Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Go Back to List Set up, operate, or tend machines to extrude or draw thermoplastic or metal materials into tubes, rods, hoses, wire, bars, or structural shapes.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Spreadsheet software

Tasks
	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.
	Install dies, machine screws, and sizing rings on machines that extrude thermoplastic or metal materials.
	Change dies on extruding machines according to production line changes.
	Start machines and set controls to regulate vacuum, air pressure, sizing rings, and temperature, and to synchronize speed of extrusion.
	Replace worn dies when products vary from specifications.
	Reel extruded products into rolls of specified lengths and weights.
	Troubleshoot, maintain, and make minor repairs to equipment.
	Clean work areas.
	Adjust controls to draw or press metal into specified shapes and diameters.

Skills
	Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
	Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
	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.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
	Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
	Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Knowledge
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
	Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
	Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
	Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
	Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

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Education & Training   Education:   These occupations usually require a high school diploma.   Related Experience:   Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $48,480.00 $23.30  $18.62  $19.93 - $24.76  Bridgeport/Stamford $52,721.00 $25.34  $19.80  $21.62 - $27.81  Hartford $48,699.00 $23.42  $19.44  $20.84 - $25.28  New Haven $47,854.00 $23.01  $18.53  $19.57 - $24.26  New London/Norwich $49,793.00 $23.94  $18.40  $19.82 - $27.61  Waterbury $47,656.00 $22.92  $19.14  $20.70 - $24.76

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   110   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer good or favorable job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.