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Occupation AtlasExtruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers

O*NET · 51-6091.00

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

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

Also called Beamer Operator · Beaming Machine Operator · Blown Film Extrusion Operator · Box Spinner · Drawbench Operator · Extruder · Extruder Operator · Extrusion Line Operator
22 more

Extrusion Machine Operator · Extrusion Operator · Extrusion Process Operator · Extrusion Technician · Fiber Machine Tender · Fiberglass Dowel Drawing Operator · Granulator · Hot End Operator · Machine Operator · Pelletizer Operator · Pot Tipper · SMT Operator · Spindraw Operator · Spinner · Spinning Bath Patroller · Spinning Bath Person · Stretch Operator · Surface Mount Technology Operator (SMT Operator) · Synthetic Filament Extruder · Synthetic Filament Spinner · Synthetic Staple Extruder · Test Skein Winder

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

Compare with another occupationCompare with Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

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 Realistic6.50
  • C Conventional4.05
  • I Investigative2.21
  • E Enterprising1.41
  • A Artistic1.27
  • S Social1.22

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 Diploma19%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent74%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate7%
Related work experience
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (29%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (41%)
On-the-job training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (49%)

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 Monitoring4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Operation and Control3.83.3Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Monitoringbasic3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Active Listeningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Speakingbasic3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Time Management3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Complex Problem Solving3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Quality Control Analysis3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Critical Thinkingbasic2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
Show the other 23
  • Troubleshooting2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Repairing2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Active Learningbasic2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Social Perceptiveness2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Writingbasic2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Equipment Maintenance2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Equipment Selection2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Instructing2.32.4Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Persuasion2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Negotiation2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Service Orientation2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Systems Evaluation2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Mathematicsbasic2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Systems Analysis2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Operations Analysis2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Financial Resources1.80.8
  • Technology Design1.50.6
  • Programming1.3—
  • Sciencebasic1.3—
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

8 core · 9 supplemental

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

  1. Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form filaments from synthetic materials such as rayon, fiberglass, or liquid polymers.4.3
  2. Notify other workers of defects, and direct them to adjust extruding and forming machines.4.3
  3. Press buttons to stop machines when processes are complete or when malfunctions are detected.4.3
  4. Observe machine operations, control boards, and gauges to detect malfunctions such as clogged bushings and defective binder applicators.4.2
  5. Load materials into extruding and forming machines, using hand tools, and adjust feed mechanisms to set feed rates.4.0
  6. Move controls to activate and adjust extruding and forming machines.3.9
  7. Record details of machine malfunctions.3.8
  8. Clean and maintain extruding and forming machines, using hand tools.3.7
Show the other 9
  1. Observe flow of finish across finish rollers, and turn valves to adjust flow to specifications.4.3
  2. Remove polymer deposits from spinnerettes and equipment, using silicone spray, brass chisels, and bronze-wool pads.4.0
  3. Remove excess, entangled, or completed filaments from machines, using hand tools.3.9
  4. Start metering pumps and observe operation of machines and equipment to ensure continuous flow of filaments extruded through spinnerettes and to detect processing defects.3.9
  5. Press metering-pump buttons and turn valves to stop flow of polymers.3.9
  6. Record operational data on tags, and attach tags to machines.3.9
  7. Wipe finish rollers with cloths and wash finish trays with water when necessary.3.8
  8. Lower pans inside cabinets to catch molten filaments until flow of polymer through packs has stopped.3.6
  9. Open cabinet doors to cut multifilament threadlines away from guides, using scissors.3.3

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Production and Processing3.73.5Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • English Language3.22.8
  • Education and Training3.12.7
  • Mathematics3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Mechanical3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Administration and Management2.82.3Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Customer and Personal Service2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Public Safety and Security2.72.4Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
Show all 33
  • Computers and Electronics2.61.8Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Engineering and Technology2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Administrative2.31.9Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.31.6Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Design2.21.6Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Law and Government2.11.2Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Transportation2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Physics2.01.3Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Psychology2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Telecommunications2.01.4Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Economics and Accounting1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Sales and Marketing1.91.2Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Communications and Media1.81.1Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Foreign Language1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.80.9Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Therapy and Counseling1.81.0Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Building and Construction1.70.8Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Chemistry1.71.7Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Philosophy and Theology1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Food Production1.60.7Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Fine Arts1.4—
  • History and Archeology1.4—
  • Biology1.2—
  • Geography1.2—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Control Precision3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Problem Sensitivity3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Near Vision3.53.3Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Finger Dexterity3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Oral Comprehension3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Manual Dexterity3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Multilimb Coordination3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
Show all 52
  • Reaction Time3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Deductive Reasoning3.13.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Inductive Reasoning3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Information Ordering3.13.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Oral Expression3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Rate Control3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Keep up with a car that changes speed
  • Auditory Attention3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
  • Category Flexibility3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Flexibility of Closure3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Perceptual Speed3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Selective Attention3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Speech Clarity3.02.9
  • Time Sharing3.02.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Trunk Strength3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visualization3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Written Comprehension3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Extent Flexibility2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Response Orientation2.92.9Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Speech Recognition2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Far Vision2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Static Strength2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Depth Perception2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Written Expression2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Dynamic Strength2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Fluency of Ideas2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Originality2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Speed of Closure2.11.9
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Stamina2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Glare Sensitivity2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Gross Body Coordination2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Memorization2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Number Facility2.02.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Peripheral Vision2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Sound Localization2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Spatial Orientation2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Night Vision1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Explosive Strength1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.1—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.44.7Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Getting Information4.44.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.44.6Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.24.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.24.6Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment4.13.7Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.95.0Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.94.2Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
Show all 41
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Processing Information3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.73.3Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.73.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.54.3Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Training and Teaching Others3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.33.7Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.92.6
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Thinking Creatively2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Developing and Building Teams2.82.6
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships2.73.0Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.72.4Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Working with Computers2.72.5Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.5—
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment

Work context

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

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets5.0
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.9
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.7
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.7
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.6
  • Contact With Others4.5
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.5
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures4.2
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.2
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.0

Technology

9 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 (5)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software
Other tools (4)
  • Apache Hadoop YARN
  • Camstar Manufacturing Execution System MES
  • Operational databases
  • Statistical process control SPC software

Related occupations

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

  1. Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  2. Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  3. Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  4. Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  5. Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
  6. Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  7. Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  8. Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  9. Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  10. Milling and Planing Machine 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.