# Tasks & work activities — laser marking machine operator

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 51-4031.00 (Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic).

## Task statements

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

## Detailed work activities

- Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow.
- Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.
- Apply lubricants or coolants to workpieces.
- Braze metal parts or components.
- Clean production equipment.
- Clean work areas.
- Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
- Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
- Heat material or workpieces to prepare for or complete production.
- Inspect metal, plastic, or composite products.
- Inspect production equipment.
- Load materials into production equipment.
- Lubricate production equipment.
- Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.
- Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
- Monitor equipment operation to ensure that products are not flawed.
- Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
- Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
- Operate cutting equipment.
- Operate forklifts or other loaders.
- Operate grinding equipment.
- Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
- Operate welding equipment.
- Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
- Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
- Record operational or production data.
- Remove accessories, tools, or other parts from equipment.
- Replace worn equipment components.
- Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
- Select production equipment according to product specifications.
- Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
- Set equipment guides, stops, spacers, or other fixtures.
- Sharpen cutting or grinding tools.
- Smooth metal surfaces or edges.
- Sort materials or products for processing, storing, shipping, or grading.
- Weld metal components.