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

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: 1 (5%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 0 (0%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 20 (95%)

• Record details of machine malfunctions.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form filaments from synthetic materials such as rayon, fiberglass, or liquid polymers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Press buttons to stop machines when processes are complete or when malfunctions are detected.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Notify other workers of defects, and direct them to adjust extruding and forming machines.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Observe machine operations, control boards, and gauges to detect malfunctions such as clogged bushings and defective binder applicators.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Load materials into extruding and forming machines, using hand tools, and adjust feed mechanisms to set feed rates.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Move controls to activate and adjust extruding and forming machines.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clean and maintain extruding and forming machines, using hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Observe flow of finish across finish rollers, and turn valves to adjust flow to specifications.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Remove polymer deposits from spinnerettes and equipment, using silicone spray, brass chisels, and bronze-wool pads.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Press metering-pump buttons and turn valves to stop flow of polymers.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Record operational data on tags, and attach tags to machines.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Turn rheostats to obtain specified temperatures in electric furnaces where glass is melted.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Start metering pumps and observe operation of machines and equipment to ensure continuous flow of filaments extruded through spinnerettes and to detect processing defects.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Remove excess, entangled, or completed filaments from machines, using hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Wipe finish rollers with cloths and wash finish trays with water when necessary.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Turn petcocks to adjust the flow of binding fluid to sleeves.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Lower pans inside cabinets to catch molten filaments until flow of polymer through packs has stopped.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Open cabinet doors to cut multifilament threadlines away from guides, using scissors.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Pull extruded fiberglass filaments over sleeves where binding solution is applied, and into grooves of graphite shoes that bind filaments into single strands of sliver.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Pass sliver strands through openings in floors to workers on floors below who wind slivers onto tubes.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task