Forging Machine Operators
Overview
Forging machine operators use powerful machines to shape and form metal and plastic parts by applying intense pressure and heat. They set up equipment, monitor production quality, and work with computer-controlled systems to create everything from car parts to tools. This hands-on job combines technical skills with problem-solving, as operators read blueprints, adjust machine settings, and collaborate with team members to ensure products meet exact specifications. Many operators learn through apprenticeships or technical programs that combine classroom learning with real-world experience.
Did you know?
Workers must adhere to strict OSHA safety standards and undergo regular safety training due to the high-risk nature of operating heavy forging machinery in American manufacturing facilities.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$49,344.19 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Judgment and Decision Making
Key Responsibilities
- Repair, maintain, and replace parts on dies.
- Remove dies from machines when production runs are finished.
- 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.
- Trim and compress finished forgings to specified tolerances.
- Turn handles or knobs to set pressures and depths of ram strokes and to synchronize machine operations.
- Read work orders or blueprints to determine specified tolerances and sequences of operations for machine setup.
- Sharpen cutting tools and drill bits, using bench grinders.
- Install, adjust, and remove dies, synchronizing cams, forging hammers, and stop guides, using overhead cranes or other hoisting devices, and hand tools.
- Select, align, and bolt positioning fixtures, stops, and specified dies to rams and anvils, forging rolls, or presses and hammers.
- Position and move metal wires or workpieces through a series of dies that compress and shape stock to form die impressions.
- Confer with other workers about machine setups and operational specifications.
- Start machines to produce sample workpieces, and observe operations to detect machine malfunctions and to verify that machine setups conform to specifications.
- Measure and inspect machined parts to ensure conformance to product specifications.
Career Considerations
Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Workers must adhere to strict OSHA safety standards and undergo regular safety training due to the high-risk nature of operating heavy forging machinery in American manufacturing facilities.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The role requires significant physical stamina and tolerance for hot, noisy industrial environments with potential exposure to metal dust and fumes.
Technical Skills and Certification Requirements
Advancement opportunities often require obtaining industry certifications and developing expertise in computer-controlled machinery and quality control processes.