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Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Multiple 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 more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $26K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $30K
Median Salary: $37K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $47K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $59K

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

Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.

Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools.

Compute data, such as gear dimensions or machine settings, applying knowledge of shop mathematics.

Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.

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.

Align layout marks with dies or blades.

Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD
Data base user interface and query software
Data entry software
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Desktop computers
Hand tools
Adjustable wrenches
Hardware
Lift bars
Industrial process machinery and equipment and supplies
Blow-molding machines
Material handling machinery and equipment
Mechanical booms
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
Height gauges
Metal cutting machinery and accessories
Buffing machines
Metal forming machinery and accessories
Tangent benders
Office and desk accessories
Templates
Personal safety and protection
Face masks
Raw materials processing machinery
Cutting machines
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Production and Processing
83%
Importance

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

Mechanical
79%
Importance

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

Mathematics
72%
Importance

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

English Language
66%
Importance

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

Design
62%
Importance

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

Education and Training
59%
Importance

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

Customer and Personal Service
56%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Engineering and Technology
54%
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.

Computers and Electronics
51%
Importance

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

Administration and Management
50%
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.

Top 10 Skills
Operations Monitoring
80%
Importance

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

Quality Control Analysis
68%
Importance

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

Equipment Maintenance
63%
Importance

Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Judgment and Decision Making
63%
Importance

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

Monitoring
63%
Importance

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

Operation and Control
63%
Importance

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Active Listening
60%
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.

Complex Problem Solving
60%
Importance

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Critical Thinking
60%
Importance

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

Reading Comprehension
60%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Top 10 Abilities
Arm-Hand Steadiness
78%
Importance

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

Control Precision
78%
Importance

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

Near Vision
78%
Importance

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

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.

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.

Visualization
68%
Importance

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

Information Ordering
65%
Importance

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Far Vision
63%
Importance

The ability to see details at a distance.

Finger Dexterity
63%
Importance

The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Multilimb Coordination
63%
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.

Top 10 Work Activities
Getting Information
89%
Importance

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

Controlling Machines and Processes
88%
Importance

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

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
88%
Importance

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

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
88%
Importance

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

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
87%
Importance

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
87%
Importance

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

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
86%
Importance

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

Processing Information
85%
Importance

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Handling and Moving Objects
84%
Importance

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

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
83%
Importance

Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Detailed Work Activities

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

Mount materials or workpieces onto production 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.

Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.

Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.

Operate grinding equipment.

Operate cutting equipment.

Replace worn equipment components.

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

Select production input materials.

Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.

Smooth metal surfaces or edges.

Clean production equipment.

Maintain production or processing equipment.

Lubricate production equipment.

Repair production equipment or tools.

Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.

Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.

Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products.

Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow.

Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of water, cleaning solutions, or other liquids.

Instruct workers to use equipment or perform technical procedures.

Record operational or production data.

Clear equipment jams.

Measure materials to mark reference points, cutting lines, or other indicators.

Program equipment to perform production tasks.

Write computer programming code.

Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.

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?

Face-to-Face Discussions

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

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?

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

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?

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?

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?

Exposed to Contaminants

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

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.

Investigative
29%
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.

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.

Social
19%
Importance

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

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.

Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
93%
Importance

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

Persistence
88%
Importance

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Adaptability/Flexibility
87%
Importance

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

Dependability
87%
Importance

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

Integrity
87%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Stress Tolerance
87%
Importance

Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Initiative
86%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Independence
84%
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.

Achievement/Effort
83%
Importance

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

Cooperation
82%
Importance

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

Work Values
Support
72%
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.

Relationships
48%
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
41%
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.

Independence
39%
Importance

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

Achievement
29%
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
29%
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.