51-4031.00Apprenticeship

Cutting, Punching, & Press Machine Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.

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 OutlookMicrosoft WordSAP software

Key Tasks

  • 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.
  • Lubricate workpieces with oil.
  • Read work orders or production schedules to determine specifications, such as materials to be used, locations of cutting lines, or dimensions and tolerances.
  • Install, align, and lock specified punches, dies, cutting blades, or other fixtures in rams or beds of machines, using gauges, templates, feelers, shims, and hand tools.
  • Start machines, monitor their operations, and record operational data.
  • Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
  • Adjust ram strokes of presses to specified lengths, using hand tools.
  • Position, align, and secure workpieces against fixtures or stops on machine beds or on dies.
  • Load workpieces, plastic material, or chemical solutions into machines.
  • Test and adjust machine speeds or actions, according to product specifications, using gauges and hand tools.
  • Set stops on machine beds, change dies, and adjust components, such as rams or power presses, when making multiple or successive passes.
  • Clean and lubricate machines.
  • Position guides, stops, holding blocks, or other fixtures to secure and direct workpieces, using hand tools and measuring devices.
  • Turn controls to set cutting speeds, feed rates, or table angles for specified operations.
  • Place workpieces on cutting tables, manually or using hoists, cranes, or sledges.
  • Replace defective blades or wheels, using hand tools.
  • Plan sequences of operations, applying knowledge of physical properties of workpiece materials.
  • Clean work area.
  • Mark identifying data on workpieces.
  • Turn valves to start flow of coolant against cutting areas or to start airflow that blows cuttings away from kerfs.
  • Hone cutters with oilstones to remove nicks.
  • Remove housings, feed tubes, tool holders, or other accessories to replace worn or broken parts, such as springs or bushings.
  • Sharpen dulled blades, using bench grinders, abrasive wheels, or lathes.
  • Operate forklifts to deliver materials.
  • Select, clean, and install spacers, rubber sleeves, or cutters on arbors.
  • Scribe reference lines on workpieces as guides for cutting operations, according to blueprints, templates, sample parts, or specifications.
  • Grind out burrs or sharp edges, using portable grinders, speed lathes, or polishing jacks.
  • Set blade tensions, heights, and angles to perform prescribed cuts, using wrenches.
  • Use equipment designed to join sheet metal, such as spot welders.
  • Preheat workpieces, using heating furnaces or hand torches.

Skills

Operations Monitoring
63%
Operation and Control
60%
Troubleshooting
50%
Speaking
50%
Active Listening
50%
Monitoring
50%
Quality Control Analysis
50%
Critical Thinking
50%
Judgment and Decision Making
47%
Coordination
44%
Reading Comprehension
44%
Time Management
44%
Active Learning
44%
Equipment Maintenance
44%
Repairing
41%
Social Perceptiveness
41%
Complex Problem Solving
41%
Writing
38%
Instructing
25%
Mathematics
25%
Persuasion
25%
Management of Personnel Resources
25%
Equipment Selection
25%
Systems Evaluation
25%
Learning Strategies
25%
Systems Analysis
22%
Negotiation
22%
Service Orientation
22%
Operations Analysis
19%
Technology Design
19%
Science
13%
Management of Material Resources
10%
Management of Financial Resources
10%
Installation
6%
Programming
0%

Knowledge

Production and Processing
56%
Mechanical
49%
English Language
49%
Mathematics
35%
Engineering and Technology
35%
Education and Training
31%
Design
29%
Computers and Electronics
25%
Transportation
21%
Public Safety and Security
19%
Chemistry
19%
Customer and Personal Service
17%
Physics
17%
Administration and Management
16%
Economics and Accounting
14%
Administrative
13%
Building and Construction
13%
Personnel and Human Resources
12%
Sales and Marketing
11%
Food Production
10%
Psychology
6%
Biology
5%
Law and Government
4%
Telecommunications
1%
Communications and Media
1%
Foreign Language
1%
Medicine and Dentistry
1%
History and Archeology
0%
Sociology and Anthropology
0%
Fine Arts
0%
Philosophy and Theology
0%
Geography
0%
Therapy and Counseling
0%

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Abilities

Arm-Hand Steadiness
69%
Near Vision
69%
Control Precision
69%
Reaction Time
56%
Information Ordering
56%
Manual Dexterity
56%
Selective Attention
53%
Perceptual Speed
50%
Far Vision
50%
Speech Clarity
50%
Visualization
50%
Deductive Reasoning
50%
Problem Sensitivity
50%
Oral Expression
50%
Speech Recognition
50%
Static Strength
50%
Finger Dexterity
50%
Oral Comprehension
50%
Depth Perception
50%
Multilimb Coordination
50%
Flexibility of Closure
50%
Inductive Reasoning
50%
Trunk Strength
50%
Written Comprehension
50%
Rate Control
50%
Extent Flexibility
44%
Category Flexibility
44%
Response Orientation
44%
Auditory Attention
41%
Stamina
41%
Visual Color Discrimination
38%
Written Expression
35%
Dynamic Strength
31%
Time Sharing
31%
Hearing Sensitivity
28%
Memorization
25%
Sound Localization
25%
Fluency of Ideas
25%
Mathematical Reasoning
25%
Peripheral Vision
25%
Spatial Orientation
25%
Speed of Closure
25%
Wrist-Finger Speed
25%
Originality
25%
Number Facility
25%
Gross Body Coordination
25%
Speed of Limb Movement
22%
Explosive Strength
22%
Glare Sensitivity
22%
Gross Body Equilibrium
22%
Night Vision
16%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%

Work Activities

Handling and Moving Objects
71%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
71%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
71%
Controlling Machines and Processes
70%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
66%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
64%
Getting Information
63%
Performing General Physical Activities
62%
Documenting/Recording Information
59%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
58%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
58%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
57%
Processing Information
50%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
50%
Analyzing Data or Information
47%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
46%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
44%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
44%
Thinking Creatively
43%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
41%
Training and Teaching Others
38%
Working with Computers
35%
Assisting and Caring for Others
34%
Coaching and Developing Others
33%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
29%
Developing and Building Teams
29%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
27%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
25%
Scheduling Work and Activities
25%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
25%
Performing Administrative Activities
24%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
23%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
23%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
23%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
22%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
20%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
19%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
19%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
17%
Selling or Influencing Others
15%
Staffing Organizational Units
11%

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?

97%

Exposed to Contaminants

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

94%

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.)

93%

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?

91%

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?

91%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

87%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

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

84%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

83%

Time Pressure

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

79%

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?

78%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

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

76%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

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

72%

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)?

69%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

68%

Consequence of Error

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

66%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

66%

Physical Proximity

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

61%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

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

55%

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?

54%

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?

53%

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?

53%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

52%

Conflict Situations

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

51%

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?

51%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

51%

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?

50%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

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

49%

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?

47%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

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

42%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

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

42%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

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

39%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

39%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

36%

Outdoors, Under Cover

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

36%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

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

34%

Freedom to Make Decisions

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

34%

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?

32%

Level of Competition

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

32%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

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

26%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

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

22%

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?

18%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

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

17%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

12%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

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

12%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

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

12%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

12%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

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

11%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

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

6%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

6%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

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

6%

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?

6%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

5%

Public Speaking

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

4%

E-Mail

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

2%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

2%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

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

1%

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)?

1%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

63%

Post-secondary certificate

35%

Less than high school diploma

1%

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

98

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,

5

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
81%
Dependability
75%
Cautiousness
65%
Stress Tolerance
32%
Integrity
24%
Perseverance
24%
Self-Control
24%
Achievement Orientation
23%
Self-Confidence
14%
Cooperation
9%
Adaptability
5%
Sincerity
2%
Initiative
1%

Work Values

Relationships
56%
Support
56%
Achievement
28%
Independence
28%
Working Conditions
25%
Recognition
17%

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