51-4193.00Apprenticeship

Plating Machine Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend plating machines to coat metal or plastic products with chromium, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel, or other metal to protect or decorate surfaces. Typically, the product being coated is immersed in molten metal or an electrolytic solution.

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 OutlookMicrosoft Word

Key Tasks

  • Immerse workpieces in coating solutions or liquid metal or plastic for specified times.
  • Adjust dials to regulate flow of current and voltage supplied to terminals to control plating processes.
  • Inspect coated or plated areas for defects, such as air bubbles or uneven coverage.
  • Set up, operate, or tend plating or coating machines to coat metal or plastic products with chromium, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel, or other metal to protect or decorate surfaces.
  • Maintain production records.
  • Remove objects from solutions at periodic intervals and observe objects to verify conformance to specifications.
  • Observe gauges to ensure that machines are operating properly, making adjustments or stopping machines when problems occur.
  • Remove excess materials or impurities from objects, using air hoses or grinding machines.
  • Measure or weigh materials, using rulers, calculators, and scales.
  • Test machinery to ensure that it is operating properly.
  • Determine sizes and compositions of objects to be plated, and amounts of electrical current and time required.
  • Measure, mark, and mask areas to be excluded from plating.
  • Examine completed objects to determine thicknesses of metal deposits, or measure thicknesses by using instruments such as micrometers.
  • Read production schedules to determine setups of equipment and machines.
  • Suspend objects, such as parts or molds from cathode rods, or negative terminals, and immerse objects in plating solutions.
  • Immerse objects to be coated or plated into cleaning solutions, or spray objects with conductive solutions to prepare them for plating.
  • Suspend sticks or pieces of plating metal from anodes, or positive terminals, and immerse metal in plating solutions.
  • Rinse coated objects in cleansing liquids and dry them with cloths, centrifugal driers, or by tumbling in sawdust-filled barrels.
  • Adjust controls to set temperatures of coating substances and speeds of machines and equipment.
  • Monitor and measure thicknesses of electroplating on component parts to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers.
  • Operate hoists to place workpieces onto machine feed carriages or spindles.
  • Position and feed materials into processing machines, by hand or by using automated equipment.
  • Position objects to be plated in frames, or suspend them from positive or negative terminals of power supplies.
  • Operate sandblasting equipment to roughen and clean surfaces of workpieces.
  • Clean and maintain equipment, using water hoses and scrapers.
  • Clean workpieces, using wire brushes.
  • Mix and test solutions, and turn valves to fill tanks with solutions.
  • Replace worn parts and adjust equipment components, using hand tools.
  • Place plated or coated materials on racks and transfer them to ovens to dry for specified periods of time.
  • Measure and set stops, rolls, brushes, and guides on automatic feeders and conveying equipment or coating machines, using micrometers, rules, and hand tools.
  • Position containers to receive parts, and load or unload materials in containers, using dollies or handtrucks.
  • Perform equipment maintenance, such as cleaning tanks and lubricating moving parts of conveyors.
  • Preheat workpieces in ovens.

Skills

Operations Monitoring
56%
Reading Comprehension
53%
Operation and Control
53%
Active Listening
53%
Monitoring
53%
Time Management
50%
Speaking
50%
Quality Control Analysis
50%
Coordination
50%
Critical Thinking
50%
Judgment and Decision Making
47%
Writing
44%
Social Perceptiveness
41%
Complex Problem Solving
41%
Negotiation
35%
Troubleshooting
35%
Persuasion
35%
Equipment Maintenance
35%
Repairing
31%
Instructing
31%
Service Orientation
31%
Learning Strategies
31%
Active Learning
28%
Management of Personnel Resources
28%
Equipment Selection
28%
Mathematics
25%
Science
25%
Systems Analysis
25%
Systems Evaluation
25%
Management of Material Resources
22%
Operations Analysis
22%
Management of Financial Resources
13%
Technology Design
10%
Installation
3%
Programming
0%

Knowledge

Production and Processing
79%
Mathematics
63%
Chemistry
61%
English Language
60%
Mechanical
58%
Engineering and Technology
57%
Education and Training
56%
Law and Government
53%
Customer and Personal Service
53%
Design
52%
Public Safety and Security
51%
Transportation
51%
Physics
50%
Administration and Management
45%
Sales and Marketing
44%
Personnel and Human Resources
42%
Administrative
35%
Economics and Accounting
34%
Computers and Electronics
33%
Building and Construction
31%
Telecommunications
27%
Psychology
26%
Communications and Media
25%
History and Archeology
23%
Geography
21%
Medicine and Dentistry
21%
Therapy and Counseling
20%
Sociology and Anthropology
19%
Biology
18%
Food Production
15%
Foreign Language
10%
Philosophy and Theology
5%
Fine Arts
4%

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Abilities

Near Vision
60%
Control Precision
60%
Problem Sensitivity
56%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
56%
Oral Comprehension
56%
Manual Dexterity
56%
Oral Expression
53%
Multilimb Coordination
53%
Speech Clarity
53%
Perceptual Speed
50%
Deductive Reasoning
50%
Category Flexibility
50%
Speech Recognition
50%
Static Strength
50%
Finger Dexterity
50%
Flexibility of Closure
50%
Inductive Reasoning
50%
Trunk Strength
50%
Information Ordering
50%
Selective Attention
50%
Extent Flexibility
47%
Written Comprehension
47%
Far Vision
44%
Auditory Attention
44%
Written Expression
44%
Hearing Sensitivity
41%
Depth Perception
41%
Visual Color Discrimination
41%
Visualization
38%
Stamina
38%
Fluency of Ideas
35%
Time Sharing
35%
Reaction Time
31%
Rate Control
31%
Originality
31%
Speed of Closure
28%
Gross Body Coordination
28%
Wrist-Finger Speed
25%
Mathematical Reasoning
25%
Dynamic Strength
25%
Gross Body Equilibrium
25%
Memorization
25%
Response Orientation
25%
Number Facility
25%
Speed of Limb Movement
22%
Sound Localization
16%
Explosive Strength
16%
Spatial Orientation
16%
Peripheral Vision
13%
Night Vision
13%
Glare Sensitivity
13%
Dynamic Flexibility
3%

Work Activities

Handling and Moving Objects
83%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
80%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
78%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
77%
Controlling Machines and Processes
76%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
76%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
74%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
71%
Getting Information
69%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
67%
Training and Teaching Others
66%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
57%
Thinking Creatively
56%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
56%
Documenting/Recording Information
53%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
53%
Processing Information
52%
Coaching and Developing Others
51%
Scheduling Work and Activities
50%
Performing General Physical Activities
50%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
50%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
49%
Analyzing Data or Information
49%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
46%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
44%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
42%
Developing and Building Teams
42%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
40%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
40%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
39%
Assisting and Caring for Others
38%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
34%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
30%
Working with Computers
28%
Selling or Influencing Others
23%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
21%
Performing Administrative Activities
21%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
18%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
16%
Staffing Organizational Units
12%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
11%

Work Context

Time Pressure

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

99%

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?

95%

Exposed to Contaminants

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

93%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

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

90%

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?

89%

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?

85%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

82%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

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

81%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

80%

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)?

79%

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?

79%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

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

77%

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?

73%

Freedom to Make Decisions

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

73%

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?

71%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

67%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

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

66%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

64%

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?

63%

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?

62%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

62%

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.)

61%

Consequence of Error

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

60%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

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

59%

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?

59%

Physical Proximity

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

59%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

56%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

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

55%

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?

50%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

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

50%

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?

45%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

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

45%

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?

43%

Level of Competition

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

39%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

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

34%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

31%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

31%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

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

31%

Conflict Situations

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

30%

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?

29%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

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

25%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

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

25%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

22%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

21%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

19%

E-Mail

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

16%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

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

16%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

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

12%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

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

11%

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)?

10%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

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

10%

Public Speaking

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

8%

Outdoors, Under Cover

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

7%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

5%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

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

3%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

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

2%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

0%

Education

Less than high school diploma

49%

High school diploma or equivalent

47%

Bachelor's degree

3%

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

52

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

21

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,

7

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
74%
Dependability
74%
Cautiousness
69%
Stress Tolerance
33%
Integrity
30%
Achievement Orientation
26%
Perseverance
26%
Self-Control
23%
Self-Confidence
12%
Adaptability
8%
Cooperation
6%
Initiative
5%
Sincerity
1%

Work Values

Support
61%
Relationships
56%
Working Conditions
25%
Recognition
22%
Achievement
17%
Independence
17%

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