MACHINE TOOL SETTER

Machine Tool Setters set up and adjust machine tools (machines that cut and shape metal) and explain to the machine operator the work to be performed and the ways to check the accuracy of the work.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Some Machine Tool Setters perform complex work in setting up different types of machines. The duties of these workers vary.

Die Setters may:

Clean die area properly

Position and bolt dies to presses and hammers

Position automated mechanical handling devices

Install impression and gripping dies and adjust cams on machines

Set and bolt roll dies into self-positioning slots on roll shafts of forging rolls

Adjust conveyor speeds to forging machine actions and heating cycles of furnaces

Test machines and inspect work to make sure the formed part meets specifications

Job Setters may:

Change worn cutting tools

Read blueprints or job orders for product specifications and for

tooling instructions

Attach tools and work-holding devices to machines

Identify and obtain proper materials

Adjust cams, gears, stops, and/or controls to set rates of tool rotation, feed, and workpiece movements

Install control tape in reader of numerically controlled machines

Assure availability of proper cutting lubricant

Start machines and make trial workpieces or cycle machines to check the accuracy of the setup

Turn machines over to the operator and give instructions for its operation

Tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Machine Tool Setters may specialize in these areas:

612.360-010 DIE SETTERS use hand tools and measuring instruments to set up forging machines following blueprints, work orders, reference panels or parts, and data chart specifications.

616.360-022 MACHINE SETTERS set up various machine tools such as gear cutting machines, automatic screw machines, lathes, chucking machines, milling machines, boring machines, grinders, and assembly machines.

600.360-014 MACHINE SETTERS set up metal fabricating machines such as brakes, shears, punch presses, and bending and straightening machines according to layouts, blueprints, work orders, and templates.

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

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Machine Tool Setters usually work alone under the general direction of a supervisor. Machine Tool Setters may be fully responsible for the products of their machine tools and for directing the work of machine operators.

Work areas are usually well lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, they are frequently dirty. Hazards to Machine Tool Setters include cuts from machines or tools, burns, eye injuries, bruises, and blows from moving machine parts. Workers must usually follow strict safety regulations and may be required to use safety goggles, helmets, gloves, and ear protection. Workers may be required to provide their own protective shoes.

The usual workweek is 5-days, 40-hours. Machine Tool Setters work one of three separate shifts. Working overtime may be required. Newly hired workers frequently serve a probationary period.

Machine Tool Setters may join the union representing the employees where they work. Unions to which they may belong include The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) and The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, AFL-CIO. Union members must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Working with machines and tools

• Supervising other workers

You Should Be Able To:

• Make decisions based on measurable information

• Understand and apply mechanical principles

• Compare and see differences of lines, figures, and objects

• Follow written and spoken instructions

• Perform detailed work within precise limits and accuracy

• Visualize objects in three dimensions

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

What shielding gas and flow rate should be used to weld 1/4" aluminum in the overhead position?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

A great deal of pressure is exerted on die blocks and must be considered in the designing. The die block should be made of more than one piece of tool-steel. This is necessary to eliminate the possibility of cracking the die block if the operator should feed a double blank or if metal of a thicker gage is used.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a written analysis of a product inspection indicating specifications met.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Analytical skills and be detail oriented in setting up machines and inspecting work.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: A person may qualify for this occupation by: (a) completing On-The-Job Training provided by the employer, or (b) completing a Community College Certificate Program or Associate Degree.

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

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0300  AUTOMOTIVE , 0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2200 MATH , 2300 METALS , 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 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***

098 MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Mechanical Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the design, manufacture, testing, operation, and maintenance of devices, tools, and mechanical equipment. Individuals who teach Mechanical Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses will vary from school to school but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program  

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are a limited number of apprenticeship programs in this occupation in Michigan. See the Sources Of More Information below for name, address and phone number of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.

You will also find a more extensive list of information sources in the "What Is An Apprenticeship?" document found under the MOIS Supports Menu Items.  

***MILITARY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript  

E-Learning Courses and Programs  

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Since this is a semi-skilled occupation, experience is usually gained through on-the-job training. Secondary vocational education programs in machine tool operation/shop and postsecondary programs in mechanical technology may offer work experience opportunities.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Machine Tool Setter employer

internships

volunteer work with a Machine Tool Setter employer

community service work with an agency

The most common method of entry to this occupation is direct application to employers. Jobs may be located by contacting local unions, and local offices of Michigan Works!. Newspaper want ads may advertise openings. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:  

Michigan Talent Bank ( http://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/MTB_EMPL.EntryMainPage )

America's Job Bank ( http://www.ajb.dni.us )

Classifieds Employment ( http://www.classifieds2000.com )  

Yahoo! Careers ( http://careers.yahoo.com/ )

            MONSTER.COM  ( http://www.monster.com )

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

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Machine Tool Setters vary by location, size and type of employer, union contract, and the skill level required.

Nationally, hourly earnings (early 2002) of some unionized Machine Tool Setters in the auto industry ranged between $22.32 and $24.51 per hour. They also receive periodic increases in their cost-of-living allowance.  The median hourly earnings of  "all" workers in the U.S. were $14.92 in 2001.

In Michigan, the average hourly earnings of Die Setters were (early 2002) $14.81 per hour. Overtime may be paid at up to twice the hourly rate. Workers may receive a 2% to 15% premium for working the second or third shift.

The 2000 graduates of Michigan high school vocational education programs working in jobs related to this occupation earned an average beginning hourly wage of $10.16 in 2001.

Many Machine Tool Setters receive paid holidays and vacations; life, disability, and hospitalization insurance; sick leave; supplemental unemployment benefits, and retirement plans. Other benefits might include full pay for temporary absence for jury duty and military reserve duty. Some workers and their dependents receive dental and optical benefits. Benefits are usually paid for by the employer.

Job Setters may advance to forging supervisors. Promotions are determined by experience and length of service. With more education and training, these workers could advance to highly skilled technical jobs such as machine programming, tooling, and process planning.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, it was estimated that about 55,700 Machine Tool Setters were employed (2000). Employment of machine tool setters is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2010. The industry distribution for Machine Tool Setters looked like this:  

A growing population and higher incomes should create a demand for more machined goods, which Machine Tool Setters help produce. However, imports of foreign metal products and improvement in manufacturing technology will prevent employment of Machine Tool Setters from rising rapidly. In addition, an increasing number of American firms are producing their goods in other countries which will also limit demand for these workers.

There were approximately 4,700 Machine Tool Setters employed in Michigan and most work in urban areas. All of them were employed in the manufacturing industry in plants and machine shops.

Employment of Machine Tool Setters is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2008. An average of 150 annual openings is expected, with 50 due to growth and 100 due to replacement of workers who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Some additional openings may occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

Expanding technological developments, such as numerically controlled machine tools may change the duties of these workers. In the future they might be required only to preset tools, instruct operators and check the first few parts that are produced. Adjustments will be made automatically by the numerically controlled machine tools. Although consumers and industrial demand for machined goods will grow, employment of machine tool setters will be partially offset by fewer workers doing more work with modern tools. 

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Machine Tool Setter can be summarized by the following:

Copyright © 2003 Michigan Department of Career Development