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Occupation AtlasHeat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

O*NET · 51-4191.00

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

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.

Also called Annealer · Annealing Furnace Operator · Annealing Furnace Tender · Annealing Oven Operator · Annealing Torch Operator · Bagger · Base-Draw Operator · Batch Heat Treat Operator
82 more

Batch Operator · Billet Heater · Billet Heater Operator · Box Annealer · Burner · Burner Machine Operator · Carbonizer · Carburizing Furnace Operator · Case Hardener · Charger · Charger Operator · Coating Line Worker · Crack Off Person · Cyanide Case Hardener · Cyanide Furnace Operator · Cyanide Pot Hardener · Cyanide Pot Tender · Dental Amalgam Processor · Die Hardener · Draw Fire Operator · Face Hardener · Fagot Heater · Flame Annealing Machine Setter · Flame Hardener · Flame Hardening Machine Operator · Flame Hardening Machine Setter · Forge Heater · Furnace Feeder · Furnace Operator · Hardener · Heat Regulator · Heat Treat Furnace Operator · Heat Treat Operator · Heat Treat Technician · Heat Treater · Heat Treating Bluer · Heat Treating Furnace Tender · Heat Treating Operator · Hot Mill Worker · Induction Heat Treater · Induction Machine Operator · Induction Machine Setter · Melting Operator · Metal and Plastic Heater · Metal and Plastic Heating Equipment Setter · Metal Annealer · Metal Hardener · Metal Temperer · Metal Treater · Muffle Operator · Normalizer · Parts Processor · Peelman · Pit Furnace Operator · Plate Furnace Operator · Pre Batch Operator · Preparatory Technician · Production Hardener · Pulpit Operator · Pusher · Quenching Machine Operator · Reach Operator · Reheater · Rivet Heater · Scarf and Anneal Operator · Sheet Heater · Sinter Feeder · Slab Depiler Operator · Soaking Pit Operator · Spike Machine Heater · Steel Heater · Stove Tender · Temperer · Tempering Oven Operator · Thermoforming Operator · Tool Hardener · Torch Operator · Treatment Tech · Treatment Technician (Treatment Tech) · Tube Heater · Wire Annealer · Wire Temperer

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.82
  • C Conventional4.07
  • I Investigative2.20
  • S Social1.57
  • A Artistic1.00
  • E Enterprising1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma20%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent70%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate10%
Related work experience
None (48%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (36%)
On-the-job training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (37%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operation and Control3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Operations Monitoring3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Monitoringbasic3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Quality Control Analysis3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Active Listeningbasic3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Speakingbasic3.12.6Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Equipment Maintenance3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Clean moving parts in production machinery
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Instructing2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Coordination2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
Show the other 23
  • Mathematicsbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Writingbasic2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Repairing2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Troubleshooting2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Active Learningbasic2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Complex Problem Solving2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Time Management2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Social Perceptiveness2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Equipment Selection2.52.6Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Systems Analysis2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Service Orientation2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Systems Evaluation2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Sciencebasic2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Persuasion1.91.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Negotiation1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Operations Analysis1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Management of Material Resources1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Programming1.80.9
  • Management of Financial Resources1.60.6
  • Installation1.3—
  • Technology Design1.0—

Tasks

8 core · 15 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Read production schedules and work orders to determine processing sequences, furnace temperatures, and heat cycle requirements for objects to be heat-treated.4.8
  2. Record times that parts are removed from furnaces to document that objects have attained specified temperatures for specified times.4.7
  3. 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.4.6
  4. 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.4.5
  5. Start conveyors and open furnace doors to load stock, or signal crane operators to uncover soaking pits and lower ingots into them.4.5
  6. Remove parts from furnaces after specified times, and air dry or cool parts in water, oil brine, or other baths.4.4
  7. Move controls to light gas burners and to adjust gas and water flow and flame temperature.4.3
  8. Instruct new workers in machine operation.4.0
Show the other 15
  1. Determine types and temperatures of baths and quenching media needed to attain specified part hardness, toughness, and ductility, using heat-treating charts and knowledge of methods, equipment, and metals.4.7
  2. Determine flame temperatures, current frequencies, heating cycles, and induction heating coils needed, based on degree of hardness required and properties of stock to be treated.4.7
  3. Examine parts to ensure metal shades and colors conform to specifications, using knowledge of metal heat-treating.4.6
  4. Load parts into containers and place containers on conveyors to be inserted into furnaces, or insert parts into furnaces.4.5
  5. Set and adjust speeds of reels and conveyors for prescribed time cycles to pass parts through continuous furnaces.4.5
  6. Test parts for hardness, using hardness testing equipment, or by examining and feeling samples.4.4
  7. Mount workpieces in fixtures, on arbors, or between centers of machines.4.1
  8. Reduce heat when processing is complete to allow parts to cool in furnaces or machinery.4.1
  9. Signal forklift operators to deposit or extract containers of parts into and from furnaces and quenching rinse tanks.4.1
  10. Heat billets, bars, plates, rods, and other stock to specified temperatures preparatory to forging, rolling, or processing, using oil, gas, or electrical furnaces.4.1
  11. Mount fixtures and industrial coils on machines, using hand tools.4.1
  12. Position stock in furnaces, using tongs, chain hoists, or pry bars.4.0
  13. Repair, replace, and maintain furnace equipment as needed, using hand tools.3.9
  14. Clean oxides and scales from parts or fittings, using steam sprays or chemical and water baths.3.6
  15. Stamp heat-treatment identification marks on parts, using hammers and punches.3.2

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Production and Processing3.94.2Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Mathematics3.33.2Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Education and Training2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Administration and Management2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Chemistry2.73.2Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • Customer and Personal Service2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Engineering and Technology2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Mechanical2.62.8
Show all 33
  • Design2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Physics2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Public Safety and Security2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Computers and Electronics2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • English Language2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Communications and Media1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Psychology1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Administrative1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Law and Government1.81.1Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Sales and Marketing1.81.1Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Transportation1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Building and Construction1.6—
  • Economics and Accounting1.50.7Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.4—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.30.6Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Telecommunications1.30.5Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Biology1.2—
  • Food Production1.2—
  • Foreign Language1.2—
  • Geography1.2—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.2—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • History and Archeology1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.83.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Multilimb Coordination3.63.4Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Reaction Time3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Manual Dexterity3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Near Vision3.53.4Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Problem Sensitivity3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Control Precision3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Static Strength3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
Show all 52
  • Trunk Strength3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
  • Finger Dexterity3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Information Ordering3.33.3Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Perceptual Speed3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Selective Attention3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Stamina3.33.0Level 4 looks like: Climb 6 flights of stairs
  • Deductive Reasoning3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Flexibility of Closure3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Oral Expression3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Rate Control3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Keep up with a car that changes speed
  • Speech Clarity3.12.6
  • Speech Recognition3.12.6Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Visualization3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Auditory Attention3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
  • Category Flexibility3.03.4Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Depth Perception3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a crane to move materials from a truck bed to the ground
  • Extent Flexibility3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Reach for a box on a high warehouse shelf
  • Far Vision3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Oral Comprehension3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Response Orientation3.03.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Written Comprehension3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Dynamic Strength2.92.4Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Gross Body Coordination2.92.5Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Inductive Reasoning2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.92.8
  • Written Expression2.92.6
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.82.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.62.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Time Sharing2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Speed of Closure2.42.3Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Glare Sensitivity2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.11.5Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Memorization2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Peripheral Vision2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Spatial Orientation2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Fluency of Ideas2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Originality2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Sound Localization2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Explosive Strength1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Night Vision1.80.8
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.3—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Handling and Moving Objects4.35.8
  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.25.6
  • Performing General Physical Activities4.24.5Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.13.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.93.4Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.73.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Getting Information3.72.9
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
Show all 41
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.52.9
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.43.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.43.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.34.1Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.32.9
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.32.8
  • Working with Computers3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Training and Teaching Others3.22.8
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.12.9
  • Processing Information2.92.6
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.72.2Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.72.6
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Developing and Building Teams2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.41.9Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Thinking Creatively2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.31.8Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.31.6Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization1.40.6Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.3—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.8
  • Time Pressure4.6
  • Spend Time Standing4.5
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.5
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.4
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.3
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.2
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.1
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers4.1
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks4.1

Technology

5 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (1)

  • Microsoft Wordhot

Hot (4; 1 more marked hot above)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • SAP software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders
  2. Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
  3. Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  4. Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  5. Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  6. Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  7. Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  8. Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders
  9. Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders
  10. Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.