Occupation

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

Human Advantage 68%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.2 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

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

Also Known As: Automatic Wheel-Line Operator, Ballistics Laboratory Gunsmith, CNC Machine Setter (Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Setter), Cell Technician, Centrifugal Control Switch Machine Operator, Clock Machine Setter, Combination Machine Tool Operator, Combination Machine Tool Setter +54 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
  2. Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
  3. Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
  4. Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
  5. Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
  6. Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.
  7. Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.
  8. Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates.
  9. Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow.
  10. Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools.
  11. Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.
  12. Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.
  13. Compute data, such as gear dimensions or machine settings, applying knowledge of shop mathematics.
  14. Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms.
  15. Move controls or mount gears, cams, or templates in machines to set feed rates and cutting speeds, depths, and angles.
  16. Instruct other workers in machine set-up and operation.
  17. Record operational data, such as pressure readings, lengths of strokes, feed rates, or speeds.
  18. Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars.

Supplemental Tasks (3)

  1. Measure and mark reference points and cutting lines on workpieces, using traced templates, compasses, and rules.
  2. Write programs for computer numerical control (CNC) machines to cut metal and plastic materials.
  3. Align layout marks with dies or blades.

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.

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
82%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
8%
Some College Courses
6%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
4%
Less than a High School Diploma
1%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software

Software (11)

  • Email software
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • Spreadsheet software
  • Word processing software

Tools & Equipment (50)

  • Adjustable wrenches
  • Band saws
  • Blow-molding machines
  • Boring tools
  • Buffing machines
  • Claw hammers
  • Compasses
  • Computer numerical controlled CNC milling machines
  • Cutting machines
  • Desktop computers
  • Drafting scales
  • Extruding machines
  • Face masks
  • Gear hobbers
  • Grease guns
  • Grinding machines
  • Hand grinders
  • Hand shears
  • Height gauges
  • Injection molding machines
  • Lathe machines
  • Lift bars
  • Lifting hooks
  • Locking pliers
  • Mechanical booms
  • Metal cutting dies
  • Metal cutting taps
  • Micrometers
  • Milling machines
  • Overhead cranes
  • Planing machines
  • Polishing machines
  • Power drills
  • Power hoists
  • Power press brakes
  • Protective ear plugs
  • Punching machines
  • Robotic loading equipment
  • Safety glasses
  • Self-contained breathing apparatus
  • Single-cut mill saw files
  • Slitting machines
  • Steel rules
  • Straight screwdrivers
  • Tangent benders
  • Templates
  • Tube benders
  • Turning machines
  • Wing benders
  • Wire brushes

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
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic You are here
Zone 3
Automotive Engineering Technicians 80% match
Zone 4
Fuel Cell Engineers 78% match
Zone 5
Microsystems Engineers 76% match

Resume Builder

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Real Talk

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