Description
Set up cutting, punching, and press machines for metal and plastic production by installing tooling, calibrating controls, and performing trial runs to meet specifications; verify first-article quality, document setup parameters, and support changeovers and basic maintenance.
- • Lubricate workpieces or tooling when required.
- • Read work orders or production schedules to determine materials, tooling, dimensions, and tolerances.
- • Install, align, and secure punches, dies, cutting blades, guides, and fixtures using gauges, templates, shims, and hand tools.
- • Set machine parameters, including speeds, feeds, blade angles, and stop positions, per specifications.
- • Adjust ram strokes and press settings to specified lengths.
- • Set blade tensions, heights, and clearances for prescribed cuts.
- • Thread metal coils through slitters and secure ends on recoilers.
- • Position, align, and secure workpieces or coils using fixtures, stops, and clamps.
- • Load materials for setup and test runs, using hoists, cranes, or forklifts as needed.
- • Start machines for trial runs, monitor performance, and record setup data.
- • Test and fine-tune machine actions using gauges and hand tools.
- • Measure first-off and sample parts with micrometers, calipers, gauges, templates, or rulers to verify conformance.
- • Inspect parts for defects such as burrs, chipped edges, or marred surfaces and correct root causes.
- • Plan sequences of operations based on material properties and required tolerances.
- • Position coolant and airflow; open valves to regulate flow to cutting areas.
- • Change dies, blades, spacers, arbors, and other tooling between jobs or passes.
- • Select, clean, and install spacers, rubber sleeves, or cutters on arbors.
- • Replace or sharpen dull or defective blades, wheels, and cutters; hone edges as needed.
- • Remove guards, housings, or tool holders to replace worn parts such as springs or bushings.
- • Clean, lubricate, and perform basic preventive maintenance on machines.
- • Scribe reference lines on workpieces using blueprints, templates, or sample parts.
- • Place and secure workpieces on tables or dies for setup and trial cuts.
- • Grind off burrs or sharp edges on sample parts using grinders or lathes.
- • Hand-form, cut, or finish parts as needed to validate setup.
- • Preheat workpieces with furnaces or torches when required.
- • Mark identifying data on setup pieces and approved first-article parts.
- • Set stops, guides, and holding blocks for multiple or successive passes.
- • Clean and organize the work area and return tooling after changeovers.
- • Operate forklifts to move materials and tooling safely.
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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
