Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
AI replacement rate
35%This role is currently tracked with 6 timeline items plus a profile-based replacement estimate.
This role involves operating, setting, and tending forging machines. While the repetitive aspects of machine operation are highly susceptible to automation, the need for human judgment in complex setups, troubleshooting, and hands-on physical interaction for tending heavy machinery keeps the immediate full replacement rate in the medium range.
Replacement trend
Aggregated from periodic refresh snapshots- 2026-04-2035%
Why this role is rated this way
Structural baseThe core operation of forging machines often involves highly repetitive and predictable sequences, making them prime candidates for automation by industrial robots and AI-driven control systems.
The "setting" and "tending" aspects demand intricate calibration, monitoring for anomalies, and troubleshooting, which often rely on human experience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills in dynamic manufacturing environments.
Direct physical interaction with heavy machinery and materials, coupled with the need for precise manual adjustments and handling in potentially harsh conditions, still presents significant challenges for fully autonomous robotics.
Timeline
Relevant news and cases, newest firstMolding, coremaking, and casting machine workers run machines to form metal or thermoplastic parts or products. Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders set up or operate more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
Open originalMultiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders set up or operate more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot. Manufacturing facilities typically employ machine workers full time, usually in shifts that include evenings, weekends, and frequent overtime.
Open originalSet up, operate, or tend forging machines to taper, shape, or form metal or plastic parts.
Open original51-4035.00 Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Open originalForging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic - 51-4022.00 by U.S.
Open originalNational estimates for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Industry profile for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Geographic profile for Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Open original