{"schemaVersion":"1.0","exportedAt":"2026-05-15T12:40:05.076Z","occupation":{"soc":"51-4031.00","title":"Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic","group":"Production","sector":"31-33","jobZone":2,"jobZoneInferred":false},"framework":{"version":"v.26.05","description":"","contextCovered":"This framework covers the setup, operation, monitoring, and quality verification of cutting, punching, and press machines used to process metal and plastic materials in a Job Zone 2 manufacturing production environment.","levels":{"emerging":{"label":"Emerging","statements":["Work orders and production schedules — read and interpret under direct supervision to identify material types, cutting line locations, and basic dimensional tolerances on the shop floor.","Workpiece loading procedures — follow step-by-step instructions to load metal or plastic stock into cutting, punching, or press machines under close operator guidance.","Machine start-up sequences — execute pre-defined start-up protocols and monitor basic operational indicators on assigned production equipment with supervisor oversight.","Hand tools and basic gauges — select and use under direct supervision to perform preliminary checks on workpiece dimensions before and after machine operations.","Cutting speeds and feed rate controls — turn machine controls to preset values specified on the job ticket under the direction of an experienced operator.","Defective workpieces — identify visually and sort by flaw type, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces, following established quality checklists in a production cell.","Operational data — record machine settings and cycle counts on paper or digital logs as directed by a lead operator during routine production runs.","Safety protocols and PPE requirements — apply consistently when tending sawing, shearing, punching, or bending machines in a metal and plastic manufacturing environment.","Basic measurement tools including rulers and templates — use to verify simple workpiece dimensions against specifications under close supervision on the production floor.","Active listening skills — demonstrate by receiving and following verbal instructions from operators and supervisors during machine setup and daily production tasks."]},"developing":{"label":"Developing","statements":["Micrometers, calipers, and dial gauges — apply routinely and independently to measure completed workpieces and verify conformance to dimensional tolerances specified on work orders.","Machine speed and feed rate adjustments — perform with reduced oversight by consulting product specifications and using gauges and hand tools to test and fine-tune settings.","Cutting, punching, and press machine operations — set up and tend with routine independence for standard jobs involving sawing, slitting, crimping, notching, bending, or straightening metal and plastic.","Production schedules and work orders — review and interpret independently to determine material selections, tooling requirements, and operational sequences before each production run.","Minor machine malfunctions — troubleshoot using established diagnostic steps, adjusting controls or clearing jams to restore normal operation with minimal downtime.","Workpiece defect examination — conduct systematic visual and tactile inspections after each production cycle, sorting nonconforming pieces and documenting defect patterns for supervisors.","Chemical solutions and specialty materials — load safely and accurately into process machines by following material handling procedures and SDS guidelines in a production facility.","Operational data and machine parameters — record and monitor consistently using shift logs or basic inventory management software to support production tracking.","Spreadsheet or office suite software — use to enter production counts, scrap rates, and machine downtime data as part of standard end-of-shift reporting routines.","Selective attention and control precision — apply during extended production runs to detect subtle changes in machine sound, vibration, or output quality and respond promptly."]},"proficient":{"label":"Proficient","statements":["Complex machine setups for multi-step operations — execute autonomously across the full range of cutting, punching, shearing, and press functions, including non-standard materials and tight tolerances.","Table angle, feed rate, and speed parameters — calculate and set independently for varied part geometries and material grades, validating results with precision measurement instruments.","Non-routine defects and dimensional deviations — diagnose root causes by analyzing measurement data, machine settings, and material properties and implementing corrective actions without supervisory direction.","Full-scope quality control analysis — conduct on completed batches using micrometers, calipers, and gauges, comparing results against engineering specifications and initiating disposition of nonconforming parts.","CAD or CAM software — interpret and apply to extract cutting path data, tooling parameters, or nesting layouts that guide machine setup for precision metal and plastic fabrication.","Industrial control software and machine interfaces — configure and monitor across multiple press or punch machines simultaneously, optimizing throughput and minimizing unplanned downtime.","Production bottlenecks and process inefficiencies — identify through operations monitoring data and propose adjustments to schedules, tooling, or material feed methods to improve output quality.","Troubleshooting methodology — apply systematically to complex mechanical and control-related machine faults, restoring equipment to specification using hand tools, gauges, and technical manuals.","Cross-functional communication — deliver clear, accurate verbal and written updates to quality, maintenance, and planning teams regarding machine status, output conformance, and schedule adherence.","ERP or database software — query and update to track material inventory, production job status, and machine utilization records across an active metal and plastic fabrication operation."]},"advanced":{"label":"Advanced","statements":["Department-wide machine setup standards and operating procedures — develop and maintain to ensure consistent quality, safety, and efficiency across all cutting, punching, and press operations.","New operator onboarding and skills development — lead structured on-the-job training programs covering machine operation, measurement techniques, and quality inspection for Job Zone 2 production staff.","Production floor layout and workflow sequencing — design and optimize to maximize throughput and reduce material handling time across sawing, shearing, crimping, notching, and bending work cells.","Quality control frameworks and defect-reduction initiatives — establish and drive using statistical data, scrap tracking, and root-cause analysis to achieve sustained conformance targets across the operation.","Capital equipment evaluations and tooling investments — lead by assessing machine capabilities, production requirements, and cost-benefit data to support purchasing decisions for press and cutting machinery.","CAD/CAM and industrial control system integration — oversee and guide to ensure machine programs, tooling libraries, and process parameters are current, accurate, and aligned with engineering specifications.","Cross-departmental production planning — collaborate with scheduling, engineering, and quality teams at an organizational level to align machine capacity with customer order requirements and delivery commitments.","Safety culture and regulatory compliance — champion across the production department by auditing practices, updating procedures, and ensuring all personnel meet OSHA and industry standards for metalworking environments.","Continuous improvement and waste-reduction projects — lead using lean manufacturing principles to systematically reduce cycle times, scrap rates, and machine downtime in metal and plastic fabrication operations.","Key performance indicators for production efficiency and quality — define, monitor, and report to plant management using ERP and data analytics tools to drive strategic operational improvements."]}}},"sources":{"onet":"v30.2 (CC BY 4.0)","crosswalk":"https://skillscrosswalk.com","generator":"LER.me"},"attribution":"© EBSCOed"}