# Tasks & work activities — straightening machine operator

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 51-4021.00 (Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic).

## Task statements

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

## Detailed work activities

- Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.
- Clean work areas.
- Determine production equipment settings.
- Diagnose equipment malfunctions.
- Inspect metal, plastic, or composite products.
- Load materials into production equipment.
- Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
- Maintain production or processing equipment.
- Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
- Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes.
- Mix substances to create chemical solutions.
- Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
- Operate cutting equipment.
- Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
- Package products for storage or shipment.
- Repair production equipment or tools.
- Replace worn equipment components.
- Select production equipment according to product specifications.