Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
Human Advantage 62%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.6 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form continuous filaments from synthetic materials, such as liquid polymer, rayon, and fiberglass.
Also Known As: Beamer Operator, Beaming Machine Operator, Blown Film Extrusion Operator, Box Spinner, Drawbench Operator, Extruder, Extruder Operator, Extrusion Line Operator +21 more
Core Tasks
- Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form filaments from synthetic materials such as rayon, fiberglass, or liquid polymers.
- Press buttons to stop machines when processes are complete or when malfunctions are detected.
- Notify other workers of defects, and direct them to adjust extruding and forming machines.
- Observe machine operations, control boards, and gauges to detect malfunctions such as clogged bushings and defective binder applicators.
- Load materials into extruding and forming machines, using hand tools, and adjust feed mechanisms to set feed rates.
- Move controls to activate and adjust extruding and forming machines.
- Record details of machine malfunctions.
- Clean and maintain extruding and forming machines, using hand tools.
Supplemental Tasks (9)
- Observe flow of finish across finish rollers, and turn valves to adjust flow to specifications.
- Remove polymer deposits from spinnerettes and equipment, using silicone spray, brass chisels, and bronze-wool pads.
- Press metering-pump buttons and turn valves to stop flow of polymers.
- Record operational data on tags, and attach tags to machines.
- Start metering pumps and observe operation of machines and equipment to ensure continuous flow of filaments extruded through spinnerettes and to detect processing defects.
- Remove excess, entangled, or completed filaments from machines, using hand tools.
- Wipe finish rollers with cloths and wash finish trays with water when necessary.
- Lower pans inside cabinets to catch molten filaments until flow of polymer through packs has stopped.
- Open cabinet doors to cut multifilament threadlines away from guides, using scissors.
Education & Training
Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (9)
Tools & Equipment (44)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Production & Automation Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 1
Sewing Machine Operators 79% match
Zone 2
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers You are here
Zone 3
Chemical Technicians 78% match
Zone 4
Fuel Cell Engineers 77% match
Zone 5
Microsystems Engineers 75% match
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