Job Duties Custom List 51-4021.00 — Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Test physical properties of products with testing devices such as acid-bath testers, burst testers, and impact testers.

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Closely Related Tasks	All Related Tasks	Job Zone	Code	Occupation
2	2	3	51-4111.00	Tool and Die Makers
2	2	2	51-4191.00	Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
1	1	2	51-4192.00	Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
1	1	3	51-4061.00	Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
1	1	2	51-4023.00	Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
1	1	3	51-2041.00	Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
1	1	2	51-9041.00	Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
1	1	2	51-4031.00	Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
1	1	2	51-4072.00	Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Job Duties: Tool and Die Makers

Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.
Conduct test runs with completed tools or dies to ensure that parts meet specifications, making adjustments as necessary.

Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.
Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.
Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.
Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.
Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools, hand tools, or welders.
Select metals to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness or heat tolerance.
Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.
File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together.
Smooth and polish flat and contoured surfaces of parts or tools, using scrapers, abrasive stones, files, emery cloths, or power grinders.
Measure, mark, and scribe metal or plastic stock to lay out machining, using instruments such as protractors, micrometers, scribes, or rulers.
Design jigs, fixtures, and templates for use as work aids in the fabrication of parts or products.
Cut, shape, and trim blanks or blocks to specified lengths or shapes, using power saws, power shears, rules, and hand tools.
Set up and operate drill presses to drill and tap holes in parts for assembly.
Develop and design new tools and dies, using computer-aided design software.
Set pyrometer controls of heat-treating furnaces and feed or place parts, tools, or assemblies into furnaces to harden.
Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.
Conduct test runs with completed tools or dies to ensure that parts meet specifications, making adjustments as necessary.

Job Duties: Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Examine parts to ensure metal shades and colors conform to specifications, using knowledge of metal heat-treating.
Test parts for hardness, using hardness testing equipment, or by examining and feeling samples.

Read production schedules and work orders to determine processing sequences, furnace temperatures, and heat cycle requirements for objects to be heat-treated.
Record times that parts are removed from furnaces to document that objects have attained specified temperatures for specified times.
Adjust controls to maintain temperatures and heating times, using thermal instruments and charts, dials and gauges of furnaces, and color of stock in furnaces to make setting determinations.
Start conveyors and open furnace doors to load stock, or signal crane operators to uncover soaking pits and lower ingots into them.
Set up and operate or tend machines, such as furnaces, baths, flame-hardening machines, and electronic induction machines, that harden, anneal, and heat-treat metal.
Remove parts from furnaces after specified times, and air dry or cool parts in water, oil brine, or other baths.
Move controls to light gas burners and to adjust gas and water flow and flame temperature.
Instruct new workers in machine operation.
Determine flame temperatures, current frequencies, heating cycles, and induction heating coils needed, based on degree of hardness required and properties of stock to be treated.
Determine types and temperatures of baths and quenching media needed to attain specified part hardness, toughness, and ductility, using heat-treating charts and knowledge of methods, equipment, and metals.
Set up and operate die-quenching machines to prevent parts from warping.
Set and adjust speeds of reels and conveyors for prescribed time cycles to pass parts through continuous furnaces.
Load parts into containers and place containers on conveyors to be inserted into furnaces, or insert parts into furnaces.
Place completed workpieces on conveyors, using cold rods, tongs, or chain hoists, or signal crane operators to transport them to subsequent stations.
Signal forklift operators to deposit or extract containers of parts into and from furnaces and quenching rinse tanks.
Mount workpieces in fixtures, on arbors, or between centers of machines.
Reduce heat when processing is complete to allow parts to cool in furnaces or machinery.
Mount fixtures and industrial coils on machines, using hand tools.
Heat billets, bars, plates, rods, and other stock to specified temperatures preparatory to forging, rolling, or processing, using oil, gas, or electrical furnaces.
Position stock in furnaces, using tongs, chain hoists, or pry bars.
Repair, replace, and maintain furnace equipment as needed, using hand tools.
Clean oxides and scales from parts or fittings, using steam sprays or chemical and water baths.
Stamp heat-treatment identification marks on parts, using hammers and punches.
Position parts in plastic bags, and seal bags with irons.
Examine parts to ensure metal shades and colors conform to specifications, using knowledge of metal heat-treating.
Test parts for hardness, using hardness testing equipment, or by examining and feeling samples.

Job Duties: Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic

Inspect machined parts to verify conformance to specifications.

Mark curves, lines, holes, dimensions, and welding symbols onto workpieces, using scribes, soapstones, punches, and hand drills.
Plan locations and sequences of cutting, drilling, bending, rolling, punching, and welding operations, using compasses, protractors, dividers, and rules.
Fit and align fabricated parts to be welded or assembled.
Locate center lines and verify template positions, using measuring instruments such as gauge blocks, height gauges, and dial indicators.
Plan and develop layouts from blueprints and templates, applying knowledge of trigonometry, design, effects of heat, and properties of metals.
Lay out and fabricate metal structural parts such as plates, bulkheads, and frames.
Compute layout dimensions, and determine and mark reference points on metal stock or workpieces for further processing, such as welding and assembly.
Lift and position workpieces in relation to surface plates, manually or with hoists, and using parallel blocks and angle plates.
Design and prepare templates of wood, paper, or metal.
Install doors, hatches, brackets, and clips.
Brace parts in position within hulls or ships for riveting or welding.
Add dimensional details to blueprints or drawings made by other workers.
Apply pigment to layout surfaces, using paint brushes.
Inspect machined parts to verify conformance to specifications.

Job Duties: Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.

Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models.
Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment.
Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.
Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.
Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.
Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.
Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.
Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts.
Assemble mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into models or prototypes, using hand tools, power tools, and fabricating machines.
Consult and confer with engineering personnel to discuss developmental problems and to recommend product modifications.
Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures.
Wire and solder electrical and electronic connections and components.
Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.

Job Duties: Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Examine, inspect, and measure raw materials and finished products to verify conformance to specifications.

Monitor machine cycles and mill operation to detect jamming and to ensure that products conform to specifications.
Adjust and correct machine set-ups to reduce thicknesses, reshape products, and eliminate product defects.
Start operation of rolling and milling machines to flatten, temper, form, and reduce sheet metal sections and to produce steel strips.
Read rolling orders, blueprints, and mill schedules to determine setup specifications, work sequences, product dimensions, and installation procedures.
Manipulate controls and observe dial indicators to monitor, adjust, and regulate speeds of machine mechanisms.
Set distance points between rolls, guides, meters, and stops, according to specifications.
Calculate draft space and roll speed for each mill stand to plan rolling sequences and specified dimensions and tempers.
Install equipment such as guides, guards, gears, cooling equipment, and rolls, using hand tools.
Position, align, and secure arbors, spindles, coils, mandrels, dies, and slitting knives.
Fill oil cups, adjust valves, and observe gauges to control flow of metal coolants and lubricants onto workpieces.
Activate shears and grinders to trim workpieces.
Signal and assist other workers to remove and position equipment, fill hoppers, and feed materials into machines.
Record mill production on schedule sheets.
Direct and train other workers to change rolls, operate mill equipment, remove coils and cobbles, and band and load material.
Thread or feed sheets or rods through rolling mechanisms, or start and control mechanisms that automatically feed steel into rollers.
Select rolls, dies, roll stands, and chucks from data charts to form specified contours and to fabricate products.
Remove scratches and polish roll surfaces, using polishing stones and electric buffers.
Disassemble sizing mills removed from rolling lines, and sort and store parts.
Examine, inspect, and measure raw materials and finished products to verify conformance to specifications.

Job Duties: Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters

Lay out and examine metal stock or workpieces to be processed to ensure that specifications are met.

Verify conformance of workpieces to specifications, using squares, rulers, and measuring tapes.
Align and fit parts according to specifications, using jacks, turnbuckles, wedges, drift pins, pry bars, and hammers.
Move parts into position, manually or with hoists or cranes.
Position, align, fit, and weld parts to form complete units or subunits, following blueprints and layout specifications, and using jigs, welding torches, and hand tools.
Study engineering drawings and blueprints to determine materials requirements and task sequences.
Set up and operate fabricating machines, such as brakes, rolls, shears, flame cutters, grinders, and drill presses, to bend, cut, form, punch, drill, or otherwise form and assemble metal components.
Tack-weld fitted parts together.
Lift or move materials and finished products, using large cranes.
Remove high spots and cut bevels, using hand files, portable grinders, and cutting torches.
Mark reference points onto floors or face blocks and transpose them to workpieces, using measuring devices, squares, chalk, and soapstone.
Set up face blocks, jigs, and fixtures.
Position or tighten braces, jacks, clamps, ropes, or bolt straps, or bolt parts in position for welding or riveting.
Locate and mark workpiece bending and cutting lines, allowing for stock thickness, machine and welding shrinkage, and other component specifications.
Erect ladders and scaffolding to fit together large assemblies.
Design and construct templates and fixtures, using hand tools.
Hammer, chip, and grind workpieces to cut, bend, and straighten metal.
Straighten warped or bent parts, using sledges, hand torches, straightening presses, or bulldozers.
Smooth workpiece edges and fix taps, tubes, and valves.
Preheat workpieces to make them malleable, using hand torches or furnaces.
Heat-treat parts, using acetylene torches.
Install boilers, containers, and other structures.
Direct welders to build up low spots or short pieces with weld.
Lay out and examine metal stock or workpieces to be processed to ensure that specifications are met.

Job Duties: Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Examine, measure, and weigh materials or products to verify conformance to standards, using measuring devices such as templates, micrometers, or scales.

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.
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.
Examine, measure, and weigh materials or products to verify conformance to standards, using measuring devices such as templates, micrometers, or scales.

Job Duties: Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.

Measure completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers.
Set stops on machine beds, change dies, and adjust components, such as rams or power presses, when making multiple or successive passes.
Start machines, monitor their operations, and record operational data.
Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
Test and adjust machine speeds or actions, according to product specifications, using gauges and hand tools.
Install, align, and lock specified punches, dies, cutting blades, or other fixtures in rams or beds of machines, using gauges, templates, feelers, shims, and hand tools.
Read work orders or production schedules to determine specifications, such as materials to be used, locations of cutting lines, or dimensions and tolerances.
Position guides, stops, holding blocks, or other fixtures to secure and direct workpieces, using hand tools and measuring devices.
Position, align, and secure workpieces against fixtures or stops on machine beds or on dies.
Load workpieces, plastic material, or chemical solutions into machines.
Adjust ram strokes of presses to specified lengths, using hand tools.
Clean and lubricate machines.
Mark identifying data on workpieces.
Clean work area.
Plan sequences of operations, applying knowledge of physical properties of workpiece materials.
Operate forklifts to deliver materials.
Lubricate workpieces with oil.
Turn controls to set cutting speeds, feed rates, or table angles for specified operations.
Scribe reference lines on workpieces as guides for cutting operations, according to blueprints, templates, sample parts, or specifications.
Place workpieces on cutting tables, manually or using hoists, cranes, or sledges.
Turn valves to start flow of coolant against cutting areas or to start airflow that blows cuttings away from kerfs.
Thread ends of metal coils from reels through slitters and secure ends on recoilers.
Grind out burrs or sharp edges, using portable grinders, speed lathes, or polishing jacks.
Remove housings, feed tubes, tool holders, or other accessories to replace worn or broken parts, such as springs or bushings.
Replace defective blades or wheels, using hand tools.
Set blade tensions, heights, and angles to perform prescribed cuts, using wrenches.
Select, clean, and install spacers, rubber sleeves, or cutters on arbors.
Hand-form, cut, or finish workpieces, using tools such as table saws, hand sledges, or anvils.
Preheat workpieces, using heating furnaces or hand torches.
Sharpen dulled blades, using bench grinders, abrasive wheels, or lathes.
Hone cutters with oilstones to remove nicks.
Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.

Job Duties: Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Measure and visually inspect products for surface and dimension defects to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.

Observe continuous operation of automatic machines to ensure that products meet specifications and to detect jams or malfunctions, making adjustments as necessary.
Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.
Turn valves and dials of machines to regulate pressure, temperature, and speed and feed rates, and to set cycle times.
Read specifications, blueprints, and work orders to determine setups, temperatures, and time settings required to mold, form, or cast plastic materials, as well as to plan production sequences.
Observe meters and gauges to verify and record temperatures, pressures, and press-cycle times.
Connect water hoses to cooling systems of dies, using hand tools.
Remove parts, such as dies, from machines after production runs are finished.
Perform maintenance work such as cleaning and oiling machines.
Smooth and clean inner surfaces of molds, using brushes, scrapers, air hoses, or grinding wheels, and fill imperfections with refractory material.
Operate hoists to position dies or patterns on foundry floors.
Cool products after processing to prevent distortion.
Install dies onto machines or presses and coat dies with parting agents, according to work order specifications.
Unload finished products from conveyor belts, pack them in containers, and place containers in warehouses.
Remove finished or cured products from dies or molds, using hand tools, air hoses, and other equipment, stamping identifying information on products when necessary.
Obtain and move specified patterns to work stations, manually or using hoists, and secure patterns to machines, using wrenches.
Select and install blades, tools, or other attachments for each operation.
Repair or replace damaged molds, pipes, belts, chains, or other equipment, using hand tools, hand-powered presses, or jib cranes.
Inventory and record quantities of materials and finished products, requisitioning additional supplies as necessary.
Select coolants and lubricants, and start their flow.
Adjust equipment and workpiece holding fixtures, such as mold frames, tubs, and cutting tables, to ensure proper functioning.
Maintain inventories of materials.
Position and secure workpieces on machines, and start feeding mechanisms.
Trim excess material from parts, using knives, and grind scrap plastic into powder for reuse.
Mix and measure compounds, or weigh premixed compounds, and dump them into machine tubs, cavities, or molds.
Spray, smoke, or coat molds with compounds to lubricate or insulate molds, using acetylene torches or sprayers.
Preheat tools, dies, plastic materials, or patterns, using blowtorches or other equipment.
Pour or load metal or sand into melting pots, furnaces, molds, or hoppers, using shovels, ladles, or machines.
Clamp metal and plywood strips around dies or patterns to form molds.
Pull level and toggle latches to fill molds, to regulate tension on sheeting, and to release mold covers.
Skim or pour dross, slag, or impurities from molten metal, using ladles, rakes, hoes, spatulas, or spoons.
Shape molds to specified contours, using sand, and trowels and related tools.
Assemble shell halves, patterns, and foundry flasks, and reinforce core boxes, using glue, clamps, wire, bolts, rams, or machines.
Measure and visually inspect products for surface and dimension defects to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.