Grinding / Lapping / Polishing / & Buffing Machine Tool Setter / Operator / & Tender / Metal & Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic work pieces.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Cell Operator; Centerless Grinder Operator; Deburrer; Die Maintenance Technician (Die Maintenance Tech); Finisher; Grinder; Grinder Operator; Grinding Machine Operator; Metal Finisher; Process Equipment Operator

Tasks

• Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.
• Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers.
• Set and adjust machine controls according to product specifications, using knowledge of machine operation.
• Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.
• Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.
• Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.
• Lift and position workpieces, manually or with hoists, and secure them in hoppers or on machine tables, faceplates, or chucks, using clamps.
• Move machine controls to index workpieces, and to adjust machines for pre-selected operational settings.
• Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements.
• Mount and position tools in machine chucks, spindles, or other tool holding devices, using hand tools.
• Set up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic workpieces.
• Compute machine indexings and settings for specified dimensions and base reference points.
• Repair or replace machine parts, using hand tools, or notify engineering personnel when corrective action is required.
• Brush or spray lubricating compounds on workpieces, or turn valve handles and direct flow of coolant against tools and workpieces.

Knowledge

• Production and Processing
• Mechanical
• Mathematics
• Administration and Management
• Engineering and Technology

Skills

• Reading Comprehension

Abilities

• Control Precision
• Near Vision
• Problem Sensitivity
• Manual Dexterity
• Multilimb Coordination
• Reaction Time
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Oral Comprehension
• Written Comprehension
• Selective Attention
• Finger Dexterity
• Rate Control
• Oral Expression
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Perceptual Speed
• Visualization
• Static Strength
• Far Vision
• Auditory Attention