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51-4191.00 · Task explorer

Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

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.

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Read the task inventory

This source lists 23 tasks, including 8 marked Core and 15 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 07/2016.

23 tasks shown

Core · Task 12087 · 07/2016 · Incumbent

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

Core · Task 12088 · 07/2016 · Incumbent

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

Core · Task 12094 · 07/2016 · Incumbent

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.

Core · Task 12107 · 07/2016 · Incumbent

Start conveyors and open furnace doors to load stock, or signal crane operators to uncover soaking pits and lower ingots into them.

Core · Task 12089 · 07/2016 · Incumbent

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.

Core · Task 12091 · 07/2016 · Incumbent

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

Core · Task 12099 · 07/2016 · Incumbent

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

Core · Task 12093 · 07/2016 · Incumbent

Instruct new workers in machine operation.

Supplemental · Task 12095 · 07/2016 · Incumbent

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.

Supplemental · Task 12090 · 07/2016 · Incumbent

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.

Supplemental · Task 12104 · 07/2016 · Incumbent

Examine parts to ensure metal shades and colors conform to specifications, using knowledge of metal heat-treating.

Supplemental · Task 12112 · 07/2016 · Incumbent

Set and adjust speeds of reels and conveyors for prescribed time cycles to pass parts through continuous furnaces.

Supplemental · Task 12096 · 07/2016 · Incumbent

Load parts into containers and place containers on conveyors to be inserted into furnaces, or insert parts into furnaces.

Supplemental · Task 12102 · 07/2016 · Incumbent

Test parts for hardness, using hardness testing equipment, or by examining and feeling samples.

Supplemental · Task 12101 · 07/2016 · Incumbent

Signal forklift operators to deposit or extract containers of parts into and from furnaces and quenching rinse tanks.

Supplemental · Task 12097 · 07/2016 · Incumbent

Mount workpieces in fixtures, on arbors, or between centers of machines.

Supplemental · Task 12100 · 07/2016 · Incumbent

Reduce heat when processing is complete to allow parts to cool in furnaces or machinery.

Supplemental · Task 12113 · 07/2016 · Incumbent

Mount fixtures and industrial coils on machines, using hand tools.

Supplemental · Task 12108 · 07/2016 · Incumbent

Heat billets, bars, plates, rods, and other stock to specified temperatures preparatory to forging, rolling, or processing, using oil, gas, or electrical furnaces.

Supplemental · Task 12092 · 07/2016 · Incumbent

Position stock in furnaces, using tongs, chain hoists, or pry bars.

Supplemental · Task 12106 · 07/2016 · Incumbent

Repair, replace, and maintain furnace equipment as needed, using hand tools.

Supplemental · Task 12109 · 07/2016 · Incumbent

Clean oxides and scales from parts or fittings, using steam sprays or chemical and water baths.

Supplemental · Task 12111 · 07/2016 · Incumbent

Stamp heat-treatment identification marks on parts, using hammers and punches.

Make the shortlist useful

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  2. For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
  3. Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

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