Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Place patterns on top of layers of fabric and cut fabric following patterns, using electric or manual knives, cutters, or computer numerically controlled cutting devices.

Notify supervisors of mechanical malfunctions.

Repair or replace worn or defective parts or components, using hand tools.

Adjust cutting techniques to types of fabrics and styles of garments.

Operate machines to cut multiple layers of fabric into parts for articles such as canvas goods, house furnishings, garments, hats, or stuffed toys.

Inspect machinery to determine whether repairs are needed.

Adjust machine controls, such as heating mechanisms, tensions, or speeds, to produce specified products.

Inspect products to ensure that specifications are met and to determine whether machines require adjustment.

Confer with coworkers to obtain information about orders, processes, or problems.

Start machines, monitor operations, and make adjustments as needed.

Record information about work completed and machine settings.

Clean, oil, and lubricate machines, using air hoses, cleaning solutions, rags, oilcans, and grease guns.

Study guides, samples, charts, and specification sheets or confer with supervisors or engineering staff to determine set-up requirements.

Operate machines for test runs to verify adjustments and to obtain product samples.

Stop machines when specified amounts of product have been produced.

Install, level, and align components, such as gears, chains, guides, dies, cutters, or needles, to set up machinery for operation.

Program electronic equipment.

Thread yarn, thread, or fabric through guides, needles, and rollers of machines.

Inspect products to ensure that the quality standards and specifications are met.