Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Forming Machine Operator
What forming machine operators actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a forming machine operator?
Check material moisture. From there, the day usually includes set up presses, load material, and set pressure and speed. Full time, often shifts.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a forming machine operator working full time.
- Check material moisture.
- Set up the press.
- Run production.
- Check weight and density.
- Change dies.
- Adjust pressure.
- Clean the press.
Where forming machine operators work
Operators work in brick, food, feed, pharma and powder plants.
Hours and schedule
Full time, often shifts.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Set up presses
- Load material
- Set pressure and speed
- Monitor output
- Check dimensions
- Change dies
- Record production
Tools you’ll use every day
- Presses
- Extruders
- Pellet mills
- Scales
- Calipers
- Moisture meters
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- No degree needed
- Average growth
- Variety of industries
- Steady work
What’s hard
- Dust
- Noise
- Shift work
- Repetitive
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like machines
- I’m careful
- I like measuring
- I can work shifts
- I want steady work
- I don’t need a degree
Not sure? Take the free Forming Machine Operator fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use press guards
- Lock out for die changes
- Wear dust protection
- Wear hearing protection