Careers

>

Manufacturing

>

Production

>

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

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

Overview
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Job Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Examples

These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.

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.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $26K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $30K
Median Salary: $36K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $45K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $54K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core 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.

Compute machine indexings and settings for specified dimensions and base reference points.

Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements.

Mount and position tools in machine chucks, spindles, or other tool holding devices, using hand tools.

Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.

Set and adjust machine controls according to product specifications, using knowledge of machine operation.

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.

Maintain stocks of machine parts and machining tools.

Repair or replace machine parts, using hand tools, or notify engineering personnel when corrective action is required.

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.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP
Industrial control software
Mazak Mazatrol SMART CNC
Inventory management software
Manufacturing reporting system
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Hand tools
Angle grinders
Hardware
Bench clamps
Material handling machinery and equipment
Power hoists
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
Gage blocks
Metal cutting machinery and accessories
Pipe chamfering machines
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Production and Processing
70%
Importance

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Mathematics
60%
Importance

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Administration and Management
57%
Importance

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Mechanical
55%
Importance

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

English Language
53%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Computers and Electronics
51%
Importance

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Design
45%
Importance

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Clerical
43%
Importance

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Engineering and Technology
43%
Importance

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Education and Training
42%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Top 10 Skills
Operation and Control
80%
Importance

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Operations Monitoring
80%
Importance

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Quality Control Analysis
70%
Importance

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Monitoring
63%
Importance

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Reading Comprehension
63%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking
60%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Judgment and Decision Making
60%
Importance

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Speaking
60%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Troubleshooting
60%
Importance

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Active Listening
58%
Importance

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Top 10 Abilities
Control Precision
80%
Importance

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

Manual Dexterity
75%
Importance

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

Near Vision
75%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Problem Sensitivity
73%
Importance

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Reaction Time
73%
Importance

The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

Arm-Hand Steadiness
70%
Importance

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Multilimb Coordination
70%
Importance

The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

Perceptual Speed
65%
Importance

The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

Rate Control
65%
Importance

The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

Deductive Reasoning
63%
Importance

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Top 10 Work Activities
Controlling Machines and Processes
90%
Importance

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Handling and Moving Objects
87%
Importance

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Documenting/Recording Information
84%
Importance

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
81%
Importance

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Getting Information
76%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
76%
Importance

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
76%
Importance

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
74%
Importance

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
71%
Importance

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
69%
Importance

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Detailed Work Activities

Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.

Lay out parts to prepare for assembly.

Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.

Operate grinding equipment.

Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.

Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.

Select production equipment according to product specifications.

Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.

Reshape metal workpieces to established specifications.

Operate cutting equipment.

Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow.

Apply lubricants or coolants to workpieces.

Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.

Lift materials or workpieces using cranes or other lifting equipment.

Replace worn equipment components.

Repair production equipment or tools.

Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.

Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.

Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.

Feed materials or products into or through equipment.

Set equipment guides, stops, spacers, or other fixtures.

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

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

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?

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

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

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?

Exposed to Contaminants

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

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

Face-to-Face Discussions

How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

Time Pressure

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

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable

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

Education
Majors
Major
Precision Metal Working
Interests
Realistic
100%
Importance

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Conventional
34%
Importance

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Enterprising
24%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Investigative
24%
Importance

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Artistic
15%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Social
15%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
83%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Dependability
80%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Self Control
77%
Importance

Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Cooperation
76%
Importance

Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Integrity
73%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Achievement/Effort
72%
Importance

Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Adaptability/Flexibility
71%
Importance

Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Independence
70%
Importance

Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Initiative
67%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Innovation
67%
Importance

Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Work Values
Support
58%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Independence
43%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Relationships
43%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Working Conditions
39%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Achievement
24%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Recognition
24%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.