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

Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.

What you’d do

  • 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.
  • Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.
  • Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.
  • Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates.

Skills that matter

  • Operations Monitoring
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Monitoring
  • Operation and Control

How to get there

Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

Also called

  • Cell Technician
  • CNC Machine Setter (Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Setter)
  • Machine Operator
  • Machine Technician
  • Fabrication Set-Up Person
  • Injection Molding Technician
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