Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
Technology Tools
Key Tasks
- Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
- Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
- Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
- Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
- Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
- Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.
- Measure and mark reference points and cutting lines on workpieces, using traced templates, compasses, and rules.
- Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.
- Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates.
- Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow.
- Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools.
- Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.
- Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.
- Compute data, such as gear dimensions or machine settings, applying knowledge of shop mathematics.
- Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms.
- Move controls or mount gears, cams, or templates in machines to set feed rates and cutting speeds, depths, and angles.
- Instruct other workers in machine set-up and operation.
- Write programs for computer numerical control (CNC) machines to cut metal and plastic materials.
- Record operational data, such as pressure readings, lengths of strokes, feed rates, or speeds.
- Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars.
- Align layout marks with dies or blades.
Skills
Knowledge
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Abilities
Work Activities
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?
99%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?
97%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
92%
Time Pressure
How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
87%
Spend Time Standing
How much does this job require standing?
84%
Duration of Typical Work Week
Number of hours typically worked in one week.
81%
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?
81%
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?
74%
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.)
74%
Freedom to Make Decisions
How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
73%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?
70%
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?
70%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
63%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?
60%
How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?
58%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?
58%
Consequence of Error
How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?
55%
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?
55%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
54%
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?
54%
Physical Proximity
To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?
52%
Degree of Automation
How automated is the job?
51%
Exposed to Contaminants
How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
51%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
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%
Spend Time Walking or Running
How much does this job require walking or running?
50%
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?
48%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?
47%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
47%
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?
45%
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)?
45%
Conflict Situations
How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
44%
Written Letters and Memos
How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?
43%
Level of Competition
To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
41%
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?
32%
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?
31%
Telephone Conversations
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
26%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
25%
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?
22%
Public Speaking
How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?
20%
Spend Time Sitting
How much does this job require sitting?
20%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?
19%
Work Schedules
How regular are the work schedules for this job?
18%
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 Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?
15%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?
13%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?
12%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?
9%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?
8%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?
7%
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)?
6%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?
4%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
3%
Outdoors, Under Cover
How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?
3%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?
2%
Exposed to High Places
How often does this job require exposure to high places?
2%
Exposed to Radiation
How often does this job require exposure to radiation?
1%
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Some college, no degree
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
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
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
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.
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,
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
Work Styles
Work Values
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