Carding Machine Operator Career

*A job as a Carding Machine Operator falls under the broader career category of Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders. The information on this page will generally apply to all careers in this category but may not specifically apply to this career title.

Job Description for Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders : Set up, operate, or tend machines that wind or twist textiles; or draw out and combine sliver, such as wool, hemp, or synthetic fibers. Includes slubber machine and drawing frame operators.


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Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tender Career

What Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders do:

  • Notify supervisors or mechanics of equipment malfunctions.
  • Start machines, monitor operation, and make adjustments as needed.
  • Tend machines that twist together two or more strands of yarn or insert additional twists into single strands of yarn to increase strength, smoothness, or uniformity of yarn.
  • Stop machines when specified amount of products has been produced.
  • Operate machines for test runs to verify adjustments and to obtain product samples.
  • Inspect machinery to determine whether repairs are needed.
  • Thread yarn, thread, or fabric through guides, needles, and rollers of machines.
  • Inspect products to verify that they meet specifications and to determine whether machine adjustment is needed.
  • Observe operations to detect defects, malfunctions, or supply shortages.
  • Replace depleted supply packages with full packages.
  • Record production data such as numbers and types of bobbins wound.
  • Remove spindles from machines and bobbins from spindles.
  • Adjust machine settings such as speed or tension to produce products that meet specifications.
  • Tend spinning frames that draw out and twist roving or sliver into yarn.
  • Observe bobbins as they are winding and cut threads to remove loaded bobbins, using knives.
  • Unwind lengths of yarn, thread, or twine from spools and wind onto bobbins.
  • Clean, oil, and lubricate machines, using air hoses, cleaning solutions, rags, oilcans, and grease guns.
  • Repair or replace worn or defective parts or components, using hand tools.
  • Place bobbins on spindles and insert spindles into bobbin-winding machines.
  • Study guides, samples, charts, and specification sheets, or confer with supervisors or engineering staff to determine setup requirements.
  • Measure bobbins periodically, using gauges, and turn screws to adjust tension if bobbins are not of specified size.
  • Install, level, and align machine components such as gears, chains, guides, dies, cutters, or needles to set up machinery for operation.
  • Tend machines with multiple winding units that wind thread onto shuttle bobbins for use on sewing machines or other kinds of bobbins for sole-stitching, knitting, or weaving machinery.
  • Tend machines that wind wire onto bobbins, preparatory to formation of wire netting used in reinforcing sheet glass.

What work activities are most important?

Importance Activities

Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Holland Code Chart for a Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tender