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

Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders work with heavy industrial equipment that shapes metal and plastic materials through heat and pressure. They spend their days in manufacturing facilities, preparing machines for production runs by installing the correct dies and adjusting settings like temperature, pressure, and timing. Once machines are running, they monitor the forging process, watching as raw materials are heated and pressed into specific shapes—anything from automotive components to hardware tools. They regularly inspect finished pieces using measuring instruments to ensure they meet exact specifications, making adjustments when parts fall outside acceptable tolerances.