Description
Set up, operate, and monitor mechanical or hydraulic presses to punch, form, and shape metal or plastic parts while maintaining quality, safety, and production targets.
- • Start presses, monitor operations, and record production data.
- • Perform first-piece inspection and obtain approval.
- • Read work orders, blueprints, and specs to determine materials, tooling, and tolerances.
- • Install, align, and secure dies, punches, and fixtures in press beds.
- • Set shut height, stroke, tonnage, and ram speed to meet job requirements.
- • Program or enter job parameters on the press or CNC controller.
- • Set up backgauges, stops, guards, and light curtains.
- • Load sheets, blanks, or coil stock; set up uncoiler, straightener, and feeder as needed.
- • Position and secure workpieces against guides and stops.
- • Measure parts with calipers, micrometers, gauges, or templates to verify dimensions.
- • Inspect surfaces and edges for burrs, cracks, or deformation; segregate nonconforming parts.
- • Adjust feeds, speeds, lubrication, or cushion pressure to maintain quality.
- • Apply and maintain die lubricants or coolants.
- • Clear jams and remove slugs safely; use lockout/tagout when required.
- • Change over jobs by replacing dies, punches, stripper plates, or springs.
- • Set up progressive or transfer dies and pilot release as required.
- • Adjust backgauge positions and bend angles for press brake operations.
- • Set and verify dwell time and bottoming or air-bend settings.
- • Set up part counters and sensors; verify part ejection and scrap removal.
- • Grind or deburr sharp edges using hand tools or grinders.
- • Mark parts or containers with identifying data and lot numbers.
- • Maintain tooling by cleaning dies and checking wear; request sharpening or repair.
- • Replace worn or broken components such as springs, bushings, or fasteners.
- • Lubricate and clean presses; check oil levels and filters.
- • Monitor SPC and make in-process adjustments to hold tolerances.
- • Plan sequences of hits or bends to achieve required forms.
- • Move materials using hoists, cranes, or forklifts.
- • Keep work area organized and free of hazards.
- • Follow PPE, machine guarding, and safety procedures.
- • Report equipment or quality issues to maintenance or supervision promptly.
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Advanced Manufacturing
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Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Sources & Standards:
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
