Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
Related:
Extruding & Forming Machine Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Synthetic & Glass Fibers
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, & Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, & Tenders
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, & Tenders
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, & Brazers
Work Activities
-
Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
-
Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
-
Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
-
Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
-
Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
-
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.
-
Measure and mark reference points and cutting lines on workpieces, using traced templates, compasses, and rules.
-
Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.
-
Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates.
-
Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow.
-
Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools.
-
Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.
-
Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.
-
Compute data, such as gear dimensions or machine settings, applying knowledge of shop mathematics.
-
Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms.
-
Move controls or mount gears, cams, or templates in machines to set feed rates and cutting speeds, depths, and angles.
-
Instruct other workers in machine set-up and operation.
-
Write programs for computer numerical control (CNC) machines to cut metal and plastic materials.
-
Record operational data, such as pressure readings, lengths of strokes, feed rates, or speeds.
-
Align layout marks with dies or blades.
-
Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars.
-
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
-
Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
-
Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
-
Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
-
Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
-
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
-
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
-
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
-
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
-
Currently Employed
17,150
-
Yearly Projected Openings
1,870
- Education
High school diploma or equivalent
- Work Experience
No work experience
- Training
1 to 12 months on-the-job training
-
Looking for technical training programs?
Check out these programs:
Realistic:
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
-
Attention to Detail
-
Persistence
-
Dependability
-
Adaptability/Flexibility
-
Integrity
-
Stress Tolerance
-
Lifting hooks
-
Cutting machines
-
Boring machines
-
Blow molding machines
-
Adjustable wrenches
-
Word processing software
-
Spreadsheet software
-
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
-
Electronic mail software
-
Computer aided design CAD software
