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Michigan Occupational Information System
#024 - PUNCH-PRESS OPERATOR

Punch-Press Operators tend power presses that shape, draw, trim, punch, notch, flange, or crimp metal or plastic stock between dies to help make different kinds of products. They may also tend one or more power presses that may be used to imprint identifying information on a product or product parts.

JOB DUTIES

Punch-Press Operators may:

Lift the workpiece onto the machine by hand or with a mechanical device

Place the workpiece against fixtures or stops on the machine bed or on the die

Start the press by using hand or foot controls

Watch machine for proper operation

Punch-Press Operators may operate a machine designed to do a particular operation or to make a certain product. Such machines include:

Tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Punch Press Operators may specialize in these areas:

615.685-030 PUNCH-PRESS OPERATORS set up and work with one or more power presses to perform machining operations on metal or plastic parts to make different kinds of products.

617.685-026 POWER-PRESS TENDERS work with a powerpress that cuts, punches, or stamps articles of various sizes and shapes from blocks of materials.

619.685-026 PRESS-BRAKE OPERATORS tend a power brake that bends, punches, forms, rolls, arcs, or straightens metal sheets, plates, and bars.

615.685-042 TAPE-CONTROL TURRET-PUNCH-PRESS OPERATORS tend a punch press that automatically positions an indexing table, selects the punch, and punches the holes or layout marks in metal sheets, plates, strips, or bars.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Punch-Press Operators work under supervision. They usually work alone at their machines; if the piecework is very large, they may work as part of a team.

Operation of a punch press is usually done in shops that are kept clean and well lighted. The work itself may require lifting and carrying of heavy material; it may also involve working with dust lubricants. In some cases, there may be enough noise from presses to require that protective ear devices be worn. Safety measures must be followed, since operation of a press involves risk of bodily injury.

Punch-Press Operators usually work a 40 hour week, 8 hours per day. The day shift is the most common, but some companies may have two or three shifts. Overtime may be necessary in some cases. Some Punch-Press Operators are members of unions and must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities of a routine, definite, organized nature

• Activities involving the use of machines, processes, or methods

:You Should Be Able To:

• Repeat activities or tasks of short duration

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Judge distances and space relationships accurately

• Notice differences in shapes, textures, and surfaces

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

What is the finish depth of a grinding cut when grinding a dimension to size with a 002 (plus or minus) tolerance?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Most shaper cutting tools require only a small amount of relief generally, 3-5 degrees of end and side relief. Side rake angles vary, depending on the material that is being machined.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare an analysis following an inspection of a finished product indicating any malfunctions or defects.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Analytical skills and be detail oriented in assessing finished products and operating punch press machinery.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0300 AUTOMOTIVE, 0700 CAREERS, 0900 COMMUNICATIONS, 2200 MATH, 2300 METALS, 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING, 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

050 SHEET METAL

Approved vocational education program in Sheet Metal prepare students to make, install, maintain, and repair items made of steel, copper, stainless steel, or aluminum. Instruction is given in the use of hand tools and special machines such as cornice brakes, forming rolls, and squaring shears. Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript  

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript  

E-Learning Courses and Programs  

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Summer or part-time job opportunities in press operation may be available for persons who are at least 18 years of age. Secondary vocational education programs in sheet metal may offer a co-op portion which includes practical experience.

                School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Punch-Press Operator employer

internships

volunteer work with a Punch-Press Operator employer

community service work with an agency

Direct application to an employer is the most common method of getting a job as a Punch-Press Operator. Assistance may be available through newspaper want ads or Michigan Works!. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:  

Michigan Talent Bank  

America's Job Bank

Michigan Works!  

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings may vary according to geographic area, union affiliation, company size, individual skill, and size of machine operated. Most Punch-Press Operators are paid on an hourly basis, although some are paid on a piecework basis.

Nationally, Punch-Press Operators weekly median salary was $440 or $11.00 per hour in 1998. Punch Press operators and set-up operators in various areas of Michigan had the following average hourly wages:

In the automobile industry, unionized Punch-Press Operators earned from $19.95 to $20.24 per hour (mid 1999). They also received a cost-of-living allowance.

Most Punch-Press Operators receive paid vacations and holidays; sick leave; pension plans; and health, life and accident insurance. Some workers receive dental and optical benefits. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

Punch-Press Operators may advance to become die-setters and supervisors. Under most company and union rules, seniority is the major consideration in advancement. Other factors are educational background, aptitude, and skill.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, about 224,600 Punch-Press Operators were employed in 1996. Employment in this occupation is expected to decline through the year 2006. The industry distribution for Punch Press Operators looked like this:

Rising personal incomes should slowly increase the demand for goods that Punch-Press Operators produce, such as automobiles, industrial products and household appliances. However, new technological developments and increased foreign imports will decrease the demand for Punch-Press Operators.

There are approximately 20,150 Punch-Press Operators employed in Michigan. They were employed in plants which manufacture products such as automobiles, machinery, metal furniture, appliances, and electrical equipment.

The employment of Punch-Press Operators is expected to decline through the year 2005. An average of 690 openings is expected annually, with 110 due to growth and the remainder of openings due to replacement of workers who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Many manufacturing sectors in Michigan, such as the auto and truck, aerospace, farm machinery, and construction equipment sectors, will continue to invest in highly productive metal forming and cutting machine tools. These higher powered machine tools, which have greater feed and speed rates, will increase productivity and reduce the demand for additional operators.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed occupational information is available upon written request from sources below:

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Punch-Press Operator can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development