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

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

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

Summary Description


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

Sample Job Titles

1.	Adjuster

2.	Angle Shear Operator

3.	Angle Shear Set Up Operator

4.	Arbor Press Operator

5.	Assembler

6.	Automatic Punch-Press Operator

7.	Automatic Screwmaker

8.	Automobile Bumper Straightener

9.	Bander Operator

10.	Banding Machine Operator

11.	Bench Shear Operator

12.	Bender Machine Operator

13.	Bending Machine Set Up Operator

14.	Bending Roll Hand

15.	Bending Roll Operator

16.	Beveler

17.	Billet Cutter

18.	Billet Shearer

19.	Blanker

20.	Bliss Press Operator

21.	Body Press Operator

22.	Bolt Cutter

23.	Brake Machine Operator

24.	Brake Operator

25.	Brass Cutter

26.	Brass-Wind Instruments Tube Bender

27.	Bullet Assembly Press Operator

28.	Calender Roll Press Operator

29.	Can Cutter

30.	Center Punch Operator

31.	Clearance Cutter

32.	Clincher

33.	Clinching Machine Operator

34.	CNC Bender Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Bender Operator)

35.	CNC Break Press Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Break Press Operator)

36.	CNC Punch Press Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Punch Press Operator)

37.	Coil Cutter

38.	Coil Shaper

39.	Cold Saw Operator

40.	Corner Former

41.	Crimping Machine Operator

42.	Crimping Machine Operator for Metal

43.	Crimping Press Operator

44.	Cut Off Saw Set Up Operator

45.	Cut-Off Machine Operator

46.	Cutter

47.	Cutting and Creasing Press Operator

48.	Debridging Machine Operator

49.	Diamond Saw Operator

50.	Dicer Operator

51.	Die Cast Operator

52.	Die Cutter

53.	Die Setter

54.	Dimpling Machine Operator

55.	Dinkey Press Operator

56.	Draw Press Operator

57.	Drawing Press Operator

58.	Duplicator Punch Operator

59.	Duplicator Punch Set Up Operator

60.	Equipment Technician

61.	Fabrication Machine Operator

62.	Fabricator

63.	Filament Cutter

64.	Finish Saw Operator

65.	Flying Shear Operator

66.	Folder Machine Operator

67.	Folding Machine Operator

68.	Foot Press Operator

69.	Forming Press Operator

70.	Four Slide Machine Setter

71.	Four Slide Operator

72.	Friction Saw Operator

73.	Gasket Former

74.	Gasket Maker

75.	Grinder Operator

76.	Hack Saw Operator

77.	Hammer Mill Operator

78.	Hammer Operator

79.	Heavy Duty Press Operator

80.	Hoop Puncher

81.	Hot Dimpling Machine Operator

82.	Hot Punch Press Operator

83.	Hot Saw Operator

84.	Hot Stamp Operator

85.	Hydropress Operator

86.	Iron Bender

87.	Ironworker

88.	Ironworker-Machine Operator

89.	Jigsawyer

90.	Joggle Press Operator

91.	Key Cutter

92.	Kick Press Operator

93.	Kick Press Setter

94.	Knuckle Bender

95.	Last Sawyer

96.	Link Cutter

97.	Machine Operator

98.	Machine Operator Slitter Technician

99.	Machine Setter

100.	Machining Associate

101.	Machinist

102.	Manufacturing Assistant

103.	Manufacturing Associate

104.	Manufacturing Operator

105.	Metal and Plastic Sawing Machine Tool Setter

106.	Metal and Plastic Shear and Slitter Machine Setter

107.	Metal Bending Machine Operator

108.	Metal Bonding Press Operator

109.	Metal Cut-Off Saw Operator

110.	Metal Cut-Off Saw Tender

111.	Metal Cutter

112.	Metal Punch Press Operator

113.	Metal Shaping Machine Operator

114.	Metal Slitter

115.	Metal Stamper

116.	Metal Stamping Machine Operator

117.	Metal Trimmer

118.	Metal Tube Cutter

119.	Metallic Yarn Slitting Machine Operator

120.	Mold Technician

121.	Mottle Lay Up Operator

122.	Nibbler Operator

123.	Notcher

124.	Notching Machine Operator

125.	Nut Blanker Operator

126.	Offstacker

127.	Operator

128.	Perforator Operator

129.	Pierce and Shave Press Operator

130.	Pipe Bender

131.	Pipe Stem Sawyer

132.	Planisher

133.	Planishing Press Operator

134.	Plastic Cutter

135.	Plastic Press Operator

136.	Plate Slitter and Inspector

137.	Pneumatic Press Hand

138.	Power Brake Operator

139.	Power Press Tender

140.	Press Brake Machine Setter/Set-Up Operator

141.	Press Brake Operator

142.	Press Machine Operator

143.	Press Operator

144.	Press Setter

145.	Printed Circuit Board Panels Trimmer

146.	Printed Circuit Boards Die Set-Up Operator

147.	Profile Saw Operator

148.	Profile Saw Setup Operator

149.	Profile Trimmer

150.	Punch Machine Hand

151.	Punch Machine Operator

152.	Punch Operator

153.	Punch Press Operator

154.	Punch Press Setter

155.	Punch-Press Operator

156.	Rivet Hole Puncher

157.	Rolling Mill Operator

158.	Rotary Shear Operator

159.	Saw Inspector Operator

160.	Saw Operator

161.	Sawyer

162.	Scrap Cutter

163.	Scraper

164.	Screw Cutter

165.	Set-Up Operator

166.	Shear Operator

167.	Shear Setter

168.	Shearman

169.	Sheeter Operator

170.	Sheetmetal Worker

171.	Sinter Press Operator

172.	Sintering Press Operator

173.	Sizing Machine Operator

174.	Slasher

175.	Slat Twister

176.	Slitter Operator

177.	Slitter Service and Setter

178.	Slitting Machine Operator

179.	Snap Shearer

180.	Spring Coiling Machine Setter

181.	Spring Tester

182.	Square Cutter

183.	Stamp Press Operator

184.	Stamping Press Operator

185.	Steel Cutter

186.	Straight Line Press Setter

187.	Straightener

188.	Straightening Machine Operator

189.	Straightening Press Operator

190.	Stretcher Operator

191.	Strip Metal Punch and Straightener Operator

192.	Swage Tender

193.	Swaging Machine Adjuster

194.	Sweep Press Operator

195.	Table Saw Operator

196.	Tablet Machine Operator

197.	Tape Control Turret Punch-Press Operator

198.	Tension Line Operator

199.	Terminal Press Operator

200.	Thermal Cutting Machine Operator

201.	Tin Cutter

202.	Toggle Press Operator

203.	Trim Machine Adjuster

204.	Trimmer Machine Operator

205.	Trimming Machine Operator

206.	Tube Cutter

207.	Tubing Machine Tender

208.	Turret Punch-Press Operator

209.	Twisting Machine Operator

210.	Under Cutter

211.	Under Cutting Machine Operator

212.	Vertical Contour Band-Saw Operator

213.	Vertical Punch Operator

214.	Welder

215.	Wheel Press Operator

216.	Wheel Presser

217.	Wire Coiner

218.	Wire Cutter

219.	Wire Machine Cutter

220.	Wire Sawyer

221.	Wire Straightener

222.	Wire Turning Machine Operator

223.	Zipper Cutter

224.	Zipper Trimmer

Job 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.

	Load workpieces, plastic material, or chemical solutions into machines.

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

	Start machines, monitor their operations, and record operational data.

	Position, align, and secure workpieces against fixtures or stops on machine beds or on dies.

	Test and adjust machine speeds or actions, according to product specifications, using gauges and hand tools.

	Install, align, and lock specified punches, dies, cutting blades, or other fixtures in rams or beds of machines, using gauges, templates, feelers, shims, and hand tools.

	Scribe reference lines on workpieces as guides for cutting operations, according to blueprints, templates, sample parts, or specifications.

	Set blade tensions, heights, and angles to perform prescribed cuts, using wrenches.

	Adjust ram strokes of presses to specified lengths, using hand tools.

	Place workpieces on cutting tables, manually or using hoists, cranes, or sledges.

	Position guides, stops, holding blocks, or other fixtures to secure and direct workpieces, using hand tools and measuring devices.

	Thread ends of metal coils from reels through slitters and secure ends on recoilers.

	Turn valves to start flow of coolant against cutting areas or to start airflow that blows cuttings away from kerfs.

	Set stops on machine beds, change dies, and adjust components, such as rams or power presses, when making multiple or successive passes.

	Lubricate workpieces with oil.

	Replace defective blades or wheels, using hand tools.

	Mark identifying data on workpieces.

	Turn controls to set cutting speeds, feed rates, or table angles for specified operations.

	Plan sequences of operations, applying knowledge of physical properties of workpiece materials.

	Clean and lubricate machines.

	Hand-form, cut, or finish workpieces, using tools such as table saws, hand sledges, or anvils.

	Grind out burrs or sharp edges, using portable grinders, speed lathes, or polishing jacks.

	Sharpen dulled blades, using bench grinders, abrasive wheels, or lathes.

	Remove housings, feed tubes, tool holders, or other accessories to replace worn or broken parts, such as springs or bushings.

	Hone cutters with oilstones to remove nicks.

	Select, clean, and install spacers, rubber sleeves, or cutters on arbors.

	Preheat workpieces, using heating furnaces or hand torches.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).


		use precision measuring tools or equipment

		operate metal or plastic fabricating equipment/machinery

		use hand or power tools

		operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.


		fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand

		load or unload material or workpiece into machinery

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.


		perform safety inspections in manufacturing or industrial setting

		examine products or work to verify conformance to specifications

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.


		understand machine setup instructions

		understand technical operating, service or repair manuals

		recognize characteristics of metals

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.


		attach or mark identification onto products or containers

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.


		move or fit heavy objects

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.


		read blueprints

		read specifications

		read production layouts

		read technical drawings

		read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.


		monitor production machinery/equipment operation to detect problems

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.


		adjust production equipment/machinery setup

		set up production equipment or machinery

		maintain or repair industrial or related equipment/machinery

		clean equipment or machinery

		install equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.


		measure, weigh, or count products or materials

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.


		plan or organize work

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.


		set up computer numerical control machines

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders—Metal and Plastic
	Consider the parts of a toaster, such as the metal or plastic housing or the lever that lowers the toast. These parts, and many other metal and plastic products, are produced by machines that are controlled by machine setters, operators, and tenders—metal and plastic. In fact, machine operators in the metalworking and plastics industries play a major role in producing most of the consumer products on which we rely daily.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders—Metal and Plastic
	Most machine setters, operators, and tenders—metal and plastic work in areas that are clean, well lit, and well ventilated. Nevertheless, stamina is required, because machine operators and setters are on their feet much of the day and may do moderately heavy lifting. Also, these workers operate powerful, high-speed machines that can be dangerous if strict safety rules are not observed. Most operators wear protective equipment, such as safety glasses, earplugs, and steel-toed boots, to protect against flying particles of metal or plastic, noise from the machines, and heavy objects that could be dropped. Many modern machines are enclosed, minimizing the exposure of workers to noise, dust, and lubricants used during machining. Other required safety equipment varies by work setting and machine. For example, those in the plastics industry who work near materials that emit dangerous fumes or dust must wear respirators.

	Read More >>

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Interesting Fact

Before his successful acting career, Tom Hanks once worked as a bellhop.

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