Extruding & Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic
Equipment Technician, Extruder Operator, Extrusion Press Operator, Machine Operator
What they do:
Set up, operate, or tend machines to extrude or draw thermoplastic or metal materials into tubes, rods, hoses, wire, bars, or structural shapes.
On the job, you would:
- Measure and examine extruded products to locate defects and to check for conformance to specifications, adjusting controls as necessary to alter products.
- Determine setup procedures and select machine dies and parts, according to specifications.
- Start machines and set controls to regulate vacuum, air pressure, sizing rings, and temperature, and to synchronize speed of extrusion.
Knowledge
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
- manufacture and distribution of products
Math and Science
- arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Arts and Humanities
- English language
Skills
Basic Skills
- keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
- thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Abilities
Controlled Movement
- quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
- use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down
Hand and Finger Use
- hold or move items with your hands
- keep your arm or hand steady
Endurance
- exercise for a long time without getting out of breath
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Self Control
- Integrity
- Cooperation
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook
Education
Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma/GED or
certificate after high school
usually needed
certificate after high school
usually needed
Get started on your career:
Find Training
Apprenticeship.gov
Job Outlook
Below Average
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.