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Occupation AtlasExtruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

O*NET · 51-4021.00

Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend machines to extrude or draw thermoplastic or metal materials into tubes, rods, hoses, wire, bars, or structural shapes.

Also called Draw Machine Operator · Drawbench Operator · Equipment Tech · Equipment Technician (Equipment Tech) · Extruder Operator · Extruding Press Operator · Extrusion Line Operator · Extrusion Machine Operator
20 more

Extrusion Operator · Extrusion Press Operator · Injection Machine Operator · Machine Operator · Metal Drawer · Metal Inspector · Plastic Extrusion Operator · Plastics Extruder Operator · Retort Press Operator · Rod Drawer · Rod Pointer · Setup Operator · Stretch Machine Operator · Tube Drawer · Wire Drawer · Wire Drawing Machine Operator · Wire Drawing Machine Tender · Wire Drawing Setter · Wire Mill Operator · Wire Mill Rover

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.70
  • C Conventional4.31
  • I Investigative2.23
  • A Artistic1.43
  • S Social1.08
  • E Enterprising1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma25%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent61%
  • Some College Courses14%
Related work experience
None (43%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (33%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (31%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operations Monitoring3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Operation and Control3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Monitoringbasic3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Quality Control Analysis3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Troubleshooting3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Equipment Maintenance3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Repairing3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Speakingbasic3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Active Listeningbasic2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
Show the other 23
  • Time Management2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Complex Problem Solving2.92.5Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Social Perceptiveness2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Active Learningbasic2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Equipment Selection2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Systems Analysis2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Mathematicsbasic2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Systems Evaluation2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Writingbasic2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Instructing2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Installation2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Install a new air filter in an air conditioner
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Persuasion2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Service Orientation1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Management of Material Resources1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Negotiation1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Operations Analysis1.60.9
  • Technology Design1.50.6
  • Programming1.50.5
  • Management of Financial Resources1.40.4
  • Sciencebasic1.40.4

Tasks

13 core · 3 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Measure and examine extruded products to locate defects and to check for conformance to specifications, adjusting controls as necessary to alter products.4.7
  2. Start machines and set controls to regulate vacuum, air pressure, sizing rings, and temperature, and to synchronize speed of extrusion.4.7
  3. Determine setup procedures and select machine dies and parts, according to specifications.4.6
  4. Change dies on extruding machines, according to production line changes.4.6
  5. Troubleshoot, maintain, and make minor repairs to equipment.4.6
  6. Install dies, machine screws, and sizing rings on machines that extrude thermoplastic or metal materials.4.5
  7. Load machine hoppers with mixed materials, using augers, or stuff rolls of plastic dough into machine cylinders.4.5
  8. Operate shearing mechanisms to cut rods to specified lengths.4.4
  9. Maintain an inventory of materials.4.4
  10. Clean work areas.4.3
  11. Adjust controls to draw or press metal into specified shapes and diameters.4.2
  12. Replace worn dies when products vary from specifications.4.1
Show the other 4
  1. Test physical properties of products with testing devices such as acid-bath testers, burst testers, and impact testers.4.1
  2. Reel extruded products into rolls of specified lengths and weights.4.7
  3. Weigh and mix pelletized, granular, or powdered thermoplastic materials and coloring pigments.4.7
  4. Select nozzles, spacers, and wire guides, according to diameters and lengths of rods.4.5

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Production and Processing4.35.5Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Public Safety and Security3.94.6Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Mechanical3.84.5Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • English Language3.22.8
  • Education and Training3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Administration and Management2.91.9Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Customer and Personal Service2.72.7
  • Engineering and Technology2.73.1Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
Show all 33
  • Chemistry2.62.9
  • Computers and Electronics2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Physics2.41.9Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Mathematics2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Foreign Language2.21.6Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Administrative2.10.8Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Law and Government1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Building and Construction1.81.6Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Design1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Economics and Accounting1.60.3Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Transportation1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.30.6Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Communications and Media1.2—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.2—
  • Biology1.1—
  • Geography1.1—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.1—
  • Psychology1.1—
  • Telecommunications1.1—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.1—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—
  • History and Archeology1.0—
  • Sales and Marketing1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Control Precision4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Manual Dexterity3.63.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Multilimb Coordination3.63.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Reaction Time3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Near Vision3.43.5Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Rate Control3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Keep up with a car that changes speed
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Problem Sensitivity3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
Show all 52
  • Trunk Strength3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
  • Finger Dexterity3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Information Ordering3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Perceptual Speed3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Static Strength3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Auditory Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Deductive Reasoning3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Oral Comprehension3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Selective Attention3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Category Flexibility2.92.5Level 2 looks like: Sort paintbrushes based on length
  • Depth Perception2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Extent Flexibility2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Reach for a box on a high warehouse shelf
  • Far Vision2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Flexibility of Closure2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Inductive Reasoning2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Response Orientation2.93.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Speech Clarity2.92.8
  • Speech Recognition2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Stamina2.92.8
  • Visualization2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Gross Body Coordination2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Written Comprehension2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Dynamic Strength2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Time Sharing2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Memorization2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Explosive Strength2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Peripheral Vision2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Spatial Orientation2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Speed of Closure2.01.9
  • Written Expression2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Hand pick a bushel of apples from a tree
  • Fluency of Ideas1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Originality1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Sound Localization1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Glare Sensitivity1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Night Vision1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.44.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Handling and Moving Objects4.25.6
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.95.2Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Getting Information3.93.1Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.64.2Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
Show all 41
  • Training and Teaching Others3.63.3Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Developing and Building Teams3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.53.7Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.54.2Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Processing Information3.33.2Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.22.9
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.03.2Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.82.7
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Working with Computers2.83.3Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.42.6
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.31.6Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Thinking Creatively2.32.6
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.22.1Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.21.7Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.22.1Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.2—
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization1.1—
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.1—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Spend Time Standing5.0
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets5.0
  • Time Pressure4.9
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.7
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.7
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.6
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures4.4
  • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings4.3
  • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment4.3
  • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers4.2

Technology

8 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (6)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software
Other tools (2)
  • Enterprise application integration EAI software
  • Operational databases

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
  2. Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  3. Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  4. Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  5. Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  6. Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  7. Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  8. Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  9. Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  10. Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.