Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Set up, operate, or tend paper goods machines that perform a variety of functions, such as converting, sawing, corrugating, banding, wrapping, boxing, stitching, forming, or sealing paper or paperboard sheets into products.
How AI Impacts Each Task
15 tasks analyzed
Examine completed work to detect defects and verify conformance to work orders, and adjust machinery as necessary to correct production problems.
Observe operation of various machines to detect and correct machine malfunctions such as improper forming, glue flow, or pasteboard tension.
Install attachments to machines for gluing, folding, printing, or cutting.
Cut products to specified dimensions, using hand or power cutters.
Place rolls of paper or cardboard on machine feed tracks, and thread paper through gluing, coating, and slitting rollers.
Monitor finished cartons as they drop from forming machines into rotating hoppers and into gravity feed chutes to prevent jamming.
Adjust guide assemblies, forming bars, and folding mechanisms according to specifications, using hand tools.
Start machines and move controls to regulate tension on pressure rolls, to synchronize speed of machine components, and to adjust temperatures of glue or paraffin.
Fill glue and paraffin reservoirs, and position rollers to dispense glue onto paperboard.
Measure, space, and set saw blades, cutters, and perforators, according to product specifications.
Disassemble machines to maintain, repair, or replace broken or worn parts, using hand or power tools.
Stamp products with information such as dates, using hand stamps or automatic stamping devices.
Lift tote boxes of finished cartons, and dump cartons into feed hoppers.
Remove finished cores, and stack or place them on conveyors for transfer to other work areas.
Load automatic stapling mechanisms.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examine completed work to detect defects and verify conformance to work orders, and adjust machinery as necessary to correct production problems. | 60Estimated | 57.0% | 15% | |
| Observe operation of various machines to detect and correct machine malfunctions such as improper forming, glue flow, or pasteboard tension. | 60Estimated | 57.0% | 15% | |
| Install attachments to machines for gluing, folding, printing, or cutting. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 8% | |
| Cut products to specified dimensions, using hand or power cutters. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 5% | |
| Place rolls of paper or cardboard on machine feed tracks, and thread paper through gluing, coating, and slitting rollers. | 30Estimated | 45.0% | 8% | |
| Monitor finished cartons as they drop from forming machines into rotating hoppers and into gravity feed chutes to prevent jamming. | 50Estimated | 53.0% | 10% | |
| Adjust guide assemblies, forming bars, and folding mechanisms according to specifications, using hand tools. | 30Estimated | 45.0% | 6% | |
| Start machines and move controls to regulate tension on pressure rolls, to synchronize speed of machine components, and to adjust temperatures of glue or paraffin. | 65Estimated | 59.0% | 8% | |
| Fill glue and paraffin reservoirs, and position rollers to dispense glue onto paperboard. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 5% | |
| Measure, space, and set saw blades, cutters, and perforators, according to product specifications. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 5% | |
| Disassemble machines to maintain, repair, or replace broken or worn parts, using hand or power tools. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 5% | |
| Stamp products with information such as dates, using hand stamps or automatic stamping devices. | 70Estimated | 61.0% | 3% | |
| Lift tote boxes of finished cartons, and dump cartons into feed hoppers. | 50Estimated | 53.0% | 3% | |
| Remove finished cores, and stack or place them on conveyors for transfer to other work areas. | 70Estimated | 61.0% | 2% | |
| Load automatic stapling mechanisms. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 2% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
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Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis