SAL/Job library
Back to all jobs
U.S. Dept. of Labor code 51-4031.00Market Standard — pending BLS/OEWS enrichment

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.

What this job is about

Ensure precision in cutting, punching, and pressing metal and plastic materials.

What this work involves, step by step

AI can help most with the planning, drafting, and paperwork below — not the hands-on parts.

  1. 1

    Read production specifications

    Review work orders or production schedules to determine materials and dimensions.

  2. 2

    Set up machines

    Install and align necessary tools and fixtures on machines using gauges and hand tools.

  3. 3

    Operate machines

    Start machines and monitor their operations while recording relevant operational data.

  4. 4

    Inspect workpieces

    Examine completed workpieces for defects and sort them based on types of flaws.

  5. 5

    Clean and maintain equipment

    Regularly clean machines and lubricate workpieces to ensure optimal performance.

Tools used in this work
Autodesk AutoCADMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WordSAP software

Free — no credit card required. 200 messages included.

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic — SAL