Will AI Replace Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?

Remove workpieces from machines, and check to ensure that they conform to specifications, using measuring instruments such as microscopes, gauges, calipers, and micrometers.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Verify alignment of workpieces on machines, using measuring instruments such as rules, gauges, or calipers.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Move controls to set cutting specifications, to position cutting tools and workpieces in relation to each other, and to start machines.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Observe milling or planing machine operation, and adjust controls to ensure conformance with specified tolerances.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Select and install cutting tools and other accessories according to specifications, using hand tools or power tools.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Position and secure workpieces on machines, using holding devices, measuring instruments, hand tools, and hoists.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Replace worn tools, using hand tools, and sharpen dull tools, using bench grinders.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Study blueprints, layouts, sketches, or work orders to assess workpiece specifications and to determine tooling instructions, tools and materials needed, and sequences of operations.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Compute dimensions, tolerances, and angles of workpieces or machines according to specifications and knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Move cutters or material manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to mill workpieces to specifications.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Mount attachments and tools, such as pantographs, engravers, or routers, to perform other operations, such as drilling or boring.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Select cutting speeds, feed rates, and depths of cuts, applying knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Record production output.

Routine cognitive or manual task with high vulnerability to automation.

Turn valves or pull levers to start and regulate the flow of coolant or lubricant to work areas.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Make templates or cutting tools.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.