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.
How AI Impacts Each Task
19 tasks analyzed
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.
Thread or feed sheets or rods through rolling mechanisms, or start and control mechanisms that automatically feed steel into rollers.
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.
Select rolls, dies, roll stands, and chucks from data charts to form specified contours and to fabricate products.
Position, align, and secure arbors, spindles, coils, mandrels, dies, and slitting knives.
Fill oil cups, adjust valves, and observe gauges to control flow of metal coolants and lubricants onto workpieces.
Signal and assist other workers to remove and position equipment, fill hoppers, and feed materials into machines.
Activate shears and grinders to trim workpieces.
Record mill production on schedule sheets.
Remove scratches and polish roll surfaces, using polishing stones and electric buffers.
Direct and train other workers to change rolls, operate mill equipment, remove coils and cobbles, and band and load material.
Disassemble sizing mills removed from rolling lines, and sort and store parts.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monitor machine cycles and mill operation to detect jamming and to ensure that products conform to specifications. | 80Estimated | 65.0% | 15% | |
| Adjust and correct machine set-ups to reduce thicknesses, reshape products, and eliminate product defects. | 20Estimated | 17.0% | 10% | |
| Start operation of rolling and milling machines to flatten, temper, form, and reduce sheet metal sections and to produce steel strips. | 70Estimated | 61.0% | 5% | |
| Examine, inspect, and measure raw materials and finished products to verify conformance to specifications. | 90Estimated | 85.2% | 10% | |
| Read rolling orders, blueprints, and mill schedules to determine setup specifications, work sequences, product dimensions, and installation procedures. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 5% | |
| Thread or feed sheets or rods through rolling mechanisms, or start and control mechanisms that automatically feed steel into rollers. | 60Estimated | 57.0% | 10% | |
| Manipulate controls and observe dial indicators to monitor, adjust, and regulate speeds of machine mechanisms. | 85Estimated | 67.0% | 10% | |
| Set distance points between rolls, guides, meters, and stops, according to specifications. | 50Estimated | 53.0% | 5% | |
| Calculate draft space and roll speed for each mill stand to plan rolling sequences and specified dimensions and tempers. | 95Estimated | 87.2% | 3% | |
| Install equipment such as guides, guards, gears, cooling equipment, and rolls, using hand tools. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 4% | |
| Select rolls, dies, roll stands, and chucks from data charts to form specified contours and to fabricate products. | 95Estimated | 87.2% | 3% | |
| Position, align, and secure arbors, spindles, coils, mandrels, dies, and slitting knives. | 30Estimated | 45.0% | 5% | |
| Fill oil cups, adjust valves, and observe gauges to control flow of metal coolants and lubricants onto workpieces. | 65Estimated | 59.0% | 3% | |
| Signal and assist other workers to remove and position equipment, fill hoppers, and feed materials into machines. | 20Estimated | 23.0% | 3% | |
| Activate shears and grinders to trim workpieces. | 60Estimated | 57.0% | 2% | |
| Record mill production on schedule sheets. | 100Estimated | 89.2% | 2% | |
| Remove scratches and polish roll surfaces, using polishing stones and electric buffers. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 2% | |
| Direct and train other workers to change rolls, operate mill equipment, remove coils and cobbles, and band and load material. | 30Estimated | 27.0% | 2% | |
| Disassemble sizing mills removed from rolling lines, and sort and store parts. | 20Estimated | 41.0% | 2% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
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.
Memorization 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.
Mathematics 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.
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing 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
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis