skillfactor-pipeline/skills/blacksmith/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — blacksmith

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 51-4022.00 (Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 7221; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

Task statements

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

Detailed work activities

• Conduct test runs of production equipment.
• Exchange information with colleagues.
• Maintain production or processing equipment.
• Maneuver workpieces in equipment during production.
• Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
• Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
• Operate cutting equipment.
• Operate grinding equipment.
• Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
• Remove accessories, tools, or other parts from equipment.
• Repair production equipment or tools.
• Replace worn equipment components.
• Select production equipment according to product specifications.
• Set equipment guides, stops, spacers, or other fixtures.
• Sharpen cutting or grinding tools.
• Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.
• Trim excess material from workpieces.