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Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers

Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers

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 machines that extrude and form continuous filaments from synthetic materials, such as liquid polymer, rayon, and fiberglass.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $26K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $30K
Median Salary: $37K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $46K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $57K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

Press buttons to stop machines when processes are complete or when malfunctions are detected.

Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form filaments from synthetic materials such as rayon, fiberglass, or liquid polymers.

Notify other workers of defects, and direct them to adjust extruding and forming machines.

Observe flow of finish across finish rollers, and turn valves to adjust flow to specifications.

Observe machine operations, control boards, and gauges to detect malfunctions such as clogged bushings and defective binder applicators.

Load materials into extruding and forming machines, using hand tools, and adjust feed mechanisms to set feed rates.

Remove polymer deposits from spinnerettes and equipment, using silicone spray, brass chisels, and bronze-wool pads.

Move controls to activate and adjust extruding and forming machines.

Press metering-pump buttons and turn valves to stop flow of polymers.

Record operational data on tags, and attach tags to machines.

Start metering pumps and observe operation of machines and equipment to ensure continuous flow of filaments extruded through spinnerettes and to detect processing defects.

Turn rheostats to obtain specified temperatures in electric furnaces where glass is melted.

Record details of machine malfunctions.

Remove excess, entangled, or completed filaments from machines, using hand tools.

Wipe finish rollers with cloths and wash finish trays with water when necessary.

Turn petcocks to adjust the flow of binding fluid to sleeves.

Clean and maintain extruding and forming machines, using hand tools.

Lower pans inside cabinets to catch molten filaments until flow of polymer through packs has stopped.

Open cabinet doors to cut multifilament threadlines away from guides, using scissors.

Pull extruded fiberglass filaments over sleeves where binding solution is applied, and into grooves of graphite shoes that bind filaments into single strands of sliver.

Pass sliver strands through openings in floors to workers on floors below who wind slivers onto tubes.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Industrial control software
Statistical process control SPC software
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Personal computers
Construction and maintenance support equipment
Stepladders
Containers and storage
Material hoppers
Hand tools
Measuring tapes
Heating and ventilation and air circulation
Industrial ovens
Industrial process machinery and equipment and supplies
Glass material extruders
Janitorial equipment
Cleaning scrapers
Material handling machinery and equipment
Polymer feed systems
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
Benchtop microscopes
Metal forming machinery and accessories
Wire drawing machines
Mixers and their parts and accessories
Color blenders
Office machines and their supplies and accessories
Label makers
Textile and fabric machinery and accessories
Yarn splicers
Welding and soldering and brazing machinery and accessories and supplies
Gas torches
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Production and Processing
74%
Importance

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

English Language
65%
Importance

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

Education and Training
63%
Importance

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

Mathematics
63%
Importance

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

Mechanical
62%
Importance

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

Customer and Personal Service
57%
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.

Administration and Management
56%
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.

Public Safety and Security
54%
Importance

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Computers and Electronics
53%
Importance

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

Engineering and Technology
49%
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.

Top 10 Skills
Operations Monitoring
80%
Importance

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

Operation and Control
75%
Importance

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Monitoring
70%
Importance

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

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.

Coordination
60%
Importance

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Judgment and Decision Making
60%
Importance

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

Quality Control Analysis
60%
Importance

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

Speaking
60%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Time Management
60%
Importance

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Top 10 Abilities
Control Precision
75%
Importance

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

Problem Sensitivity
75%
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.

Near Vision
70%
Importance

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

Arm-Hand Steadiness
68%
Importance

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

Finger Dexterity
68%
Importance

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

Oral Comprehension
68%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Manual Dexterity
65%
Importance

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

Multilimb Coordination
65%
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.

Reaction Time
65%
Importance

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

Deductive Reasoning
63%
Importance

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

Top 10 Work Activities
Getting Information
89%
Importance

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

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
89%
Importance

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

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
84%
Importance

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

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
84%
Importance

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

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
82%
Importance

Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Handling and Moving Objects
78%
Importance

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

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
78%
Importance

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

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People
77%
Importance

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
76%
Importance

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

Detailed Work Activities

Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.

Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.

Signal others to coordinate work activities.

Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.

Load materials into production equipment.

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

Record operational or production data.

Clean production equipment.

Maintain production or processing equipment.

Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.

Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.

Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.

Operate pumping systems or equipment.

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

Position containers to receive materials or workpieces.

Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing.

Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.

Move products, materials, or equipment between work areas.

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?

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?

Work With Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?

Exposed to Contaminants

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

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

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

Frequency of Decision Making

How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

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?

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?

Education
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
39%
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
34%
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
29%
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.

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
80%
Importance

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

Integrity
80%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Self Control
80%
Importance

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

Dependability
78%
Importance

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

Cooperation
77%
Importance

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

Persistence
77%
Importance

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Stress Tolerance
76%
Importance

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

Achievement/Effort
75%
Importance

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

Initiative
75%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Concern for Others
71%
Importance

Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Work Values
Support
86%
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
58%
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.

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.

Working Conditions
31%
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
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.