O*NET-SOC 51-4031.00

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them

Free · O*NET 30.3

Measure completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers.Core10110
Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.Core10111
Lubricate workpieces with oil.Supplemental10128
Read work orders or production schedules to determine specifications, such as materials to be used, locations of cutting lines, or dimensions and tolerances.Core10112
Install, align, and lock specified punches, dies, cutting blades, or other fixtures in rams or beds of machines, using gauges, templates, feelers, shims, and hand tools.Supplemental10117
Start machines, monitor their operations, and record operational data.Core10115
Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.Core10114
Adjust ram strokes of presses to specified lengths, using hand tools.Supplemental10122
Position, align, and secure workpieces against fixtures or stops on machine beds or on dies.Supplemental10119
Test and adjust machine speeds or actions, according to product specifications, using gauges and hand tools.Core10116
Load workpieces, plastic material, or chemical solutions into machines.Core10113
Set stops on machine beds, change dies, and adjust components, such as rams or power presses, when making multiple or successive passes.Supplemental10127
Clean and lubricate machines.Supplemental10118
Position guides, stops, holding blocks, or other fixtures to secure and direct workpieces, using hand tools and measuring devices.Supplemental10124
Turn controls to set cutting speeds, feed rates, or table angles for specified operations.Core10131
Place workpieces on cutting tables, manually or using hoists, cranes, or sledges.Supplemental10123
Replace defective blades or wheels, using hand tools.Supplemental10129
Plan sequences of operations, applying knowledge of physical properties of workpiece materials.Supplemental10132
Clean work area.Core20820
Mark identifying data on workpieces.Supplemental10130
Turn valves to start flow of coolant against cutting areas or to start airflow that blows cuttings away from kerfs.Supplemental10126
Hone cutters with oilstones to remove nicks.Supplemental10137
Remove housings, feed tubes, tool holders, or other accessories to replace worn or broken parts, such as springs or bushings.Supplemental10136
Sharpen dulled blades, using bench grinders, abrasive wheels, or lathes.Supplemental10135
Operate forklifts to deliver materials.Supplemental20821
Select, clean, and install spacers, rubber sleeves, or cutters on arbors.Supplemental10138
Scribe reference lines on workpieces as guides for cutting operations, according to blueprints, templates, sample parts, or specifications.Supplemental10120
Grind out burrs or sharp edges, using portable grinders, speed lathes, or polishing jacks.Supplemental10134
Set blade tensions, heights, and angles to perform prescribed cuts, using wrenches.Supplemental10121
Use equipment designed to join sheet metal, such as spot welders.Supplemental24012
Preheat workpieces, using heating furnaces or hand torches.Supplemental10139

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 10 examples in 10 categories, 6 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Computer aided design CAD software

Autodesk AutoCADHot Technology

Inventory management software

Automated inventory software

Industrial control software

Computerized numerical control CNC software

Spreadsheet software

Microsoft ExcelHot Technology

Office suite software

Microsoft Office softwareHot Technology

Electronic mail software

Microsoft OutlookHot Technology

Word processing software

Microsoft WordHot Technology

Data base user interface and query software

Operational databases

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

SAP softwareHot Technology

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

Striker Systems SS-Punch

Detailed Work Activities

From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it

Free · O*NET 30.3

Getting Information

Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitor equipment operation to ensure that products are not flawed.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspect metal, plastic, or composite products.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Inspect production equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Processing Information

Sort materials or products for processing, storing, shipping, or grading.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Select production equipment according to product specifications.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Performing General Physical Activities

Clean production equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Clean work areas.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Load materials into production equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Handling and Moving Objects

Weld metal components.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Braze metal parts or components.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Operate welding equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Set equipment guides, stops, spacers, or other fixtures.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Heat material or workpieces to prepare for or complete production.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Smooth metal surfaces or edges.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Remove accessories, tools, or other parts from equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Controlling Machines and Processes

Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Operate forklifts or other loaders.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Operate grinding equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Operate cutting equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Replace worn equipment components.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment

Apply lubricants or coolants to workpieces.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Lubricate production equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Sharpen cutting or grinding tools.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Documenting/Recording Information

Record operational or production data.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Job Zone

From O*NET 30.3

Free · O*NET 30.3

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source

WFA coverage: AI skills for this job

WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

Pilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.

DWAs covered by an AI skill0 of 36

Distinct tools0

Level mix

No tools yet

Equivalents

NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents

Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

No NICE work role maps to this job.