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

Cutting, punching, and press machine operators work with powerful industrial equipment that shapes metal and plastic materials into precise components used in countless products, from car parts to appliance housings. They spend their days setting up machines according to specifications, loading raw materials, monitoring the cutting or forming process, and inspecting finished pieces to ensure they meet quality standards. These workers adjust machine settings like blade angles, pressure levels, and feed rates to achieve the exact cuts, bends, or punches required. They also perform routine maintenance, replace worn cutting tools, and troubleshoot when machines malfunction or produce defective parts.