upsetting machine operator
Role lens
Shape the future of metal products as an upsetting machine operator! This skilled role involves setting up and operating specialized machinery to form metal into precise shapes, playing a vital part in manufacturing processes.
As an upsetting machine operator, you’ll be responsible for the setup, operation, and maintenance of upsetting machines, primarily crank presses. These machines use a forging process to increase the diameter of metal workpieces – often wires, rods, or bars – by compressing them within split dies. Your work ensures that metal components meet strict quality standards and specifications, contributing directly to the production of various industrial and consumer goods.
- • Setting up upsetting machines according to production specifications, including die selection and machine adjustments.
- • Operating machines to form metal workpieces, monitoring the process for quality and efficiency.
- • Performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting minor machine issues.
Shape the future of metal products as an upsetting machine operator! This skilled role involves setting up and operating specialized machinery to form metal into precise shapes, playing a vital part in manufacturing processes.
Could upsetting machine operator fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Dependability?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Self-Control?
Future Outlook for upsetting machine operator
The outlook for upsetting machine operator is exceptionally stable. While AI tools will assist with daily tasks, the core of this role relies on human judgment, resulting in a high resilience score of 74.9%.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could upsetting machine operator change as AI adoption grows?
Human judgement, trust, and context remain strong protectors for this role.
How could upsetting machine operator change as AI adoption grows?
Human judgement, trust, and context remain strong protectors for this role.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
This role remains strongly human-led where tend upsetting machine depends on trust, nuance, and real-world judgement.
Where AI may become a co-pilot
AI is more likely to assist supporting tasks such as ensure correct metal temperature, documentation, search, and workflow coordination.
Tasks most exposed to automation
Automation pressure appears selective rather than broad, with the strongest signal currently coming from Cognitive software.
Detailed Analysis Vital Signs, AI Vectors & Megatrends
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Vital Signs, AI Vectors & Megatrends
Vital Signs
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Megatrend Signals
0-100%Model-derived scores. Indicates structural exposure to megatrends, not direct demand.
Technical Details
NexFuture™ v2.0 combines O*NET ability and activity profiles with ESCO skill group distributions and six global megatrend signals. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture™ Methodology White Paper for full details.
What people in this role usually do
Advanced Manufacturing
A typical day as a upsetting machine operator
09 09:00 · Morning ensure equipment availability
10 10:30 · Mid-morning perform test run
12 12:00 · Midday tend upsetting machine
14 14:00 · Afternoon ensure correct metal temperature
15 15:30 · Late afternoon hold metal work piece in machine
17 17:00 · Wrap-up monitor moving workpiece in a machine
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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ferrous metal processing
Various processing methods on iron and iron-containing alloys such as steel, stainless steel and pig iron.
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manufacture of small metal parts
The manufacture of metal cable, plaited bands and other articles of that type, uninsulated or insulated cable not capable of being used as a conductor of electricity, coated or cored wire as well as barbed wire, wire fencing, grill, netting, cloth etc. Manufacture of coated electrodes for electric arc-welding, nails and pins, chain and springs (except watch springs), as well as leaves for springs.
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manufacturing of cutlery
The manufacture of different cutlery items, such as forks, spoons, knives, razors or scissors.
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manufacturing of door furniture from metal
The manufacture of metal items that can be attached to a door in order to support its function and appearance. The manufacture of padlocks, locks, keys, hinges and the like, and hardware for buildings, furniture, vehicles etc.
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manufacturing of doors from metal
The manufacture of metal doors, windows and their frames, shutters and gates, and the metal room partitions for floor attachment.
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manufacturing of light metal packaging
The manufacture of tins and cans for food products, collapsible tubes and boxes, and of metallic closures.
- forging processes
- quality standards
- types of metal
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remove processed workpiece
Remove individual workpieces after processing, from the manufacturing machine or the machine tool. In case of a conveyor belt this involves quick, continuous movement.
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hold metal work piece in machine
Manually position and hold a, potentially heated, metal work piece for the machine to perform the necessary metalworking processes on it. Take the forming character of the machine into account in order to optimally place and maintain the processed work piece.
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remove inadequate workpieces
Evaluate which deficient processed workpieces do not meet the set-up standard and should be removed and sort the waste according to regulations.
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troubleshoot
Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
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monitor moving workpiece in a machine
Monitor the processing of a workpiece in motion, such as a piece of metal or wood moved linearly over a static manufacturing machine.
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perform test run
Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, and adjust settings accordingly.
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wear appropriate protective gear
Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.
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ensure equipment availability
Ensure that the necessary equipment is provided, ready and available for use before start of procedures.
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supply machine
Ensure the machine is fed the necessary and adequate materials and control the placement or automatic feed and retrieval of work pieces in the machines or machine tools on the production line.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
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Where does upsetting machine operator fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of metal materials do upsetting machine operators typically work with?
- Upsetting machine operators commonly work with various metals including steel, aluminum, copper, and alloys. The specific materials will depend on the manufacturing facility and the products being produced.
- Does this role require a lot of physical strength?
- While some physical stamina is required, the role primarily involves precision and attention to detail. Machine operation is often automated, but operators need to be able to monitor the process and make adjustments as needed.
- What are the common career paths for upsetting machine operators?
- With experience, upsetting machine operators can advance to roles such as machine supervisor, quality control inspector, or maintenance technician. Further training and education can also lead to opportunities in process engineering or manufacturing management.