Forging Machine Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic

Blacksmith, Forge Operator, Hammer Operator, Machine Operator

What they do:
Set up, operate, or tend forging machines to taper, shape, or form metal or plastic parts.
On the job, you would:
  • 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.

Knowledge

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Education and Training

  • teaching and course design

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical

Skills

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Cooperation
  • Integrity
  • Self Control
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Electronic mail software

  • Email software

Inventory management software

  • Inventory tracking software

Industrial control software

  • Machine control software

Education

Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma/GED or
no high school diploma/GED
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training
Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Below Average
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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