Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Also called Extruder Operator, Extrusion Operator, Machine Operator, or Press Operator
What Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders do
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders set up, operate, or tend machines, such as glass-forming machines, plodder machines, and tuber machines, to shape and form products such as glassware, food, rubber, soap, brick, tile, clay, wax, tobacco, or cosmetics.
Who tends to enjoy it
Hands-on
People who like building, fixing, working with tools, machines, plants, or animals.
Organizing
People who like keeping things accurate, orderly, and running on schedule.
Curious
People who like figuring things out, research, science, and solving problems.
What you'd actually do
- Adjust machine components to regulate speeds, pressures, and temperatures, and amounts, dimensions, and flow of materials or ingredients.
- Press control buttons to activate machinery and equipment.
- Examine, measure, and weigh materials or products to verify conformance to standards, using measuring devices such as templates, micrometers, or scales.
- Monitor machine operations and observe lights and gauges to detect malfunctions.
- Clear jams, and remove defective or substandard materials or products.
- Notify supervisors when extruded filaments fail to meet standards.
- Record and maintain production data, such as meter readings, and quantities, types, and dimensions of materials produced.
- Review work orders, specifications, or instructions to determine materials, ingredients, procedures, components, settings, and adjustments for extruding, forming, pressing, or compacting machines.
A typical day involves
Skills that matter most
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
What you'll need to know
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
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Source: O*NET 31.0 Database (USDOL/ETA), occupation 51-9041.00, used under CC BY 4.0 and modified by Whittle. Program links: NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk. How we build these pages.