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

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-4022
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Select, align, and bolt positioning fixtures, stops, and specified dies to rams and anvils, forging rolls, or presses and hammers.

Tools and technology

Automatic conveyors, Automatic roll forging machines, Band cutters, Beam type torque wrenches, Bench grinders, Bevel protractors, Blanking presses, Digital micrometers, Disc grinders, Drill presses, Electric overhead traveling EOT cranes, Email software

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
• Tool and Die Makers
• Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.