Textile machine operators.
Textile machine operators run machines that make textile products from
fibers. Textiles are the basis of towels, bed linens, hosiery and socks,
and nearly all clothing, but they also are a key ingredient of products
ranging from roofing to tires. The first step in manufacturing textiles
is preparing the natural or synthetic fibers. Extruding and forming
machine operators, synthetic and glass fibers set up and operate
machines that extrude—or force—liquid synthetic material such as rayon,
fiberglass, or liquid polymers out through small holes and draw out
filaments. Other operators put natural fibers such as cotton, wool,
flax, or hemp through carding and combing machines that clean and align
them into short lengths called “sliver.” When sliver is produced,
different types of natural fibers and synthetics filaments may be
combined to give the product a desired texture, durability, or other
characteristics. Textile winding, twisting, and drawing-out machine
operators take the sliver and draw out, twist, and wind it to
produce yarn, taking care to repair any breaks.