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
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Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
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Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
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Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
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Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
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Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
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Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.
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Measure and mark reference points and cutting lines on workpieces, using traced templates, compasses, and rules.
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Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.
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Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates.
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Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow.
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Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools.
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Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.
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Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.
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Compute data, such as gear dimensions or machine settings, applying knowledge of shop mathematics.
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Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms.
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Move controls or mount gears, cams, or templates in machines to set feed rates and cutting speeds, depths, and angles.
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Instruct other workers in machine set-up and operation.
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Write programs for computer numerical control (CNC) machines to cut metal and plastic materials.
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Record operational data, such as pressure readings, lengths of strokes, feed rates, or speeds.
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Align layout marks with dies or blades.
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Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars.
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
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Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
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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.
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Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Currently Employed
17,150
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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
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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:
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Attention to Detail
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Persistence
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Dependability
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Adaptability/Flexibility
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Integrity
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Stress Tolerance
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Lifting hooks
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Cutting machines
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Boring machines
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Blow molding machines
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Adjustable wrenches
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Word processing software
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Spreadsheet software
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Enterprise resource planning ERP software
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Electronic mail software
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Computer aided design CAD software
