O*NET-SOC 51-4193.00

Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend plating machines to coat metal or plastic products with chromium, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel, or other metal to protect or decorate surfaces. Typically, the product being coated is immersed in molten metal or an electrolytic solution.

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

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

Free · O*NET 30.3

Immerse workpieces in coating solutions or liquid metal or plastic for specified times.Core10311
Adjust dials to regulate flow of current and voltage supplied to terminals to control plating processes.Core10326
Inspect coated or plated areas for defects, such as air bubbles or uneven coverage.Core10309
Set up, operate, or tend plating or coating machines to coat metal or plastic products with chromium, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel, or other metal to protect or decorate surfaces.Core10312
Observe gauges to ensure that machines are operating properly, making adjustments or stopping machines when problems occur.Core10319
Remove objects from solutions at periodic intervals and observe objects to verify conformance to specifications.Core10318
Maintain production records.Core10316
Remove excess materials or impurities from objects, using air hoses or grinding machines.Core10342
Determine sizes and compositions of objects to be plated, and amounts of electrical current and time required.Supplemental10323
Test machinery to ensure that it is operating properly.Supplemental10314
Measure or weigh materials, using rulers, calculators, and scales.Supplemental10329
Measure, mark, and mask areas to be excluded from plating.Supplemental10331
Examine completed objects to determine thicknesses of metal deposits, or measure thicknesses by using instruments such as micrometers.Core10328
Immerse objects to be coated or plated into cleaning solutions, or spray objects with conductive solutions to prepare them for plating.Supplemental10310
Read production schedules to determine setups of equipment and machines.Supplemental10335
Suspend objects, such as parts or molds from cathode rods, or negative terminals, and immerse objects in plating solutions.Supplemental10330
Suspend sticks or pieces of plating metal from anodes, or positive terminals, and immerse metal in plating solutions.Supplemental10324
Adjust controls to set temperatures of coating substances and speeds of machines and equipment.Supplemental10317
Rinse coated objects in cleansing liquids and dry them with cloths, centrifugal driers, or by tumbling in sawdust-filled barrels.Core10327
Monitor and measure thicknesses of electroplating on component parts to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers.Supplemental10325
Operate hoists to place workpieces onto machine feed carriages or spindles.Supplemental10315
Position and feed materials into processing machines, by hand or by using automated equipment.Supplemental10313
Position objects to be plated in frames, or suspend them from positive or negative terminals of power supplies.Supplemental10337
Operate sandblasting equipment to roughen and clean surfaces of workpieces.Supplemental10345
Clean and maintain equipment, using water hoses and scrapers.Supplemental10322
Clean workpieces, using wire brushes.Supplemental10343
Mix and test solutions, and turn valves to fill tanks with solutions.Supplemental10332
Replace worn parts and adjust equipment components, using hand tools.Supplemental10340
Place plated or coated materials on racks and transfer them to ovens to dry for specified periods of time.Supplemental10333
Measure and set stops, rolls, brushes, and guides on automatic feeders and conveying equipment or coating machines, using micrometers, rules, and hand tools.Supplemental10338
Position containers to receive parts, and load or unload materials in containers, using dollies or handtrucks.Supplemental10320
Perform equipment maintenance, such as cleaning tanks and lubricating moving parts of conveyors.Supplemental10321
Preheat workpieces in ovens.Supplemental10339

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 6 examples in 6 categories, 4 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Computer aided design CAD software

Autodesk AutoCADHot Technology

Compliance software

Hazardous materials management HMS software

Spreadsheet software

Microsoft ExcelHot Technology

Electronic mail software

Microsoft OutlookHot Technology

Word processing software

Microsoft WordHot Technology

Procurement software

Oracle Advanced Procurement

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

Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup 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 proper functioning.
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 finishes of workpieces or finished 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
Conduct test runs of 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 materials to mark reference points, cutting lines, or other indicators.
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
Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes.
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
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

Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Determine metal or plastic production methods.
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

Mix substances to create chemical solutions.
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 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
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
Load items into ovens or furnaces.
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 workpieces or finished 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

Handling and Moving Objects

Apply protective or decorative finishes to workpieces or 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
Remove products or workpieces from 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
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
Feed materials or products into or through 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 flow of electricity to tools or 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 flow of production materials or 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
Trim excess material from 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
Immerse objects or workpieces in cleaning or coating solutions.
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
Position containers to receive materials or 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

Controlling Machines and Processes

Operate painting or coating 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 cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting 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 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

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

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
Maintain production or processing 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

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 31

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.