Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

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.

Median Annual Wage: $32,100

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (77%); Less than high school diploma (13%); Post-secondary certificate (9%)

Projected Growth: Decline (-3% or lower)

Related Job Titles: Machine Operator; Extruder Operator; Extrusion Operator; Tuber Operator; Upkeep Mechanic; Glass Forming Crew Member; Job Change Crew Member; Microwave Extruder Operator; Mill Room Machine Operator; Rubber Extrusion Operator

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders.

More Production Careers

  • 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.
  • Press control buttons to activate machinery and equipment.
  • Turn controls to adjust machine functions, such as regulating air pressure, creating vacuums, and adjusting coolant flow.
  • Review work orders, specifications, or instructions to determine materials, ingredients, procedures, components, settings, and adjustments for extruding, forming, pressing, or compacting machines.
  • Select and install machine components such as dies, molds, and cutters, according to specifications, using hand tools and measuring devices.
  • Record and maintain production data such as meter readings, and quantities, types, and dimensions of materials produced.
  • Notify supervisors when extruded filaments fail to meet standards.
  • Synchronize speeds of sections of machines when producing products involving several steps or processes.
  • Feed products into machines by hand or conveyor.
  • Clear jams, and remove defective or substandard materials or products.
  • Move materials, supplies, components, and finished products between storage and work areas, using work aids such as racks, hoists, and handtrucks.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders.

  • Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • 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.
  • Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders.

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