Description
Set up, operate, and tend mechanical or hydraulic punch presses to punch, pierce, form, and notch metal sheet or coil, installing and adjusting dies and feeds, monitoring production, and verifying parts meet specifications.
- • Read work orders, blueprints, and schedules to determine materials, tooling, dimensions, and tolerances.
- • Set up and operate mechanical or hydraulic punch presses for punching, piercing, forming, and notching.
- • Install, align, and secure dies, punches, strippers, and related tooling using gauges, feelers, shims, and hand tools.
- • Adjust ram stroke, shut height, and press tonnage to specified settings.
- • Set feed length, stroke rate, and dwell on press and feeder controls.
- • Position and secure stock using backgauges, guides, stops, and clamps.
- • Thread coil stock through uncoilers, straighteners, and feeders into the die path.
- • Start presses, monitor operations, and record production and quality data.
- • Measure first-article and in-process parts with calipers, micrometers, gauges, and templates.
- • Inspect parts for burrs, deformation, or mislocated features; segregate nonconforming pieces.
- • Plan operation sequence and tooling based on material properties and part requirements.
- • Set and verify die clearance, punch-to-die alignment, and stripper pressure.
- • Apply die lubricants or stock lubrication as required.
- • Verify function of guards, light curtains, e-stops, and other safety devices.
- • Position and adjust pilot pins, sensors, and stock guides for proper registration.
- • Replace worn punches, springs, bushings, or strippers as needed.
- • Hone minor nicks on punches or dies, or coordinate sharpening with the tool room.
- • Deburr punched parts using grinders, tumblers, or hand tools.
- • Clean and lubricate presses, feeders, and tooling per preventive maintenance schedules.
- • Install and remove die sets using hoists, cranes, or die carts; secure to the bolster.
- • Set part counters and automatic shutoff features.
- • Adjust straightener rolls and uncoiler tension for strip flatness and feed stability.
- • Mark part numbers, lot codes, or job information on parts or containers.
- • Control airflow, mist, or coolant to the die area as specified.
- • Set stops or backgauges for repeatable positioning and progression.
- • Load sheets or coils and unload finished parts; stack, count, and package per instructions.
- • Maintain a clean, organized work area and follow 5S and housekeeping standards.
- • Troubleshoot jams, misfeeds, and quality issues; make adjustments to restore process capability.
- • Document setup parameters, quality checks, and changeovers for repeat jobs.
- • Operate forklifts or pallet jacks to move materials, dies, and finished goods.
- • Follow safety procedures and perform lockout/tagout during setups and maintenance.
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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
