Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Overview
SaveJob 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, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.
Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
Yearly Salary
| High: | $54K |
| Median: | $36K |
| Low: | $26K |
Demand
Core Tasks
- Measure completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers.
- Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.
- Install, align, and lock specified punches, dies, cutting blades, or other fixtures in rams or beds of machines, using gauges, templates, feelers, shims, and hand tools.
- Lubricate workpieces with oil.
- Read work orders or production schedules to determine specifications, such as materials to be used, locations of cutting lines, or dimensions and tolerances.
- Start machines, monitor their operations, and record operational data.
- Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
- Adjust ram strokes of presses to specified lengths, using hand tools.
- Position, align, and secure workpieces against fixtures or stops on machine beds or on dies.
- Load workpieces, plastic material, or chemical solutions into machines.
- Test and adjust machine speeds or actions, according to product specifications, using gauges and hand tools.
- Set stops on machine beds, change dies, and adjust components, such as rams or power presses, when making multiple or successive passes.
- Clean and lubricate machines.
- Position guides, stops, holding blocks, or other fixtures to secure and direct workpieces, using hand tools and measuring devices.
- Turn controls to set cutting speeds, feed rates, or table angles for specified operations.
- Place workpieces on cutting tables, manually or using hoists, cranes, or sledges.
- Plan sequences of operations, applying knowledge of physical properties of workpiece materials.
- Replace defective blades or wheels, using hand tools.
- Clean work area.
- Hone cutters with oilstones to remove nicks.
- Mark identifying data on workpieces.
- Turn valves to start flow of coolant against cutting areas or to start airflow that blows cuttings away from kerfs.
- Remove housings, feed tubes, tool holders, or other accessories to replace worn or broken parts, such as springs or bushings.
- Sharpen dulled blades, using bench grinders, abrasive wheels, or lathes.
- Operate forklifts to deliver materials.
- Select, clean, and install spacers, rubber sleeves, or cutters on arbors.
- Scribe reference lines on workpieces as guides for cutting operations, according to blueprints, templates, sample parts, or specifications.
- Grind out burrs or sharp edges, using portable grinders, speed lathes, or polishing jacks.
- Set blade tensions, heights, and angles to perform prescribed cuts, using wrenches.
- Use equipment designed to join sheet metal, such as spot welders.
- Preheat workpieces, using heating furnaces or hand torches.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Production and Processing
65%
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mechanical
60%
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
English Language
59%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Engineering and Technology
48%
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.
Mathematics
48%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Education and Training
45%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Design
43%
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Computers and Electronics
41%
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Transportation
37%
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Chemistry
35%
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.
Top 10 Skills
Operations Monitoring
70%
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control
68%
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Active Listening
60%
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.
Critical Thinking
60%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring
60%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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.
Troubleshooting
60%
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Judgment and Decision Making
58%
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Learning
55%
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Top 10 Abilities
Arm-Hand Steadiness
75%
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
75%
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Near Vision
75%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Information Ordering
65%
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).
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.
Reaction Time
65%
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Selective Attention
63%
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Deductive Reasoning
60%
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Depth Perception
60%
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Far Vision
60%
The ability to see details at a distance.
Top 10 Work Activities
Handling and Moving Objects
77%
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
77%
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
77%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Controlling Machines and Processes
76%
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
73%
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
71%
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Getting Information
70%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Performing General Physical Activities
70%
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Documenting/Recording Information
68%
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
67%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Detailed Work Activities
- Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
- Inspect metal, plastic, or composite products.
- Sort materials or products for processing, storing, shipping, or grading.
- Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
- Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
- Monitor equipment operation to ensure that products are not flawed.
- Operate cutting equipment.
- Record operational or production data.
- Inspect production equipment.
- Load materials into production equipment.
- Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
- Clean work areas.
- Apply lubricants or coolants to workpieces.
- Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
- Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
- Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
- Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.
- Set equipment guides, stops, spacers, or other fixtures.
- Clean production equipment.
- Lubricate production equipment.
- Replace worn equipment components.
- Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
- Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.
- Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow.
- Sharpen cutting or grinding tools.
- Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
- Remove accessories, tools, or other parts from equipment.
- Operate grinding equipment.
- Operate forklifts or other loaders.
- Select production equipment according to product specifications.
- Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
- Smooth metal surfaces or edges.
- Weld metal components.
- Braze metal parts or components.
- Operate welding equipment.
- Heat material or workpieces to prepare for or complete production.
Education
Interests
Realistic
99%
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, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional
56%
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 human resources.
Investigative
31%
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 fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Artistic
19%
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, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Enterprising
15%
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/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social
15%
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.
Work Values
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.
Support
62%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Achievement
39%
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
39%
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
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
29%
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.