# Tasks & work activities — spark erosion machine operator

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 51-4081.00 (Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 7223; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
- **[Core]** Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
- **[Core]** Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
- **[Core]** Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.
- **[Core]** Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
- **[Core]** Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
- **[Core]** Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.
- **[Core]** Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.
- **[Core]** Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms.
- **[Core]** Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.
- **[Core]** Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow.
- **[Core]** Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools.
- **[Core]** Instruct other workers in machine set-up and operation.
- **[Core]** Record operational data, such as pressure readings, lengths of strokes, feed rates, or speeds.
- **[Core]** Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars.
- **[Core]** Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates.
- **[Core]** Move controls or mount gears, cams, or templates in machines to set feed rates and cutting speeds, depths, and angles.
- **[Core]** Compute data, such as gear dimensions or machine settings, applying knowledge of shop mathematics.
- **[Supplemental]** Align layout marks with dies or blades.
- **[Supplemental]** Measure and mark reference points and cutting lines on workpieces, using traced templates, compasses, and rules.
- **[Supplemental]** Write programs for computer numerical control (CNC) machines to cut metal and plastic materials.

## Detailed work activities

- Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow.
- Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products.
- Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of water, cleaning solutions, or other liquids.
- Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.
- Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.
- Clean production equipment.
- Clear equipment jams.
- Instruct workers to use equipment or perform technical procedures.
- Lubricate production equipment.
- Maintain production or processing equipment.
- Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
- Measure materials to mark reference points, cutting lines, or other indicators.
- Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
- Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
- Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.
- Operate cutting equipment.
- Operate grinding equipment.
- Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
- Program equipment to perform production tasks.
- Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
- Record operational or production data.
- Repair production equipment or tools.
- Replace worn equipment components.
- Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
- Select production equipment according to product specifications.
- Select production input materials.
- Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
- Set equipment guides, stops, spacers, or other fixtures.
- Smooth metal surfaces or edges.
- Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
- Write computer programming code.