Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
AI replacement rate
65%This role is currently tracked with 8 timeline items plus a profile-based replacement estimate.
The role of Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders faces high replacement risk due to the repetitive and transformative nature of its tasks. Recent advancements in integrated, high-precision machine tools, driven by significant investment, are enabling these machines to perform more complex operations with less human intervention.
Replacement trend
Aggregated from periodic refresh snapshots- 2026-04-2065%
Why this role is rated this way
Structural baseThe core functions of grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing involve highly repetitive operations and the physical transformation of materials, making them inherently suitable for automation. The low physicality requirement further eases the transition to machine-driven execution.
High-end machine tool manufacturers are securing significant funding for R&D in integrated grinding machines and five-axis machining centers. These new machines boast "machine, electricity, control, and software integration" and "micron-level grinding," enabling them to handle complex, high-precision tasks for industries like automotive and robotics, thus reducing the need for direct human operation and fine-tuning.
Timeline
Relevant news and cases, newest firstShanghai Xinghe, a high-end machine tool manufacturer, secured hundreds of millions in financing to boost R&D and expand its market reach for advanced grinding machines and five-axis machining centers. This development signifies an increase in the capabilities of the tools used by machine tool operators, particularly those specializing in grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing, due to the introduction of more precise and high-performance equipment for demanding applications in automotive, aerospace, and robotics.
Open originalMultiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders set up or operate more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot. Manufacturing facilities typically employ machine workers full time, usually in shifts that include evenings, ...
Open originalSet up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic workpieces.
Open originalSet up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic work pieces.
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Open originalSet up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic work pieces.
Open originalGrinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic - 51-4033.00 by U.S.
Open originalThe most common industries employing Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic, by number of employees, are Motor vehicles & motor vehicle equipment manufacturing, Miscellaneous fabricated metal products manufacturing, Iron & steel mills & steel product manufacturing, Machine shops; turned product; screw, nut & bolt manufacturing , Coating, engraving, heat treating & allied activities , Structural metals, & boiler, tank, & shipping container manufacturing , Machinery manufacturing, n.e.c. or not specified, Aircraft & parts manufac
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