National
| Median wages (2008) |
$14.87 hourly, $30,920 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
97,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Little or no change (-2% to 2%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
20,000 additional employees |
51-4081.00 - Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
Sample of reported job titles:
Die Setter, Machine Operator, Machine Technician, Set-Up Person, CNC Operator (Computer Numerically Controlled Operator), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist), Die Repairman, Cell Technician, CNC Machine Setter (Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Setter), Shear Operator
Tasks
- Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
- Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
- Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
- Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, and auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.
- Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
- Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
- Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools and brushes, using hand tools.
- Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.
- Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms.
- Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Cutting machines — Lathe machines; Punching machines; Slitting machines |
| Lifting hooks — Lift bars |
| Milling cutters — Computer numerical controlled CNC milling machines; Cutting machines |
| Polishing machines |
| Taps or dies — Dies; Taps |
| Turning machines |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Data base user interface and query software — Data entry software |
| Electronic mail software — Email software |
| Spreadsheet software |
| Word processing software |
| 51-4011.00 |
Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic 
|
| 51-4022.00 |
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic |
| 51-4023.00 |
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic |
| 51-4031.00 |
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
|
| 51-4032.00 |
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
|
| 51-4033.00 |
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic |
| 51-4072.00 |
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic |
| 51-4191.00 |
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic |
| 51-9032.00 |
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders |
| 51-9192.00 |
Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders |
