Metal and Plastic Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders

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Also known as:
Annealing Furnace Operator, Carburizing Furnace Operator, Flame Hardening Machine Setter, Heat Treater Apprentice, Heat Treating Furnace Tender, Induction Machine Setter, Wire Annealer, Wire Temperer

See all Manufacturing Careers.

SNAPSHOT

Set up, operate, or tend heating equipment, such as heat-treating furnaces, flame-hardening machines, induction machines, soaking pits, or vacuum equipment to temper, harden, anneal, or heat treat metal or plastic objects.

Leadership	HIGH
Critical decision making	LOW
Level of responsibilities	HIGH
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines	HIGH
Dealing and handling conflict	LOW

Competition for this position	MED
Communication with others	LOW
Work closely with team members, clients etc.	LOW
Comfort of the work setting	HIGH
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions	HIGH
Exposure to job hazards	LOW
Physical demands	LOW

Daily tasks

Instruct new workers in machine operation.

Move controls to light gas burners and to adjust gas and water flow and flame temperature.

Remove parts from furnaces after specified times, and air dry or cool parts in water, oil brine, or other baths.

Read production schedules and work orders to determine processing sequences, furnace temperatures, and heat cycle requirements for objects to be heat-treated.

Record times that parts are removed from furnaces to document that objects have attained specified temperatures for specified times.

Adjust controls to maintain temperatures and heating times, using thermal instruments and charts, dials and gauges of furnaces, and color of stock in furnaces to make setting determinations.

Set up and operate or tend machines, such as furnaces, baths, flame-hardening machines, and electronic induction machines, that harden, anneal, and heat-treat metal.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

Handling and Moving Objects	Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Controlling Machines and Processes	Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Performing General Physical Activities	Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material	Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE

Production and Processing	Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Education and Training	Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Administration and Management	Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Chemistry	Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Mechanical	Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Customer and Personal Service	Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Engineering and Technology	Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

TOP SKILLS

Operation Monitoring	Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control	Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Quality Control Analysis	Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Equipment Maintenance	Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.