51-9041.00 · Task explorer
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders: reported tasks and exploration worksheet
Set up, operate, or tend machines, such as glass-forming machines, plodder machines, and tuber machines, to shape and form products such as glassware, food, rubber, soap, brick, tile, clay, wax, tobacco, or cosmetics.
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Read the task inventory
This source lists 26 tasks, including 12 marked Core and 14 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.
Task source dates: 07/2016.
26 tasks shown
Core · Task 12444 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Adjust machine components to regulate speeds, pressures, and temperatures, and amounts, dimensions, and flow of materials or ingredients.
Core · Task 12447 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Press control buttons to activate machinery and equipment.
Core · Task 12445 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Examine, measure, and weigh materials or products to verify conformance to standards, using measuring devices such as templates, micrometers, or scales.
Core · Task 12446 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Monitor machine operations and observe lights and gauges to detect malfunctions.
Core · Task 12455 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Clear jams, and remove defective or substandard materials or products.
Core · Task 12452 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Notify supervisors when extruded filaments fail to meet standards.
Core · Task 12451 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Record and maintain production data, such as meter readings, and quantities, types, and dimensions of materials produced.
Core · Task 12449 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Review work orders, specifications, or instructions to determine materials, ingredients, procedures, components, settings, and adjustments for extruding, forming, pressing, or compacting machines.
Core · Task 12448 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Turn controls to adjust machine functions, such as regulating air pressure, creating vacuums, and adjusting coolant flow.
Core · Task 12466 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Clean dies, arbors, compression chambers, and molds, using swabs, sponges, or air hoses.
Core · Task 12453 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Synchronize speeds of sections of machines when producing products involving several steps or processes.
Core · Task 12456 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Move materials, supplies, components, and finished products between storage and work areas, using work aids such as racks, hoists, and handtrucks.
Supplemental · Task 12459 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Activate machines to shape or form products, such as candy bars, light bulbs, balloons, or insulation panels.
Supplemental · Task 12450 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Select and install machine components, such as dies, molds, and cutters, according to specifications, using hand tools and measuring devices.
Supplemental · Task 12463 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Send product samples to laboratories for analysis.
Supplemental · Task 12470 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Couple air and gas lines to machines to maintain plasticity of material and to regulate solidification of final products.
Supplemental · Task 12468 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Pour, scoop, or dump specified ingredients, metal assemblies, or mixtures into sections of machine prior to starting machines.
Supplemental · Task 12462 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Measure, mix, cut, shape, soften, and join materials and ingredients, such as powder, cornmeal, or rubber to prepare them for machine processing.
Supplemental · Task 12461 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Remove materials or products from molds or from extruding, forming, pressing, or compacting machines, and stack or store them for additional processing.
Supplemental · Task 12454 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Feed products into machines by hand or conveyor.
Supplemental · Task 12471 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Measure arbors and dies to verify sizes specified on work tickets.
Supplemental · Task 12458 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Complete work tickets, and place them with products.
Supplemental · Task 12467 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Disassemble equipment to repair it or to replace parts, such as nozzles, punches, and filters.
Supplemental · Task 12460 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Remove molds, mold components, and feeder tubes from machinery after production is complete.
Supplemental · Task 12457 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Swab molds with solutions to prevent products from sticking.
Supplemental · Task 12469 · 07/2016 · Incumbent
Install, align, and adjust neck rings, press plungers, and feeder tubes.
Make the shortlist useful
- Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
- For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
- Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.
The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.
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Source and practice material
Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.
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