O*NET-SOC 51-4031.00

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.

Preparation

ItemValue
Preparation zoneZone 2 – Some preparation needed
What O*NET says the zone requiresSome previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed
Broad occupation in O*NETTrue (Yes)
Skills listed for this occupation6
Abilities listed for this occupation6
Tasks listed for this occupation5
Interest scores given for this occupation6

Skills

The 6 skills with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

SkillO*NET elementImportanceDate
Operations Monitoring2.B.3.g3.507/2015
Operation and Control2.B.3.h3.3807/2015
Monitoring2.A.2.d3.2507/2015
Quality Control Analysis2.B.3.m3.2507/2015
Active Listening2.A.1.b3.007/2015
Critical Thinking2.A.2.a3.007/2015

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Abilities

The 6 abilities with the highest importance values in this occupation's records.

AbilityO*NET elementImportanceDate
Arm-Hand Steadiness1.A.2.a.13.7507/2015
Control Precision1.A.2.b.13.6207/2015
Near Vision1.A.4.a.13.507/2015
Manual Dexterity1.A.2.a.23.3807/2015
Problem Sensitivity1.A.1.b.33.3807/2015
Reaction Time1.A.2.c.13.3807/2015

The importance value is what each record itself carries on O*NET's importance scale; the date is the date in each record.

Tasks

The tasks O*NET records for this occupation, with the type, respondent count and date each record carries.

TaskTypeIncumbents respondingDate
Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.Core13007/2015
Measure completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers.Core12307/2015
Set stops on machine beds, change dies, and adjust components, such as rams or power presses, when making multiple or successive passes.Core13007/2015
Start machines, monitor their operations, and record operational data.Core12507/2015
Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.Core12707/2015

Work interests

The interest scores O*NET gives this occupation, on the six interest types.

InterestScoreDate
Realistic6.8711/2023
Conventional3.911/2023
Investigative2.1211/2023
Artistic1.311/2023
Enterprising1.011/2023
Social1.011/2023

More occupations in preparation zone 2

Source: O*NET 29.1 Database (Occupation Data, Job Zones, Skills, Abilities, Task Statements, Interests), U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Data fetched 2026-10-31. See about and sources.