder working across programming and operator/setting.

As a skilled engineer, Greg came to Prototype Projects with a range of skills and experience, including prototyping, engineering and production.

A keen engineer since his college days, Greg originally undertook an engineering course with Cambridge Regional College although he left after a year to work with his uncle, as a window fitter. When the work dried up, Greg moved to Bailey Motorsport and, over a period of nine years, he developed skills in metal polishing, fabricating, and welding.

Very much a hands-on individual, Greg decided to move into CNC machining and set about learning Mastercam at home after work. YouTube is, for all intents and purposes, Greg’s bible when it comes to learning new skills.

Joining Prototype Projects

His newly acquired skills were fully utilised when he joined Prototype Projects and today, Greg is the lead programmer in the team working alongside Ian Reinemann – CNC Manager, Oli Fensome – CNC Programmer, and the team of operator setters.

Greg enjoys the challenge of taking customers’ 3D data files into Mastercam and generating toolpaths which will ensure the team of operators is able to use the right material in the right way to get the right results, first time. He said:

‘I love seeing the transformation. Of taking 3D data, programming it, loading up the material – a blank canvas – before it is tooled, and then seeing the result. It makes me proud of what we can achieve, and every day is different, there’s always a fresh challenge.’

While most of Greg’s time is focused on programming, occasionally he will add another pair of hands to help with the milling and turning of parts with the operator setters. Likewise, when Ian is absent, Greg deputises by handling the quoting of new enquiries and team management.

Restoration bug

Outside of work, Greg’s time is occupied with his young family. He also really enjoys playing golf with his friends; they try to play on different courses every time and take part in events with other golfers throughout the year. The rest of his time is spent working on his biggest passion: classic car restoration. When Greg was fifteen, he and his dad began a restoration project on a VW Beetle which would span years. Granted, the car sat on his parents’ drive for ten years in the middle of the project, but the second phase of the restoration is in its third year and is now only a couple of months away from completion! What will his next project be, we wonder?