Description
Set up, operate, and monitor cutting machines to cut materials—such as metal, plastic, wood, paper, or textiles—to specification, ensuring quality output and safe, efficient production.
- • Review work orders, blueprints, and specifications to determine machine setup, tooling, and tolerances.
- • Set up and operate mechanical or computer-controlled cutting machines to produce parts to size.
- • Enter or select programs and parameters on HMIs or CNC controls and load job files as required.
- • Select, install, and align blades, knives, dies, or cutting heads using hand tools and gauges.
- • Start machines to verify setup and perform test cuts; make necessary adjustments.
- • Monitor machine operation and material flow to detect malfunctions or low supplies.
- • Measure and inspect materials and finished pieces using rulers, calipers, micrometers, or scales.
- • Adjust machine speed, feed, pressure, alignment, or program offsets to maintain quality and throughput.
- • Feed or load stock onto conveyors or under cutting heads and position materials against stops or guides.
- • Mark cutting lines or identifying information on stock when required.
- • Remove finished pieces from machines; stack, sort, and label for next process, packaging, or shipping.
- • Remove defective material and correct setup or replace tooling to meet standards.
- • Change, sharpen, or replace blades, knives, or cutting heads as needed.
- • Clean and lubricate machines, guides, conveyors, and tooling; perform routine preventive maintenance.
- • Maintain production and quality records, including quantities, dimensions, lot numbers, and scrap.
- • Move raw materials, work-in-process, and scrap using carts, hand trucks, or forklifts.
- • Press buttons, pull levers, or use pedals and HMIs to start, stop, and control machines.
- • Conduct first-article inspections and document results before full production runs.
- • Ensure correct materials, programs, fixtures, and safety guards are in place for each job.
- • Follow safety procedures, including lockout/tagout and PPE requirements, and keep the work area clean.
- • Communicate issues and collaborate with maintenance or supervisors to troubleshoot and improve processes.
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Related Pathways
Advanced Manufacturing
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
