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

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Machine Operator
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Mold Setter
Production Operator
Shear Operator
Tooling Set-Up Person

What is a Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders in the metal and plastic industries are essential professionals responsible for the setup, operation, and maintenance of various types of machinery that shape and manufacture metal and plastic products. They utilize tools like lathes, machining centers, grinders, and milling machines to transform raw materials into specified shapes and dimensions required for production. Their work involves reading and interpreting blueprints and technical drawings to ensure that products meet precise standards and tolerances. Additionally, they monitor machine operations, control settings to improve performance, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the manufacturing process. Safety is also a priority, as they adhere to strict protocols to maintain a safe working environment. These professionals require a strong understanding of machine mechanics, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills to produce quality components efficiently. Through their expertise, they contribute significantly to various sectors, including automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, ensuring the smooth production of essential parts and products.

Career Assessment
Career Assessment

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.

Technology Skills

Tools Used

Knowledge

  • Production and Processing

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

  • Mechanical

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

  • Mathematics

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

  • English Language

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

  • Design

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

Skills

  • Operations Monitoring

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

  • Quality Control Analysis

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

  • Equipment Maintenance

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

  • Judgment and Decision Making

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

  • Monitoring

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

Abilities

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness

    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

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

  • Near Vision

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

  • Manual Dexterity

    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

    The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

  • High school diploma or equivalent
    82 %

    or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate

  • Post-secondary certificate
    8 %

    Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)

  • Some college, no degree
    6 %

Work Activities

  • Getting Information

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

  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

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

  • Controlling Machines and Processes

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

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

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

  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

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

Detailed Work Activities

  • Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
  • Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
  • Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
  • Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
  • Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.

Work Interests

  • Realistic

    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

    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.

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Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$31240.0 - $59700.0

New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.