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Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
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 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.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $25K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $29K
Median Salary: $34K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $42K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $52K
Demand
Core 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.
Observe gauges to ensure that machines are operating properly, making adjustments or stopping machines when problems occur.
Remove objects from solutions at periodic intervals and observe objects to verify conformance to specifications.
Determine sizes and compositions of objects to be plated, and amounts of electrical current and time required.
Remove excess materials or impurities from objects, using air hoses or grinding machines.
Measure or weigh materials, using rulers, calculators, and scales.
Measure, mark, and mask areas to be excluded from plating.
Test machinery to ensure that it is operating properly.
Examine completed objects to determine thicknesses of metal deposits, or measure thicknesses by using instruments such as micrometers.
Immerse objects to be coated or plated into cleaning solutions, or spray objects with conductive solutions to prepare them for plating.
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.
Suspend sticks or pieces of plating metal from anodes, or positive terminals, and immerse metal in plating solutions.
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.
Rinse coated objects in cleansing liquids and dry them with cloths, centrifugal driers, or by tumbling in sawdust-filled barrels.
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.
Spray coating in specified patterns according to instructions.
Clean and maintain equipment, using water hoses and scrapers.
Plate small objects, such as nuts or bolts, using motor-driven barrels.
Clean workpieces, using wire brushes.
Mix and test solutions, and turn valves to fill tanks with solutions.
Place plated or coated materials on racks and transfer them to ovens to dry for specified periods of time.
Replace worn parts and adjust equipment components, using hand tools.
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.
Attach nozzles, position guns, connect hoses, and thread wire to set up metal-spraying machines.
Perform equipment maintenance, such as cleaning tanks and lubricating moving parts of conveyors.
Install gears and holding devices on conveyor equipment.
Preheat workpieces in ovens.
Cut metal or other materials, using shears or band saws.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Production and Processing
84%
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mathematics
70%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Chemistry
69%
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
English Language
68%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Engineering and Technology
66%
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.
Mechanical
66%
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Education and Training
65%
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
63%
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.
Law and Government
63%
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Design
62%
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Top 10 Skills
Operations Monitoring
65%
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Active Listening
63%
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.
Monitoring
63%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operation and Control
63%
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Reading Comprehension
63%
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Coordination
60%
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Critical Thinking
60%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Quality Control Analysis
60%
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Speaking
60%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management
60%
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Top 10 Abilities
Control Precision
68%
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Near Vision
68%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Arm-Hand Steadiness
65%
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Manual Dexterity
65%
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Oral Comprehension
65%
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Problem Sensitivity
65%
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.
Multilimb Coordination
63%
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.
Oral Expression
63%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Speech Clarity
63%
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Category Flexibility
60%
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Top 10 Work Activities
Handling and Moving Objects
86%
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
84%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
83%
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
82%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Controlling Machines and Processes
81%
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
81%
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
79%
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People
77%
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Getting Information
75%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
74%
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
Detailed Work Activities
Immerse objects or workpieces in cleaning or coating solutions.
Adjust flow of electricity to tools or production equipment.
Inspect finishes of workpieces or finished products.
Operate painting or coating equipment.
Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
Record operational or production data.
Trim excess material from workpieces.
Operate grinding equipment.
Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
Clean workpieces or finished products.
Determine metal or plastic production methods.
Conduct test runs of production equipment.
Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes.
Measure materials to mark reference points, cutting lines, or other indicators.
Apply protective or decorative finishes to workpieces or products.
Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.
Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
Feed materials or products into or through equipment.
Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
Clean production equipment.
Maintain production or processing equipment.
Mix substances to create chemical solutions.
Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products.
Replace worn equipment components.
Load items into ovens or furnaces.
Set equipment guides, stops, spacers, or other fixtures.
Load materials into production equipment.
Position containers to receive materials or workpieces.
Connect supply lines to production equipment or tools.
Lubricate production equipment.
Install mechanical components in production equipment.
Heat material or workpieces to prepare for or complete production.
Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing.
Work Context
Time Pressure
How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
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?
Exposed to Contaminants
How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
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?
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?
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?
Spend Time Standing
How much does this job require standing?
Education
Interests
Realistic
100%
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
48%
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
34%
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
19%
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.
Artistic
15%
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%
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
92%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability
85%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Cooperation
82%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Achievement/Effort
80%
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Integrity
78%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Independence
77%
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.
Self Control
77%
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
76%
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Adaptability/Flexibility
75%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
73%
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Work Values
Support
67%
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
62%
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
36%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Recognition
34%
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.
Achievement
29%
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.
Independence
29%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
