Many metal and plastic components are used in the manufacture of consumer goods. Metal and plastic machine workers put up and operate the machinery that make the parts. Hundreds of thousands of machine operators in the manufacturing business operate in various stages of production, following blueprints to set up machinery to generate the exact product. Machine setters setup the machines for production and make test runs of the initial batches, making repairs or adjustments as needed to guarantee quality control. Then operators take over, and they may have to load the machine with metal or plastic materials or alter machine settings during production. They inspect the parts on a regular basis and perform minor maintenance. They remove and test final products after completion, and then record production statistics. Metal and plastic machine operators may specialise in a certain type of machine, such as: Computer-controlled machine tool operators use robots to perform tasks on workpieces. CNC workers create computer programmes to control automated processes. They require greater training than other machine workers. Extruding and drawing machine operators extrude thermoplastic or metal materials in the shape of tubes, rods, or hoses. Cutting, punching, and press machine operators operate equipment that saw, bend, or straighten materials. Molding, coremaking, and casting machine operators operate equipment that manufacture metal or thermoplastic parts or products. Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders set up or operate more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot. Machine workers are frequently employed full-time in manufacturing facilities, commonly in schedules that include evenings, weekends, and regular overtime. Because automation allows numerous machines to be controlled at the same time, workers can train on a variety of machines and gain a wide range of abilities. Because these workers operate strong, high-speed machinery, they typically wear protection equipment such as safety glasses, earplugs, and steel-toed boots. Respirators are commonly used by workers in the plastics business who operate near materials that create hazardous fumes or dust. Employers prefer to hire applicants with a high school diploma and then train machine operators on the job.