Watch clips from "How It's Made" to see how objects like artificial limbs, nails, footballs, mustard, and more are made. Choose a few to watch--which one surprised you most?

Watch how the objects all around us are made.

Interested in learning more about machine technology? Check out Machine Technology Instructor, Adam Balogh's, engaging videos on YouTube. 

Check out the YouTube channel, Machine Tech Video Blog!

Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend machines to roll steel or plastic forming bends, beads, knurls, rolls, or plate, or to flatten, temper, or reduce gauge of material.

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Realistic

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Conventional

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Enterprising

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Investigative

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Artistic

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Social

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Production Occupations

Metal Workers and Plastic Workers

Monitor machine cycles and mill operation to detect jamming and to ensure that products conform to specifications.

Adjust and correct machine set-ups to reduce thicknesses, reshape products, and eliminate product defects.

Start operation of rolling and milling machines to flatten, temper, form, and reduce sheet metal sections and to produce steel strips.

Examine, inspect, and measure raw materials and finished products to verify conformance to specifications.

Read rolling orders, blueprints, and mill schedules to determine setup specifications, work sequences, product dimensions, and installation procedures.

Manipulate controls and observe dial indicators to monitor, adjust, and regulate speeds of machine mechanisms.

Set distance points between rolls, guides, meters, and stops, according to specifications.

Calculate draft space and roll speed for each mill stand to plan rolling sequences and specified dimensions and tempers.

Install equipment such as guides, guards, gears, cooling equipment, and rolls, using hand tools.

Position, align, and secure arbors, spindles, coils, mandrels, dies, and slitting knives.

Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Overview

Career

What Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Do

Other Job Titles Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic May Have

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Overview

Career

What Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Do

Other Job Titles Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic May Have

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

Education

Level of Education Attained by Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Majors Related to Career

Related Careers