51-4033.00Apprenticeship

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, & Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic work pieces.

Career Cluster:Advanced Manufacturing
Job Family:Production
Job Zone:Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Industry:Manufacturing
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Technology Tools

Autodesk AutoCADMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WindowsSAP software

Key Tasks

  • Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers.
  • Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.
  • Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.
  • Move machine controls to index workpieces, and to adjust machines for pre-selected operational settings.
  • Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.
  • Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements.
  • Compute machine indexings and settings for specified dimensions and base reference points.
  • Mount and position tools in machine chucks, spindles, or other tool holding devices, using hand tools.
  • Set and adjust machine controls according to product specifications, using knowledge of machine operation.
  • Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.
  • Set up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic workpieces.
  • Brush or spray lubricating compounds on workpieces, or turn valve handles and direct flow of coolant against tools and workpieces.
  • Lift and position workpieces, manually or with hoists, and secure them in hoppers or on machine tables, faceplates, or chucks, using clamps.
  • Repair or replace machine parts, using hand tools, or notify engineering personnel when corrective action is required.
  • Maintain stocks of machine parts and machining tools.
  • Thread and hand-feed materials through machine cutters or abraders.
  • Adjust air cylinders and setting stops to set traverse lengths and feed arm strokes.
  • Slide spacers between buffs on spindles to set spacing.

Skills

Operation and Control
75%
Operations Monitoring
75%
Quality Control Analysis
63%
Reading Comprehension
53%
Monitoring
53%
Troubleshooting
50%
Speaking
50%
Critical Thinking
50%
Judgment and Decision Making
50%
Active Listening
47%
Complex Problem Solving
47%
Coordination
47%
Mathematics
44%
Time Management
44%
Equipment Selection
44%
Equipment Maintenance
44%
Repairing
41%
Active Learning
41%
Social Perceptiveness
41%
Systems Analysis
35%
Writing
35%
Instructing
31%
Systems Evaluation
31%
Learning Strategies
31%
Management of Material Resources
28%
Management of Personnel Resources
28%
Service Orientation
28%
Persuasion
25%
Negotiation
25%
Programming
19%
Management of Financial Resources
16%
Operations Analysis
16%
Technology Design
16%
Installation
13%
Science
13%

Knowledge

Production and Processing
62%
Mathematics
49%
Administration and Management
46%
Mechanical
43%
English Language
41%
Computers and Electronics
38%
Design
30%
Administrative
28%
Engineering and Technology
28%
Education and Training
27%
Public Safety and Security
26%
Customer and Personal Service
22%
Chemistry
20%
Psychology
17%
Building and Construction
16%
Personnel and Human Resources
16%
Foreign Language
15%
Transportation
14%
Physics
14%
Sales and Marketing
13%
Communications and Media
12%
Economics and Accounting
11%
Law and Government
8%
Therapy and Counseling
8%
Philosophy and Theology
7%
Medicine and Dentistry
7%
Sociology and Anthropology
5%
Geography
4%
Food Production
4%
Telecommunications
4%
Biology
3%
History and Archeology
2%
Fine Arts
2%

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Abilities

Control Precision
75%
Near Vision
69%
Manual Dexterity
69%
Reaction Time
66%
Problem Sensitivity
66%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
63%
Multilimb Coordination
63%
Perceptual Speed
56%
Rate Control
56%
Deductive Reasoning
53%
Far Vision
53%
Visualization
53%
Static Strength
53%
Finger Dexterity
53%
Depth Perception
53%
Flexibility of Closure
53%
Trunk Strength
53%
Written Comprehension
53%
Information Ordering
53%
Selective Attention
53%
Wrist-Finger Speed
50%
Auditory Attention
50%
Oral Expression
50%
Oral Comprehension
50%
Inductive Reasoning
50%
Category Flexibility
47%
Speed of Closure
47%
Hearing Sensitivity
44%
Speech Recognition
44%
Mathematical Reasoning
44%
Extent Flexibility
41%
Speech Clarity
41%
Response Orientation
41%
Number Facility
38%
Visual Color Discrimination
38%
Speed of Limb Movement
35%
Dynamic Strength
35%
Written Expression
31%
Stamina
31%
Fluency of Ideas
31%
Time Sharing
31%
Gross Body Equilibrium
28%
Memorization
28%
Gross Body Coordination
28%
Originality
25%
Explosive Strength
19%
Spatial Orientation
19%
Sound Localization
16%
Peripheral Vision
13%
Glare Sensitivity
10%
Night Vision
6%
Dynamic Flexibility
3%

Work Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes
87%
Handling and Moving Objects
84%
Documenting/Recording Information
79%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
76%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
70%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
70%
Getting Information
69%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
67%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
63%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
61%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
60%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
60%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
58%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
58%
Performing General Physical Activities
56%
Processing Information
56%
Training and Teaching Others
56%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
54%
Working with Computers
50%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
50%
Developing and Building Teams
48%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
46%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
46%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
45%
Coaching and Developing Others
44%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
42%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
40%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
40%
Assisting and Caring for Others
40%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
39%
Analyzing Data or Information
39%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
38%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
37%
Scheduling Work and Activities
35%
Performing Administrative Activities
35%
Thinking Creatively
34%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
34%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
27%
Selling or Influencing Others
26%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
15%
Staffing Organizational Units
14%

Work Context

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

100%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

98%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

91%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

83%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

79%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

78%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

77%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

77%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

72%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

72%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

71%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

71%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

69%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

69%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

68%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

67%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

65%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

65%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

63%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

62%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

62%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

56%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

55%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

52%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

51%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

48%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

48%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

46%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

42%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

41%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

41%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

39%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

38%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

37%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

36%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

35%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

35%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

34%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

33%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

23%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

22%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

21%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

20%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

18%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

17%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

16%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

15%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

15%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

13%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

13%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

10%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

9%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

8%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

7%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

6%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

6%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

5%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

80%

Post-secondary certificate

14%

Some college, no degree

4%

Interests

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

100

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

48

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

19

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

3

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

0

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

0

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
86%
Dependability
71%
Cautiousness
66%
Achievement Orientation
35%
Integrity
34%
Stress Tolerance
29%
Perseverance
26%
Self-Control
22%
Self-Confidence
16%
Initiative
11%
Intellectual Curiosity
10%
Adaptability
6%
Cooperation
4%
Sincerity
1%

Work Values

Support
50%
Independence
33%
Relationships
33%
Working Conditions
28%
Achievement
11%
Recognition
11%

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