Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

The work

Core tasks

1. 01Measure completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers.
2. 02Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.
3. 03Read work orders or production schedules to determine specifications, such as materials to be used, locations of cutting lines, or dimensions and tolerances.
4. 04Start machines, monitor their operations, and record operational data.
5. 05Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
6. 06Test and adjust machine speeds or actions, according to product specifications, using gauges and hand tools.
7. 07Load workpieces, plastic material, or chemical solutions into machines.
8. 08Turn controls to set cutting speeds, feed rates, or table angles for specified operations.
9. 09Clean work area.
10. 10Lubricate workpieces with oil.
11. 11Install, 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.
12. 12Adjust ram strokes of presses to specified lengths, using hand tools.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading