Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers

What the job really is

Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form continuous filaments from synthetic materials, such as liquid polymer, rayon, and fiberglass.

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-6091
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form filaments from synthetic materials such as rayon, fiberglass, or liquid polymers.
• Press buttons to stop machines when processes are complete or when malfunctions are detected.
• Notify other workers of defects, and direct them to adjust extruding and forming machines.
• Observe machine operations, control boards, and gauges to detect malfunctions such as clogged bushings and defective binder applicators.
• Load materials into extruding and forming machines, using hand tools, and adjust feed mechanisms to set feed rates.
• Move controls to activate and adjust extruding and forming machines.
• Record details of machine malfunctions.
• Clean and maintain extruding and forming machines, using hand tools.
• Observe flow of finish across finish rollers, and turn valves to adjust flow to specifications.
• Remove polymer deposits from spinnerettes and equipment, using silicone spray, brass chisels, and bronze-wool pads.
• Press metering-pump buttons and turn valves to stop flow of polymers.
• Record operational data on tags, and attach tags to machines.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, SAP software, Adjustable open end wrenches, Allen wrench sets, Apache Hadoop YARN, Automated staple guns, Benchtop microscopes, Camstar Manufacturing Execution System MES, Cleaning scrapers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
• Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.