Coppersmith

Coppersmiths craft and repair items made of non-ferrous metals such as copper, brass and similar materials. They shape and form the raw materials into objects of practical or artistic purpose using smithing tools. Professional coppersmiths create detailed and highly technical devices using appropriate smithing techniques.

The following job titles also refer to coppersmith:

pipe fabricator
non-ferrous metal worker
metalworker
copper craftworker
decorative coppersmith
copper worker
redsmith
brass worker
copper craftswoman
copper craftsman
brazer
pipefitter
coppersmith brazer
brass fabricator
copper artist
copper fabricator

A high school diploma is generally required to work as a coppersmith.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Coppersmith is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to coppersmith.

blacksmith
ornamental metal worker
swaging machine operator
tool grinder
casting machine operator

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of coppersmith. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of coppersmith with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

metal furnace operator
artistic coach
metallurgical technician
assistant stage director
fight director

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of coppersmith.

• Non-ferrous metal processing: Various processing methods on non-ferrous metals and alloys such as copper, zinc and aluminium.
• Chemical technologies in metal manufacture: The chemical procedures and technologies used  in basic metal production.
• Manufacturing of metal structures: The production of metal structures for construction.
• Design drawings: Understand design drawings detailing the design of products, tools, and engineering systems.
• Manufacturing of metal household articles: The manufacture of flatware , hollowware , dinnerware and other non-electrical utensils for use at the table or in the kitchen.
• Manufacturing 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.
• Types of metal: Qualities, specifications, applications and reactions to different fabricating processes of various types of metal, such as steel, aluminium, brass, copper and others.
• Forging processes: The various processes in the metalforming practices of forging, such as swaging, open-die forging, automatic hot forging, cogging, impression-die forging, roll forging, upsetting, press forging, and others.
• Cold forging: The metalworking process of forging whilst hot metal is right below its recrystallisation temperature, being cooled and solidified after casting.
• Types of metal manufacturing processes: Metal processes linked to the different types of metal, such as casting processes, heat treatment processes, repair processes and other metal manufacturing processes.

These skills are necessary for the role of coppersmith.

• Cast metal: Pour liquid metal into the hollow cavity of a mould, which contains the future product’s desired shape, place it into a furnace and then cool it and let it solidify.
• Apply preliminary treatment to workpieces: Apply preparatory treatment, through mechanical or chemical processes, to the workpiece preceding the main operation.
• Manipulate metal: Manipulate the properties, shape and size of metal.
• Operate precision measuring equipment: Measure the size of a processed part when checking and marking it to check if it is up to standard by use of two and three dimensional precision measuring equipment such as a caliper, a micrometer, and a measuring gauge.
• Apply smithing techniques: Apply techniques and use technologies in relation to the various smithing processes, including sculpting, forging, upsetting, heat treating, and finishing.
• Work in metal manufacture teams: Ability to work confidently within a metal manufacturing group with each doing a part but all subordinating personal prominence to the efficiency of the whole.
• Wear appropriate protective gear: Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.
• Mark processed workpiece: Inspect and mark parts of the workpiece to indicate how they will fit into the finished product.
• Manipulate copper: Shape and manipulate copper materials using the appropriate non-ferrous metal processing techniques. Form the copper object into a product of practical or artistic use.
• Apply precision metalworking techniques: Comply with precision standards specific to an organisation or product in metalworking, involved in processes such as engraving, precise cutting, welding.
• Cut metal products: Operate cutting and measuring instruments in order to cut/shape pieces of metal into given dimensions.
• Smooth burred surfaces: Inspect and smooth burred surfaces of steel and metal parts.
• Ensure correct metal temperature: Ensure the necessary, usually constant, temperature of processed metal workpieces during metal fabrication processes.
• Assess suitability of metal types for specific application: Assess the physical nature and structural composition of various metals and alloys, and analyse how the materials behave in different circumstances.
• Produce customised products: Produce goods designed and created to fit the specific needs or request of a customer.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of coppersmith. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Metal joining technologies: The various technologies used for the joining and assembling of fabricated metal workpieces.
• Acting and directing techniques: Range of training and rehearsal techniques that seek to encourage emotionally expressive performances. Techniques to address all aspects in making a film, play, performance in general.
• Hot forging: The metalworking process of forging whilst the hot metal is right above its recrystallisation temperature after casting and being solidified.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of coppersmith. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Maintain furnace temperature: Monitor and govern the pyrometer to control the furnace temperature.
• Join metals: Join together pieces of metal using soldering and welding materials.
• Manage artistic project: Manage an artistic project. Determine project needs. Establish partnerships. Manage the budget, schedule, contractual agreements and assess the project.
• Concretise artistic concept: Guide the performers to combine various components of their work in order to add precision to the artistic concept.
• Operate furnace: Operate or tend furnaces, such as gas, oil, coal, electric-arc or electric induction, open-hearth, or oxygen furnaces, to melt and refine metal before casting, to produce specified types of steel, or to finish other materials such as cokes. Set furnace controls to regulate temperatures and heating time.
• Extract materials from furnace: Remove materials from the furnace using a crane, a conveyor, by tilting the furnace, or using other methods.
• Admit basic metals to furnace: Prepare and select the materials ready to furnace.
• Select artistic materials to create artworks: Select artistic materials based on strength, colour, texture, balance, weight, size, and other characteristics that should guarantee the feasibility of the artistic creation regarding the expected shape, color, etc. – even thought the result might vary from it. Artistic materials such as paint, ink, water colours, charcoal, oil, or computer software can be used as much as garbage, living products (fruits, etc) and any kind of material depending on the creative project.
• Load materials into furnace: Load materials in furnace with correct positioning, fastening and levelling when needed.
• Work independently as an artist: Develop one’s own ways of doing artistic performances, motivating oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
• Define artistic approach: Define your own artistic approach by analysing your previous work and your expertise, identifying the components of your creative signature, and starting from these explorations to describe your artistic vision.
• Heat metals: Heat steel and metals in fire; adjust and regulate heat controls to reach appropriate pouring temperature.
• Manage artistic career: Present yourself and your artistic approach. Position your work in target markets. Promote and market yourself and your oeuvre.

7213 – Sheet-metal workers

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References

1. Coppersmith – ESCO