Forging Machine Setter / Operator / Tender (Metal/Plastic)

Set up, operate, or tend forging machines to taper, shape, or form metal or plastic parts.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Blacksmith; Forge Operator; Forge Press Operator; Forger; Hammer Operator; Header Operator; Hot Press Forger; Machine Operator; Process Technician (Process Tech); Set Up Operator

Tasks

• Start machines to produce sample workpieces, and observe operations to detect machine malfunctions and to verify that machine setups conform to specifications.
• Read work orders or blueprints to determine specified tolerances and sequences of operations for machine setup.
• Confer with other workers about machine setups and operational specifications.
• Measure and inspect machined parts to ensure conformance to product specifications.
• Turn handles or knobs to set pressures and depths of ram strokes and to synchronize machine operations.
• 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.
• Trim and compress finished forgings to specified tolerances.

Knowledge

• Production and Processing
• Mechanical

Skills

• Monitoring

Abilities

• Near Vision
• Written Comprehension
• Problem Sensitivity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Visualization
• Control Precision
• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Inductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Perceptual Speed
• Selective Attention
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Manual Dexterity
• Finger Dexterity
• Multilimb Coordination
• Rate Control
• Reaction Time
• Trunk Strength