Extruding, Forming, Pressing or Compacting Machine Setter, Operator or Tender

Other Titles

Extruder Operator, Extrusion Operator, Glass Forming Crew Member, Machine Operator, Operator, Press Operator, Production Operator, Tuber Operator, Upkeep Mechanic

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. Extruding, Forming, Pressing and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders refers to such workers who set up and operate industrial machines. In particular, they operate tuber machines, glass forming machines, extruding machines, plodder machines and compacting machines. In this role, they are responsible for adjusting the machines appropriately so that they perform the processing functions as per the specifications. They also ensure that the products processed by the machines conform to standards in terms of the size, weight and other dimensions. Their job duties may also include cleaning machine components and replacing old components with new ones when required.

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.

Turn controls to adjust machine functions, such as regulating air pressure, creating vacuums, and adjusting coolant flow.

Clean dies, arbors, compression chambers, and molds, using swabs, sponges, or air hoses.

Synchronize speeds of sections of machines when producing products involving several steps or processes.

Move materials, supplies, components, and finished products between storage and work areas, using work aids such as racks, hoists, and handtrucks.

Activate machines to shape or form products, such as candy bars, light bulbs, balloons, or insulation panels.

Select and install machine components, such as dies, molds, and cutters, according to specifications, using hand tools and measuring devices.

Send product samples to laboratories for analysis.

Couple air and gas lines to machines to maintain plasticity of material and to regulate solidification of final products.

Pour, scoop, or dump specified ingredients, metal assemblies, or mixtures into sections of machine prior to starting machines.

Measure, mix, cut, shape, soften, and join materials and ingredients, such as powder, cornmeal, or rubber to prepare them for machine processing.

Remove materials or products from molds or from extruding, forming, pressing, or compacting machines, and stack or store them for additional processing.

Feed products into machines by hand or conveyor.

Measure arbors and dies to verify sizes specified on work tickets.

Thread extruded strips through water tanks and hold-down bars, or attach strands to wires and draw them through tubes.

Complete work tickets, and place them with products.

Disassemble equipment to repair it or to replace parts, such as nozzles, punches, and filters.

Remove molds, mold components, and feeder tubes from machinery after production is complete.

Swab molds with solutions to prevent products from sticking.

Ignite burners to preheat products, or use torches to apply heat.

Install, align, and adjust neck rings, press plungers, and feeder tubes.

Operation and Control→ Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

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

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

Speaking→ Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening→ 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.

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

Quality Control Analysis→ Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Reading Comprehension→ Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

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

Controlling Machines and Processes→ Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles.

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

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

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings→ Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates→ Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events→ Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems→ Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Documenting/Recording Information→ Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Processing Information→ Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Handling and Moving Objects→ Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Performing General Physical Activities→ Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Interacting With Computers→ Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment→ Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic principles.

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

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards→ Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge→ Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People→ Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Analyzing Data or Information→ Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment→ Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical principles.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships→ Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information→ Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others→ Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.

Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products.

Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.

Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.

Inspect metal, plastic, or composite products.

Weigh finished products.

Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.

Clear equipment jams.

Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.

Record operational or production data.

Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.

Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.

Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.

Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.

Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.

Select production equipment according to product specifications.

Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow.

Clean production equipment.

Connect supply lines to production equipment or tools.

Load materials into production equipment.

Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing.

Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes.

Remove workpieces from molds.

Stack finished items for further processing or shipment.

Feed materials or products into or through equipment.

Move products, materials, or equipment between work areas.

Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.

Apply parting agents or other solutions to molds.

Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.

Remove accessories, tools, or other parts from equipment.

Ignite fuel to activate heating equipment.

Perceptual Speed→ 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.

Rate Control→ 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.

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

Arm-Hand Steadiness→ The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

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

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

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

Auditory Attention→ The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

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

Far Vision→ The ability to see details at a distance.

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

Information Ordering→ 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).

Category Flexibility→ The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

Deductive Reasoning→ The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Multilimb Coordination→ 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.

Oral Comprehension→ The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Oral Expression→ The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Selective Attention→ The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

Stamina→ The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

Static Strength→ The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Trunk Strength→ 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.

Visualization→ The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

Written Comprehension→ The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Depth Perception→ The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

Hearing Sensitivity→ The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

Inductive Reasoning→ The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Response Orientation→ The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures).It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.

Speech Clarity→ The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Speech Recognition→ The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

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

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

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

Database user interface and query software -- Data entry software

Enterprise resource planning ERP software -- e.g., Sage; Xero; Sapama; ebizframe; Odoo; Macro 2000; SYSPRO ERP; QuickEasy BOS; TrueERP; Microsoft Dynamics; NetSuite ERP; Oracle Hyperion; SAP

Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software -- Production scheduling software

Office suite software -- e.g., Corel WordPerfect Office; Microsoft Office; Google Workspace; Apache OpenOffice.org

Spreadsheet software -- e.g., Corel Quattro Pro; Microsoft Excel; Google Sheets

Word processing software -- e.g., Corel Wordperfect; Microsoft Word; Google Docs

Air dryers→ Hopper dryers

Air hoses

Bench scales→ Digital bench scales

Blow torch→ Blow torches

Burners

Calipers→ Digital calipers

Cement or ceramic or glass or similar material molding machines→ Compacting machines; Forming machines; Glass forming machines

Cutting machines→ Slitters

Extruders→ Computer numerically controlled CNC Extruders; Single screw extruders; Microwave extruders; Plodder machines; Rubber extruders; Tuber machines; Twin-barrel extrusion machines

Forklifts→ Wheeled forklifts

Forming machine→ Sheeters

Lifts→ Power lifts

Micrometers→ Digital micrometers; Laser micrometers

Power grinders→ Scrap grinders; Trim grinders

Presses→ Pressing machines

Pressure indicators→ Pressure gauges

Punching pliers→ Core cutters

Razor knives→ Trim knives

Rulers→ Precision rulers

Templates→ Machine templates

Vulcanizing machines→ Vulcanizer presses

Winding or reeling or spooling machines→ Film winders; Trim winders

Wrapping machinery→ High speed wrapping machines

Realistic→ Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Conventional→ Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Investigative→ Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Attention to Detail→ Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Dependability→ Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Cooperation→ Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Initiative→ Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Self Control→ Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Adaptability/Flexibility→ Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Independence→ Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Integrity→ Job requires being honest and ethical.

Achievement/Effort→ Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Persistence→ Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Stress Tolerance→ Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Concern for Others→ Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Social Orientation→ Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

Leadership→ Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

Innovation→ Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Analytical Thinking→ Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Support→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Independence→ Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Relationships→ Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.