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Automation Squad

Role

AI for Machine Tool Operators

Robert MacKelfresh

By Robert MacKelfresh

Founder, Automation Squad

Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic · O*NET 51-4081.00 · Job Zone 2 · sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor occupation database

Automation coverage

8 of 8tools on this list have an AI solution available today

Counted by matching the tools this occupation is documented as using against a corpus of 226,452 AI products, MCP servers, skills and connectors. Where a tool has no match, we say so rather than inventing one.

AI you can use for this job

22 matched to the tools multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic use. Showing 22.

The tools this job actually uses

8 documented for this occupation. Showing 8, hot technologies first. A filled dot means an AI solution exists for it.

  • Autodesk AutoCADhot
  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot
  • Microsoft Windowshot
  • Microsoft Wordhot
  • SAP softwarehot
  • Email software

What this job involves

21 documented tasks, most important first. Showing 21.

  1. Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
  2. Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
  3. Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
  4. Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
  5. Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
  6. Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.
  7. Measure and mark reference points and cutting lines on workpieces, using traced templates, compasses, and rules.
  8. Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.
  9. Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates.
  10. Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow.
  11. Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools.
  12. Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.
  13. Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.
  14. Compute data, such as gear dimensions or machine settings, applying knowledge of shop mathematics.
  15. Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms.
  16. Move controls or mount gears, cams, or templates in machines to set feed rates and cutting speeds, depths, and angles.
  17. Instruct other workers in machine set-up and operation.
  18. Write programs for computer numerical control (CNC) machines to cut metal and plastic materials.
  19. Record operational data, such as pressure readings, lengths of strokes, feed rates, or speeds.
  20. Align layout marks with dies or blades.
  21. Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars.
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