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.
How AI Impacts Each Task
13 tasks analyzed
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.
Sharpen cutting tools and drill bits, using bench grinders.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Read work orders or blueprints to determine specified tolerances and sequences of operations for machine setup. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 5% | |
| Position and move metal wires or workpieces through a series of dies that compress and shape stock to form die impressions. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 20% | |
| Measure and inspect machined parts to ensure conformance to product specifications. | 70Estimated | 61.0% | 10% | |
| 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. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 25% | |
| Turn handles or knobs to set pressures and depths of ram strokes and to synchronize machine operations. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 5% | |
| Install, adjust, and remove dies, synchronizing cams, forging hammers, and stop guides, using overhead cranes or other hoisting devices, and hand tools. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 8% | |
| Start machines to produce sample workpieces, and observe operations to detect machine malfunctions and to verify that machine setups conform to specifications. | 77Estimated | 80.0% | 5% | |
| Confer with other workers about machine setups and operational specifications. | 20Estimated | 23.0% | 3% | |
| Trim and compress finished forgings to specified tolerances. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 8% | |
| Remove dies from machines when production runs are finished. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 3% | |
| Repair, maintain, and replace parts on dies. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 4% | |
| Select, align, and bolt positioning fixtures, stops, and specified dies to rams and anvils, forging rolls, or presses and hammers. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 2% | |
| Sharpen cutting tools and drill bits, using bench grinders. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 2% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis