Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Human Advantage 65%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.5 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Set up, operate, or tend forging machines to taper, shape, or form metal or plastic parts.
Also Known As: Air Table Operator, Anvil Seating Press Operator, Automatic Casting-Forging Machine Operator, Blacksmith, Board Hammer Operator, Bolt Machine Operator, Buckshot Swage Operator, Bulldozer Operator +78 more
Core Tasks
- Read work orders or blueprints to determine specified tolerances and sequences of operations for machine setup.
- Position and move metal wires or workpieces through a series of dies that compress and shape stock to form die impressions.
- Measure and inspect machined parts to ensure conformance to product specifications.
- Set up, operate, or tend presses and forging machines to perform hot or cold forging by flattening, straightening, bending, cutting, piercing, or other operations to taper, shape, or form metal.
- Turn handles or knobs to set pressures and depths of ram strokes and to synchronize machine operations.
- Install, adjust, and remove dies, synchronizing cams, forging hammers, and stop guides, using overhead cranes or other hoisting devices, and hand tools.
- Start machines to produce sample workpieces, and observe operations to detect machine malfunctions and to verify that machine setups conform to specifications.
- Confer with other workers about machine setups and operational specifications.
- Trim and compress finished forgings to specified tolerances.
- Remove dies from machines when production runs are finished.
- Repair, maintain, and replace parts on dies.
Supplemental Tasks (2)
- Select, align, and bolt positioning fixtures, stops, and specified dies to rams and anvils, forging rolls, or presses and hammers.
- Sharpen cutting tools and drill bits, using bench grinders.
Education & Training
Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Software (3)
Tools & Equipment (53)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Industrial Machinery Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 1
Conveyor Operators and Tenders 76% match
Zone 2
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic You are here
Zone 3
Crane and Tower Operators 79% match
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