Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers

Career Overview

Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form continuous filaments from synthetic materials, such as liquid polymer, rayon, and fiberglass.

Also Known As

Extruder Operator
Extrusion Line Operator
Extrusion Operator
Spindraw Operator

Alternate Job Titles

Beamer Operator
Beaming Machine Operator
Blown Film Extrusion Operator
Box Spinner
Drawbench Operator
Extruder
Extruder Operator
Extrusion Line Operator
Extrusion Machine Operator
Extrusion Operator
Extrusion Process Operator
Extrusion Technician
Fiber Machine Tender
Fiberglass Dowel Drawing Operator
Granulator

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form filaments from synthetic materials such as rayon, fiberglass, or liquid polymers.
Press buttons to stop machines when processes are complete or when malfunctions are detected.
Notify other workers of defects, and direct them to adjust extruding and forming machines.
Observe machine operations, control boards, and gauges to detect malfunctions such as clogged bushings and defective binder applicators.
Load materials into extruding and forming machines, using hand tools, and adjust feed mechanisms to set feed rates.
Move controls to activate and adjust extruding and forming machines.
Record details of machine malfunctions.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

Production and Processing

Essential Skills

Success in this career requires strong skills in:

Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

Problem Sensitivity
Control Precision
Near Vision
Oral Comprehension
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Finger Dexterity
Reaction Time
Manual Dexterity
Multilimb Coordination
Rate Control

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

Dependability
Attention to Detail
Cautiousness
Stress Tolerance
Perseverance

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

Support
Relationships
Independence
Working Conditions
Achievement

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)

Related Work Experience Needed: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year

On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months

Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Word
SAP software

Tools & Equipment

Adjustable open end wrenches
Allen wrench sets
Automated staple guns
Benchtop microscopes
Cleaning scrapers
Color blenders
Computer laser printers
Dial indicators
Die gauges
Digital calipers
Digital micrometers
Digital pyrometers
Digital tachometers
Dryer monitors
Electronic balances

Work Environment

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
Exposed to Contaminants
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

Salary & Job Market

Salary Percentile	Annual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)	$35,590
Median	$44,980
Top Earners (90th percentile)	$63,650

Workers Employed Nationally: 14,900