skillfactor-pipeline/skills/straightening-machine-operator/references/tasks.md

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.