Milling or Planing Machine Setter, Operator or Tender for Metal or Plastic

Other Titles

Machine Operator, Mill Operator, Miller, Milling Operator, Set Up Person

Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces. Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders for Metal and Plastic refer to such workers who shape, mill, plane and groove metal and plastic objects. In doing so, they operate milling and planing machines. In this job, they adjust the settings and control of the milling and planing machines to make sure they function as per the requirements. They also examine and measure the finished objects to ascertain that they meet the specifications. A part of their job is to study the blueprints and other instructions before operating the milling and planing machines. Using such documents, they determine the type of tools and materials to be used.

Position and secure workpieces on machines, using holding devices, measuring instruments, hand tools, and hoists.

Remove workpieces from machines, and check to ensure that they conform to specifications, using measuring instruments such as microscopes, gauges, calipers, and micrometers.

Verify alignment of workpieces on machines, using measuring instruments such as rules, gauges, or calipers.

Move cutters or material manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to mill workpieces to specifications.

Observe milling or planing machine operation, and adjust controls to ensure conformance with specified tolerances.

Select cutting speeds, feed rates, and depths of cuts, applying knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.

Study blueprints, layouts, sketches, or work orders to assess workpiece specifications and to determine tooling instructions, tools and materials needed, and sequences of operations.

Compute dimensions, tolerances, and angles of workpieces or machines according to specifications and knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.

Move controls to set cutting specifications, to position cutting tools and workpieces in relation to each other, and to start machines.

Replace worn tools, using hand tools, and sharpen dull tools, using bench grinders.

Select and install cutting tools and other accessories according to specifications, using hand tools or power tools.

Turn valves or pull levers to start and regulate the flow of coolant or lubricant to work areas.

Record production output.

Mount attachments and tools, such as pantographs, engravers, or routers, to perform other operations, such as drilling or boring.

Make templates or cutting tools.

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.

Operation and Control→ Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

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.

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

Speaking→ Talking to others to convey information effectively.

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.

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

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

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

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

Coaching and Developing Others→ Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

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

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.

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

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others→ Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

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

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

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

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

Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.

Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.

Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.

Feed materials or products into or through equipment.

Monitor equipment operation to ensure that products are not flawed.

Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.

Determine production equipment settings.

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

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

Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.

Operate grinding equipment.

Replace worn equipment components.

Sharpen cutting or grinding tools.

Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.

Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow.

Select production equipment according to product specifications.

Record operational or production data.

Construct patterns, templates, or other work aids.

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).

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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).

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.

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

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.

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.

Mathematics→ Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Analytical or scientific software -- Estimating and analysing software

Computer aided design CAD and computer aided manufacturing CAM system -- CAD CAM software for D machining

Computer aided design CAD software -- e.g., Autodesk AutoCAD; Siemens PLM Software Solid Edge; SmartCAMcnc SmartCAM; Vero Software Alphacam

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software -- Computer-Aided Manufacturing and CAD/CAM software applications

Enterprise application integration software -- Extensible markup language XML

Industrial control software -- e.g., EditCNC

Object or component oriented development software -- G code; M code

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

Adjustable wrenches→ Crescent wrenches

Allen wrench→ Allen wrench sets

Bench grinder→ Industrial bench grinders

Bench scales→ Digital bench scales

Calipers→ Dial calipers; Digital calipers; Vernier calipers

Chucks→ Soft jaws

Collets→ Collet chucks

Comparators→ Mechanical comparators

Compasses→ Layout compasses

Coordinate measuring machines CMM

Deburring tool→ Machine deburring tools

Desktop computers

Dial indicator or dial gauge→ Coaxial indicators; Drop indicators

Drill press or radial drill→ Drill presses

End mills

Forklifts→ Wheeled forklifts

Grease guns→ Grease dispensers

Grinders→ Hand grinders

Hand lapper→ Lapping tools

Height gauges→ Digital height gauges

Hoists→ Power hoists

Hole gauge→ Bore gauges

Horizontal boring machine→ Boring bars; Horizontal boring mills

Metal polishing machine→ Polishing tools

Micrometers→ Inside digital ID micrometers; Outside digital OD micrometers

Milling vise→ Precision milling vises

Pin gauge→ Pin gauge sets

Planer style milling machine→ Metal planers

Radius gauge→ Fillet gauges

Rulers→ Precision rules

Safety glasses→ Protective safety glasses

Sawing and cut-off machine→ Metal cutters

Screwdrivers→ Multipurpose screwdrivers

Setting jig→ Setting jigs

Spanner wrenches→ Adjustable spanner wrenches

Tinners snips→ Metal shears

Tool holders→ Automatic tool changers

Tool template sets→ Center finders; Height setters; Electronic edge finders; Mechanical edge finders; Tool probes

Track cranes→ Overhead cranes

Turret lathe→ Turret lathes

Turret milling machine→ Vertical milling machines

Unit cooler→ Coolant chillers

Universal milling machine→ Computer numerical control CNC milling machines; Horizontal milling machines

Vertical machining center→ Vertical machining centers VMC

Wire brushes→ Wire cleaning brushes

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.

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.

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

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

Integrity→ Job requires being honest and ethical.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Working Conditions→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

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