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Occupation AtlasForging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

O*NET · 51-4022.00

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

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

Also called Automatic Forging Machine Operator · Blacksmith · Board Hammer Operator · Bolt Machine Operator · Drop Forge Operator · Drop Forger · Drop Hammer Set Up Operator · Drophammer Operator
33 more

Forge Operator · Forge Press Operator · Forge Tender · Forger · Forgesmith · Forging Die Setter · Forging Machine Operator · Forging Operator · Forging Press Operator · Forging Roll Operator · Hammer Operator · Header Machine Operator · Header Operator · Header Setup Operator · Heat Set Operator · Heavy Forger · Heavy Forging Machine Operator · Hot Press Forger · Machine Operator · Manufacturing Operator · Multi Operation Machine Operator · Plastic Molding Operator · Plastic Process Tech · Plastic Process Technician (Plastic Process Tech) · Power Hammer Operator · Process Tech · Process Technician (Process Tech) · Restrike Hammer Operator · Roller Machine Operator · Set Up Operator · Spring Forger · Steam Hammer Operator · Steel Shot Header Operator

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.74
  • C Conventional4.39
  • I Investigative2.62
  • E Enterprising1.19
  • A Artistic1.03
  • S Social1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma4%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent82%
  • Some College Courses12%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree2%
Related work experience
None (43%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (32%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (38%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operations Monitoring3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Operation and Control3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Monitoringbasic3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Active Listeningbasic2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Critical Thinkingbasic2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Quality Control Analysis2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Speakingbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Equipment Maintenance2.92.4Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Coordination2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Troubleshooting2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Time Management2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
Show the other 23
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Complex Problem Solving2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Social Perceptiveness2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Repairing2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Writingbasic2.42.5Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Mathematicsbasic2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Active Learningbasic2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Systems Analysis2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Equipment Selection2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Instructing1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Learning Strategiesbasic1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Persuasion1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Service Orientation1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Systems Evaluation1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Negotiation1.81.5Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Installation1.80.9
  • Operations Analysis1.60.9
  • Technology Design1.60.8
  • Management of Financial Resources1.3—
  • Management of Material Resources1.3—
  • Sciencebasic1.3—
  • Programming1.1—

Tasks

7 core · 5 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Start machines to produce sample workpieces, and observe operations to detect machine malfunctions and to verify that machine setups conform to specifications.4.1
  2. Read work orders or blueprints to determine specified tolerances and sequences of operations for machine setup.3.9
  3. Measure and inspect machined parts to ensure conformance to product specifications.3.8
  4. Turn handles or knobs to set pressures and depths of ram strokes and to synchronize machine operations.3.8
  5. Confer with other workers about machine setups and operational specifications.3.8
  6. 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.3.6
  7. Trim and compress finished forgings to specified tolerances.3.5
Show the other 5
  1. Install, adjust, and remove dies, synchronizing cams, forging hammers, and stop guides, using overhead cranes or other hoisting devices, and hand tools.4.4
  2. Remove dies from machines when production runs are finished.4.0
  3. Select, align, and bolt positioning fixtures, stops, and specified dies to rams and anvils, forging rolls, or presses and hammers.3.9
  4. Repair, maintain, and replace parts on dies.3.8
  5. Position and move metal wires or workpieces through a series of dies that compress and shape stock to form die impressions.3.6

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Production and Processing4.03.8Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Mechanical3.74.1Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Mathematics2.72.6
  • English Language2.31.9Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Education and Training2.22.1Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
  • Administration and Management2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Computers and Electronics2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Chemistry2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
Show all 33
  • Customer and Personal Service2.01.3Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Engineering and Technology2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Physics2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Communications and Media1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Psychology1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Design1.81.1Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Administrative1.71.5Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Public Safety and Security1.60.8Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.50.4Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.40.5Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Building and Construction1.3—
  • Sales and Marketing1.3—
  • Economics and Accounting1.2—
  • Foreign Language1.2—
  • Transportation1.2—
  • Food Production1.1—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.1—
  • Biology1.0—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • Geography1.0—
  • History and Archeology1.0—
  • Law and Government1.0—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.0—
  • Telecommunications1.0—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision3.83.1Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Control Precision3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Deductive Reasoning3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Problem Sensitivity3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Visualization3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Written Comprehension3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Finger Dexterity3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
Show all 52
  • Inductive Reasoning3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Information Ordering3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Manual Dexterity3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Multilimb Coordination3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Oral Comprehension3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
  • Oral Expression3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Perceptual Speed3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Rate Control3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Keep up with a car that changes speed
  • Reaction Time3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Selective Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Trunk Strength3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Auditory Attention2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Category Flexibility2.83.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Flexibility of Closure2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Speech Clarity2.82.3Level 1 looks like: Call numbers in a bingo game
  • Speech Recognition2.82.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Static Strength2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Written Expression2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Depth Perception2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Far Vision2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Extent Flexibility2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Response Orientation2.32.1Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Time Sharing2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Dynamic Strength2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Fluency of Ideas2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Memorization2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Number Facility2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Originality2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Spatial Orientation2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Speed of Closure2.02.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Stamina2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Gross Body Coordination1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Peripheral Vision1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Sound Localization1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Explosive Strength1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.81.5Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Night Vision1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Glare Sensitivity1.50.8
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.1—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.14.3Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.15.2Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.14.9Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Getting Information3.93.7Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.95.0Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Processing Information3.94.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.54.2Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
Show all 41
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.53.7Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.54.6Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.44.2Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.33.2Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.23.5Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Thinking Creatively3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.03.2Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.03.9Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Training and Teaching Others3.03.2Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.93.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Developing and Building Teams2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.92.9
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.92.5Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Working with Computers2.92.8
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.72.4Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.73.0Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.72.7
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.62.6
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.62.2Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.53.1Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.31.9Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization1.5—
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.4—
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.4—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets5.0
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.8
  • Spend Time Standing4.8
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.8
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions4.3
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.2
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.1
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate3.9
  • Time Pressure3.8
  • Contact With Others3.6

Technology

3 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Tools (3)
  • Email software
  • Inventory tracking software
  • Machine control software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  2. Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
  3. Tool and Die Makers
  4. Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  5. Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  6. Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  7. Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  8. Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
  9. Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  10. Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.