Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Reel extruded products into rolls of specified lengths and weights.94
• Measure and examine extruded products to locate defects and to check for conformance to specifications, adjusting controls as necessary to alter products.93
• Start machines and set controls to regulate vacuum, air pressure, sizing rings, and temperature, and to synchronize speed of extrusion.93
• Weigh and mix pelletized, granular, or powdered thermoplastic materials and coloring pigments.92
• Determine setup procedures and select machine dies and parts, according to specifications.89
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and make minor repairs to equipment.89
• Change dies on extruding machines, according to production line changes.89
• Load machine hoppers with mixed materials, using augers, or stuff rolls of plastic dough into machine cylinders.89
• Install dies, machine screws, and sizing rings on machines that extrude thermoplastic or metal materials.87
• Select nozzles, spacers, and wire guides, according to diameters and lengths of rods.87
• Operate shearing mechanisms to cut rods to specified lengths.85
• Maintain an inventory of materials.84

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Operations Monitoring72

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Operation and Control69

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Monitoring56

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Quality Control Analysis53

  Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

• Coordination50

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Critical Thinking50

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Equipment Maintenance50

  Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

• Judgment and Decision Making50

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Repairing50

  Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

• Speaking50

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Troubleshooting50

  Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

• Active Listening47

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Production and Processing83

  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

• Public Safety and Security73

  Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

• Mechanical70

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• English Language54

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Education and Training49

  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• Administration and Management48

  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Customer and Personal Service43

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Engineering and Technology42

  Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

• Chemistry40

  Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

• Computers and Electronics39

  Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

• Physics36

  Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

• Personnel and Human Resources35

  Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Control Precision75

  The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

• Manual Dexterity66

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Multilimb Coordination66

  The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

• Reaction Time63

  The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

• Near Vision60

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Rate Control60

  The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness56

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Problem Sensitivity56

  The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

• Trunk Strength56

  The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

• Finger Dexterity53

  The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

• Information Ordering53

  The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

• Perceptual Speed53

  The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates84

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Handling and Moving Objects80

  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People75

  Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

• Controlling Machines and Processes73

  Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

• Getting Information72

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

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials72

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

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems70

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Performing General Physical Activities65

  Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

• Training and Teaching Others64

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

• Developing and Building Teams63

  Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings63

  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work63

  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Attention to Detail80

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Dependability69

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Cautiousness66

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Achievement Orientation32

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Stress Tolerance31

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Perseverance27

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Integrity25

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Adaptability22

  A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

• Self-Control19

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Self-Confidence13

  A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

• Cooperation11

  A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

• Intellectual Curiosity10

  A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic95

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

• Conventional55

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Investigative21

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Artistic7

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

• Social1

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

• Enterprising0

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Spend Time Standing

  • Continually or almost continually99%

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

  • Every day100%

• Time Pressure

  • Every day97%

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day72%
  • Once a week or more but not every day28%

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

  • Continually or almost continually86%
  • About half the time13%

• Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

  • Every day85%
  • Once a year or more but not every month13%

• Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

  • Every day62%
  • Once a week or more but not every day25%
  • Once a year or more but not every month12%

• Duration of Typical Work Week

  • More than 40 hours67%
  • 40 hours33%

• Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

  • Extremely important62%
  • Important28%

• Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

  • Every day71%
  • Once a week or more but not every day12%

• Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

  • Extremely important51%
  • Very important25%
  • Important23%

• Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

  • High responsibility35%
  • Moderate responsibility22%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• High school diploma or equivalent

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Presentation software

  Microsoft PowerPoint

• Electronic mail software

  Microsoft Outlook

• Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  SAP software

• Enterprise application integration software

  Enterprise application integration EAI software

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Word processing software

  Microsoft Word

• Data base user interface and query software

  Operational databases

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• Association for Manufacturing Technology
• Fabricators and Manufacturers Association
• National Tooling and Machining Association
• Precision Machined Products Association
• Precision Metalforming Association
• National Institute for Metalworking Skills

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Miscellaneous textile, apparel, and furnishings workers except upholsterers
• Model makers, patternmakers, and molding machine setters, metal and plastic
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Model makers, patternmakers, and molding machine setters, metal and plastic
• Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Cutting Workers
• Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
• Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Workers
• Machine Feeders and Offbearers
• Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
• Industrial and Refractory Machinery Mechanics
• Miscellaneous metal workers and plastic workers, including multiple machine tool setters
• Crushing, Grinding, Polishing, Mixing, and Blending Workers
• Tool and Die Makers

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Package products for storage or shipment.
• Inspect metal, plastic, or composite products.
• Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
• Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.
• Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
• Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes.
• Mix substances to create chemical solutions.
• Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
• Select production equipment according to product specifications.
• Determine production equipment settings.
• Diagnose equipment malfunctions.
• Load materials into production equipment.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Aluminum Extrusion Press Operator
• Extruder Operator (Plastics)