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Press Machine Setters and Operators set up and/or operate power presses or power brake machines to bend, form, stretch, notch, punch, or straighten metal and plastic plate and structural shapes.

JOB DUTIES 

Press Machine Setters and Operators may:

Plan the sequence of steps in the machines' operation

Measure and mark reference lines on the workpiece using a tape, rule, straight edge, or transit

Select and position square, angled, rounded or special purpose die sets into the bed of the machine by hand or using a crane

Align and bolt the dies into the ram and the bed of the machine using gages, templates, feelers, shims, and wrenches

Set the depth and the pressure of the ram stroke by turning a handwheel or moving levers

Lay out or detail the layout on work stock from blueprints or templates

Preheat the workpiece in a furnace or by using a hand torch

Lift and position a workpiece between the dies of the machine using a jib or crane and sledge

Start the machine to lower the ram which bends or straightens the workpiece between the dies

Adjust the workpiece and change the dies when making multiple or successive passes

Grind out burs and sharp edges using a portable grinder

Inspect and make the job number on the finished workpiece

Machines, materials, equipment, and work aids used by Press Machine

Setters and Operators may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

617.260-010 HEAVY DUTY PRESS OPERATORS

617.360-010 BRAKE OPERATORS

617.380-010 KICK PRESS SETTERS

617.480-014 PRESS SETTERS may specialize according to the type of press operated or by the material processed.

617.482-010 BENDING-MACHINE OPERATORS position dies and other bending parts to set up the machine, clamp the workpiece to the machine, and guide it through its operation until the desired degree of bend in the object is achieved. Directions for the amount of, and the placement of, the bend are contained in work orders, drawings, or templates. These workers may also be known as pipe-bending-machine operators, rod bending-machine operators, and tube-bending-machine operators.

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

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Press Machine Setters and Operators usually work alone at their machines under the general supervision of a production supervisor.

They may work as part of a team when the workpiece is very large. They work indoors in factories or machine shops, which are usually clean and well lighted. They sometimes work next to or near other workers operating similar machines, making their work area very noisy. They are usually required to wear protective ear devices because federal safety standards restrict allowable sound levels. They use safety glasses, guards, and shields to decrease the risk of eye injuries. They must lift and shift workpieces. When the workpiece is large or awkward, conveyors or other lifting equipment are used to transport them to the work site.

Most Press Machine Setters and Operators work a 40-hour week, 8 hours per day. Many Operators work days, but some workers may work afternoon or night shifts. Overtime may be necessary to meet production deadlines.

Some Press Machine Setters and 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/tasks according to a routine procedure or sequence

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Rate information by using personal judgment or measurable standards

• Perform a variety of duties which may often change, if a Press Setter

• Notice differences in shapes, textures, and surfaces

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If you drill a hole into a piece of metal that has a diameter of 2 inches and a depth of 6 inches, what is the area of the hole?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Should be able to read and understand pressing terminology such as band presser, topper press, form-press, mushroom press.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report explaining a malfunction that may have occurred with the machinery.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide the most efficient way to complete your job without wasting any time.

Because of the hazards to which these Machine Operators are exposed, federal and state laws prohibit persons under the age of 18 from working in this occupation.

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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***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2200 MATH , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

049 MACHINE TOOL OPERATION/SHOP

Approved vocational education programs in Machine Tool Operation and Machine Shop prepare students to shape metal parts on machines such as lathes, grinders, drill presses, milling machines, and shapers. Programs may also train individuals in the use of one machine. Instruction is given in calculating dimensions; using precision measuring instruments such as layout tools, micrometers, and gages; machining and heat-treating various metals; and in laying out machine parts.

Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of these programs.

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 PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Part-time or summer job opportunities in press machine operation may be available for persons who are at least 18 years of age. Secondary vocational education programs in machine tool operation/machine shop may offer a co-op portion through which experience may be gained.

                School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Press Machine Setter and Operator employer

internships

volunteer work with a Press Machine Setter and Operator employer

community service work with an agency

The most common method of entering press machine operation is direct application to the employer. Heavy Duty Press Operators may complete formal apprenticeships in machine tool operation. Jobs may be located through school placement offices and by consulting Michigan Works! and newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM

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

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Press Machine Setters and Operators vary according to the individual's skill, type or size of machine operated, union affiliation, company size, and geographic area. Most Press Machine Setters and Operators are paid on an hourly basis, although some are paid a piecework rate. Some workers also receive incentive payments. Nationally, Press Machine Setters and Operators had median weekly earnings of about $406 in 1998.

Hourly wages of Press Machine Setters and Operators in various Michigan areas were (1998):

*Some Operators receive incentive payments which increase these actual hourly wages.

In the automobile industry, base hourly wages in mid 1999 for most unionized Press Machine Setters and Operators ranged from $14.08 to $21.25. These workers also receive a cost-of-living allowance.

Depending on the employer or the terms of their contract, Press Machine Setters and Operators may receive 1 1/2 or 2 times their base hourly rate for overtime work.

Depending on the employer, most Press Machine Setters and Operators receive paid vacations, holidays, and sick leave. Many also receive health, life, and accident insurance and a pension plan. Some workers and their dependents may also receive dental and optical benefits. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

Most Press Machine Setters and Operators learn this occupation through on-the-job training lasting a short time. Some workers may advance to skilled trade positions after completion of a formal apprenticeship. A possible career ladder for Press Machine Setters and Operators may be: trainee, Press Machine Operator, Set-up Worker, supervisor. Under most company and union rules, seniority is the major consideration in advancement. Other factors are educational background, skill, and aptitude.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, it was estimated that there were approximately 82,000 Press Machine Setters and Operators employed in 1996. Employment of Press Machine Setters and Operators is expected to decline through the year 2006. The movement of metal-forming production overseas will limit employment opportunities. However, openings are still expected each year to replace workers who retire, die or transfer to other lines of work.

There were about 5,025 Press Machine Setters and Operators employed in Michigan . Most Press Machine Setters and Operators worked in or near urban areas. Nearly all worked within the manufacturing industry. They were employed in a variety of manufacturing plants making such products as automobiles, trucks, buses, mobile homes, springs, industrial machinery, and metal furniture.

Employment of Press Machine Setters and Operators in Michigan is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. An average of 130 annual openings is expected, with 30 due to growth and 100 due to replacement of those who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations. Many important 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 machine tools. These more efficient 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 the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Press Machine Setter & Operator can be summarized by the following:

  MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development