National

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

Sample of reported job titles: Machine Operator, Forge Operator, Hammer Operator, Header Set-Up Operator, Set Up Techncian, Blacksmith, Cold Header Operator, Forge Press Operator, Manipulator Operator, Process Technician

Tasks

• Measure and inspect machined parts to ensure conformance to product specifications.
• Read work orders or blueprints to determine specified tolerances and sequences of operations for machine setup.
• Start machines to produce sample workpieces, and observe operations to detect machine malfunctions and to verify that machine setups conform to specifications.
• Remove dies from machines when production runs are finished.
• Turn handles or knobs to set pressures and depths of ram strokes and to synchronize machine operations.
• Confer with other workers about machine setups and operational specifications.
• Repair, maintain, and replace parts on dies.
• 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.
• Position and move metal wires or workpieces through a series of dies that compress and shape stock to form die impressions.
• Install, adjust, and remove dies, synchronizing cams, forging hammers, and stop guides, using overhead cranes or other hoisting devices, and hand tools.

51-4031.00	Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4033.00	Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4111.00	Tool and Die Makers
51-4122.00	Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
51-5023.00	Printing Machine Operators
51-6091.00	Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
51-9196.00	Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders