Cutting / Punching / Press Machine Setter / Operator / Tender (Metal/Plastic)

Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Die Setter; Fabrication Operator; Machine Operator; Machine Setter; Press Brake Operator; Press Operator; Punch Press Operator; Saw Operator; Setup Operator; Slitter Operator

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.
• 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.
• Test and adjust machine speeds or actions, according to product specifications, using gauges and hand tools.
• Load workpieces, plastic material, or chemical solutions into machines.
• Turn controls to set cutting speeds, feed rates, or table angles for specified operations.
• Clean work area.

Knowledge

• Production and Processing

Skills

• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring

Abilities

• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Control Precision
• Near Vision
• Information Ordering
• Manual Dexterity
• Reaction Time
• Selective Attention
• Oral Comprehension
• Written Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Problem Sensitivity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Flexibility of Closure
• Perceptual Speed
• Visualization
• Finger Dexterity
• Multilimb Coordination
• Rate Control
• Static Strength
• Trunk Strength
• Far Vision
• Depth Perception
• Speech Recognition
• Speech Clarity