Career summary

Details for Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic


Description

Set up, operate, or tend machines to roll steel or plastic forming bends, beads, knurls, rolls, or plate or to flatten, temper, or reduce gauge of material.

Tasks

  • Adjust and correct machine set-ups to reduce thicknesses, reshape products, and eliminate product defects.
  • Monitor machine cycles and mill operation to detect jamming and to ensure that products conform to specifications.
  • Examine, inspect, and measure raw materials and finished products to verify conformance to specifications.
  • Read rolling orders, blueprints, and mill schedules to determine setup specifications, work sequences, product dimensions, and installation procedures.
  • Manipulate controls and observe dial indicators to monitor, adjust, and regulate speeds of machine mechanisms.
  • Start operation of rolling and milling machines to flatten, temper, form, and reduce sheet metal sections and to produce steel strips.
  • Set distance points between rolls, guides, meters, and stops, according to specifications.
  • Thread or feed sheets or rods through rolling mechanisms, or start and control mechanisms that automatically feed steel into rollers.
  • Position, align, and secure arbors, spindles, coils, mandrels, dies, and slitting knives.
  • Direct and train other workers to change rolls, operate mill equipment, remove coils and cobbles, and band and load material.
  • Fill oil cups, adjust valves, and observe gauges to control flow of metal coolants and lubricants onto workpieces.
  • Record mill production on schedule sheets.
  • Install equipment such as guides, guards, gears, cooling equipment, and rolls, using hand tools.
  • Signal and assist other workers to remove and position equipment, fill hoppers, and feed materials into machines.
  • Calculate draft space and roll speed for each mill stand to plan rolling sequences and specified dimensions and tempers.
  • Select rolls, dies, roll stands, and chucks from data charts to form specified contours and to fabricate products.
  • Activate shears and grinders to trim workpieces.
  • Remove scratches and polish roll surfaces, using polishing stones and electric buffers.
  • Disassemble sizing mills removed from rolling lines, and sort and store parts.

Interests

  • Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
  • Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Education, training, experience

  • Education - These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
  • Training - Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
  • Experience - Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

Knowledge

  • Education and Training -Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
  • English Language -Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Mechanical -Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Skills

  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

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