Explore a possible path

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

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

How does this connect to your interests? →

A look at the work

  • 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.
  • Clean and maintain extruding and forming machines, using hand tools.

A selection of source-listed tasks; duties vary by role and employer.

Interests involved in this work

These source scores describe occupational work activities. They are separate from your personal test results.

Hands-on

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

6.5 / 7

Investigative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

2.2 / 7

Creative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

1.3 / 7

Helping people

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

1.2 / 7

Enterprising

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

1.4 / 7

Organizing

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

4.1 / 7

Skills to explore

Source-reported importance on a 1–5 scale. Try a course, project or conversation to learn what these skills involve.

Operations Monitoring

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

2019-08

4.0 / 5

Operation and Control

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

2019-08

3.8 / 5

Monitoring

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

2019-08

3.5 / 5

Coordination

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

2019-08

3.0 / 5

Complex Problem Solving

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

2019-08

3.0 / 5

Quality Control Analysis

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

2019-08

3.0 / 5

Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

2019-08

3.0 / 5

Time Management

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

2019-08

3.0 / 5

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

2019-08

3.0 / 5

Active Listening

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.

2019-08

3.0 / 5

Plan a small next step

Talk to someone doing this work, look for a supervised activity, and explore the subjects that interest you. Admission, licensing and current program requirements should be confirmed with the relevant institutions.

Source preparation category: Job Zone 2 of 5 · 2026-02. This category describes typical preparation, not your eligibility.

Source & methodology

O*NET-SOC code 51-6091.00 · Database 31.0 · Retrieved Oct 14, 2026. Dates on individual observations describe their source periods.

How interest exploration matching works →

Data: O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Used under CC BY 4.0. StudyIndex normalizes the presentation and adds exploration features; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions.