Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Go Back to List Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Computer aided design CAD software

Tasks
	Measure completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers.
	Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.
	Read work orders or production schedules to determine specifications, such as materials to be used, locations of cutting lines, or dimensions and tolerances.
	Load workpieces, plastic material, or chemical solutions into machines.
	Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
	Start machines, monitor their operations, and record operational data.
	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.
	Clean and lubricate machines.
	Position, align, and secure workpieces against fixtures or stops on machine beds or on dies.

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.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	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.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Knowledge
	Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
	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.
	Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.

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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 $43,457.00 $20.89  $15.85  $16.84 - $23.52  Bridgeport/Stamford $46,145.00 $22.19  $17.11  $18.45 - $25.80  Danbury $43,530.00 $20.93  $14.53  $14.76 - $23.28  Hartford $44,738.00 $21.51  $15.82  $17.29 - $24.32  New Haven $42,748.00 $20.55  $16.27  $17.57 - $23.15  New London/Norwich $44,019.00 $21.17  $16.18  $16.84 - $25.25  Waterbury $39,705.00 $19.09  $15.50  $15.67 - $20.49  Torrington $45,239.00 $21.75  $16.19  $16.84 - $24.68

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   188   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, but 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.