Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

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  Production Occupations

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

What they do

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

Also Called: Die Setter, Fabrication Operator, Machine Operator, Machine Setter, Press Operator, Punch Press Operator, Saw Operator, Set-Up Operator, Slitter Operator, Die Setter, Fabrication Operator, Machine Operator, Machine Setter, Press Operator, Punch Press Operator, Saw Operator, Set-Up Operator, Slitter Operator

$32,640
Starting Salary (2023)
$42,400
Median Salary (2023)
-10.9%
Projected Job Growth
179,230
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Clean work area.
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.
Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
Read work orders or production schedules to determine specifications, such as materials to be used, locations of cutting lines, or dimensions and tolerances.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Dependability
Attention to Detail
Independence
Initiative
Self-Control
Integrity

What key skills are needed for this job?

Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Quality Control Analysis
Monitoring
Active Listening
Speaking

Expected Knowledge

Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Common Activities

Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

More Info

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