Watch clips from "How It's Made" to see how objects like artificial limbs, nails, footballs, mustard, and more are made. Choose a few to watch--which one surprised you most?

Watch how the objects all around us are made.

Interested in learning more about machine technology? Check out Machine Technology Instructor, Adam Balogh's, engaging videos on YouTube. 

Check out the YouTube channel, Machine Tech Video Blog!

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread, form, or face metal or plastic materials, such as wire, rod, or bar stock.

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Realistic

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Investigative

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Conventional

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Artistic

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Enterprising

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Social

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

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

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

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

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

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.

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

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

Machine Tool Cutting Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Production Occupations

Metal Workers and Plastic Workers

Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.

Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies, using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.

Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.

Start lathe or turning machines and observe operations to ensure that specifications are met.

Position, secure, and align cutting tools in toolholders on machines, using hand tools, and verify their positions with measuring instruments.

Crank machines through cycles, stopping to adjust tool positions and machine controls to ensure specified timing, clearances, and tolerances.

Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.

Select cutting tools and tooling instructions, according to written specifications or knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.

Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to workpieces.

Refill, change, and monitor the level of fluids, such as oil and coolant, in machines.

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Overview

Career

What Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Do

Other Job Titles Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic May Have

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Overview

Career

What Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Do

Other Job Titles Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic May Have

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

Education

Level of Education Attained by Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Majors Related to Career

Related Careers