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

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 0 (0%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 1 (3%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 31 (97%)

• Scribe reference lines on workpieces as guides for cutting operations, according to blueprints, templates, sample parts, or specifications.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Measure completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Set stops on machine beds, change dies, and adjust components, such as rams or power presses, when making multiple or successive passes.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Start machines, monitor their operations, and record operational data.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Test and adjust machine speeds or actions, according to product specifications, using gauges and hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Install, align, and lock specified punches, dies, cutting blades, or other fixtures in rams or beds of machines, using gauges, templates, feelers, shims, and hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Read work orders or production schedules to determine specifications, such as materials to be used, locations of cutting lines, or dimensions and tolerances.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Position guides, stops, holding blocks, or other fixtures to secure and direct workpieces, using hand tools and measuring devices.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Position, align, and secure workpieces against fixtures or stops on machine beds or on dies.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Load workpieces, plastic material, or chemical solutions into machines.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Adjust ram strokes of presses to specified lengths, using hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clean and lubricate machines.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Mark identifying data on workpieces.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clean work area.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Plan sequences of operations, applying knowledge of physical properties of workpiece materials.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Operate forklifts to deliver materials.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Lubricate workpieces with oil.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Turn controls to set cutting speeds, feed rates, or table angles for specified operations.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Place workpieces on cutting tables, manually or using hoists, cranes, or sledges.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Turn valves to start flow of coolant against cutting areas or to start airflow that blows cuttings away from kerfs.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Thread ends of metal coils from reels through slitters and secure ends on recoilers.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Grind out burrs or sharp edges, using portable grinders, speed lathes, or polishing jacks.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Remove housings, feed tubes, tool holders, or other accessories to replace worn or broken parts, such as springs or bushings.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Replace defective blades or wheels, using hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Set blade tensions, heights, and angles to perform prescribed cuts, using wrenches.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Select, clean, and install spacers, rubber sleeves, or cutters on arbors.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Hand-form, cut, or finish workpieces, using tools such as table saws, hand sledges, or anvils.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Preheat workpieces, using heating furnaces or hand torches.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Sharpen dulled blades, using bench grinders, abrasive wheels, or lathes.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Hone cutters with oilstones to remove nicks.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic and AI