Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
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Extruding, Forming, Pressing and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators and Tenders
Extruding, Forming, Pressing and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators and Tenders 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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What they do
Extruding, Forming, Pressing and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators and Tenders 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.- Adjust machine components to regulate speeds, pressures, and temperatures, and amounts, dimensions, and flow of materials or ingredients.
- Press control buttons to activate machinery and equipment.
- Examine, measure, and weigh materials or products to verify conformance to standards, using measuring devices such as templates, micrometers, or scales.
- Activate machines to shape or form products, such as candy bars, light bulbs, balloons, or insulation panels.
Typical day
On a daily basis, Extruding Machine Operators feed products into machines by hand or conveyor. They synchronize speeds of sections of machines when producing products involving several steps or processes.
A typical day for an Extruding, Forming, Pressing and Compacting Machine Setter, Operator and Tender will also include:
- Pour, scoop, or dump specified ingredients, metal assemblies, or mixtures into sections of the machine prior to starting the machines.
- Ignite burners to preheat products, or use torches to apply heat.
- Review work orders, specifications, or instructions to determine materials, ingredients, procedures, components, settings, and adjustments for extruding, forming, pressing, or compacting machines.
- Swab molds with solutions to prevent products from sticking.
- Examine, measure, and weigh materials or products to verify conformance to standards, using measuring devices such as templates, micrometers, or scales.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Extruding Machine Operators also install, align, and adjust neck rings, press plungers, and feeder tubes. They may also disassemble equipment to repair it or to replace parts, such as nozzles, punches, and filters.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Extruding Machine Operators remove molds, mold components, and feeder tubes from machinery after production is complete. They might also clean dies, arbors, compression chambers, and molds, using swabs, sponges, or air hoses.
In addition, they measure arbors and dies to verify sizes specified on work tickets.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them ignite burners to preheat products or use torches to apply heat.
To some Extruding Machine Operators, it is also their responsibility to pour, scoop, or dump specified ingredients, metal assemblies, or mixtures into sections of the machine prior to starting machines.
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What is the job like
61% said they were satisfied with their job and 46% said they found their job meaningful.
Pros
Suitable for people who like practical and hands-on work.
Suitable for people who want to work in a supportive work environment.
It is easy to get into this career. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required to get started.
Normal working hours (40 hours per week).
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to help and teach others.
One of the lowest paying jobs.
Demand for this career is declining.
Salary
Entry-level Extruding, Forming, Pressing and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators and Tenders with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $25,830 to $29,780 per year or $12 to $14 per hour.
| Salary range | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Highest (Top 10%) | $27 | $55,300 |
| Senior (Top 25%) | $22 | $46,010 |
| Middle (Mid 50%) | $18 | $36,560 |
| Junior (Bottom 25%) | $14 | $29,780 |
| No experience (Bottom 10%) | $12 | $25,830 |
Working life
Working hours
Working schedule
Working environment
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
Should you become one
People with this personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
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