Extruding / Forming Machine Setter / Operator / Tender / Synthetic / Glass Fiber

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

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Extruder; Extruder Operator; Extrusion Line Operator; Extrusion Operator; Granulator; Hot End Operator; Pelletizer Operator; Pot Tipper; Spindraw Operator; Stretch Operator

Tasks

• Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form filaments from synthetic materials such as rayon, fiberglass, or liquid polymers.
• Press buttons to stop machines when processes are complete or when malfunctions are detected.
• Notify other workers of defects, and direct them to adjust extruding and forming machines.
• 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.
• Move controls to activate and adjust extruding and forming machines.
• Record details of machine malfunctions.
• Clean and maintain extruding and forming machines, using hand tools.

Knowledge

• Production and Processing
• English Language
• Mechanical
• Mathematics
• Education and Training

Skills

• Monitoring
• Active Listening
• Speaking

Abilities

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