Cutting, Punching, & Press Machine Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic
Also called: Machine Operator, Press Operator, Set-Up Operator, Saw Operator
What they do:
Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
On the job, you would:
- Measure completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers.
- Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.
- Read work orders or production schedules to determine specifications, such as materials to be used, locations of cutting lines, or dimensions and tolerances.
Knowledge
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
- manufacture and distribution of products
Math and Science
- arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Business
- management
Engineering and Technology
- mechanical
Skills
Basic Skills
- listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
- keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Abilities
Hand and Finger Use
- keep your arm or hand steady
- hold or move items with your hands
Controlled Movement
- quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
- use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down
Verbal
- read and understand what is written
- communicate by speaking
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Integrity
- Self Control
- Concern for Others
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Striker Systems SS-Punch
Word processing software
- Microsoft Word
Education
high school diploma or
some high school
usually needed
some high school
usually needed
These apprenticeships may have sponsors in your area:
- Press Operator, Heavy Duty
- Press Setup Operator - Stamping
- Spring Coiling Machine Setter
Job Outlook
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
$29,720
per year, on average
This work is part of the green economy.
Explore More
- Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal & Plastic
- Cutting & Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, & Tenders
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic
- Welding, Soldering, & Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, & Tenders
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