Manipulate metal

Description

Manipulate the properties, shape and size of metal.

Alternative labels

utilise metal
manipulate metals
shape metal
mould metal
use metal
manipulating metal

Skill type

skill/competence

Skill reusability level

cross-sector

Relationships with occupations

Essential skill

Manipulate metal is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Casting machine operator: Casting machine operators operate casting machines to manipulate metal substances into shape. They set up and tend casting machines to process molten ferrous and non-ferrous metals to manufacture metal materials. They conduct the flow of molten metals into casts, taking care to create the exact right circumstances to obtain the highest quality metal. They observe the flow of metal to identify faults. In case of a fault, they notify the authorised personnel and participate in the removal of the fault.
Chemical metallurgist: Chemical metallurgists are involved in the extraction of useable metals from ores and recycleable material. They study the properties of metal, such as corrosion and fatigue.
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.
Process metallurgist: Process metallurgists study the characteristics of ores including copper, nickel and iron ores and the performance of various metals and alloys. 
Prosthetic-orthotics technician: Prosthetic-orthotics technicians design, create, fit and repair supportive devices, such as braces, joints, arch supports, and other surgical and medical appliances.
Tool grinder: Tool grinder perform precision grinding processes on metal objects and tools. They grind, sharpen or smoothen metal surfaces using the appropriate tools and instruments. Tool grinders follow tooling instructions and assure the processed workpiece meets the necessary specifications.
Fitter and turner: Fitters and turners use machine tools to create and modify metal parts according to set specifications in order to fit components for machinery. They ensure the finished components are ready for assembly.
Metal products assembler: Metal products assemblers fit and fasten metal materials according to strictly laid down procedures in order to produce various parts or final products using power tools, hand tools, and other machinery.
Metallurgist: Metallurgists specialise in the extraction and processing of metals such as iron, steel, zinc, copper and aluminium. They work to mold or combine both pure and mixed metals (alloys) into new shapes and properties. Metallurgists handle the extraction of metal ores and develop their use in metal processing techniques. They may work in both manufacturing or do scientific research about the performance of metals.

Optional skill

Manipulate metal is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Metallurgical technician: Metallurgical technicians provide technical support in researching and performing experiments on minerals, metals, alloys, oil and gas. They also assist in improving the methods of extraction.
Frame maker: Frame makers build frames, mostly out of wood, for pictures and mirrors. They discuss the specifications with customers and build or adjust the frame accordingly. They cut, shape and join the wooden elements and treat them to obtain the desired colour and protect them from corrosion and fire. They cut and fit the glass into the frame. In some cases, they carve and decorate the frames. They may also repair, restore or reproduce older or antique frames.
Model maker: Model makers create three-dimensional scale models or various designs or concepts and for various purposes, such as models of human skeletons or organs. They also mount the models on display stands so that they can be used for their final purpose such as inclusion in education activities.
Cooper: Coopers build barrels and related products made of segments of wood, like wooden buckets. They shape the wood, fit hoops around them, and shape the barrel to hold the product, which contemporarily is usually premium alcoholic beverages.
Antique furniture reproducer: Antique furniture reproducers duplicate and recreate antique furniture. They prepare drawings and templates of the article, create, fit and assemble parts and finish the article after original specifications.
Toymaker: Toymakers create or reproduce hand-made objects for sale and exhibition made of various materials such as plastic, wood and textile. They develop, design and sketch the object, select the materials and cut, shape and process the materials as necessary and apply finishes. In addition, toymakers maintain and repair all types of toys, including mechanical ones. They identify defects in toys, replace damaged parts and restore their functionality.
Recreation model maker: Recreation model makers design and construct recreation scale models from various materials such as plastic, wood, wax and metals, mostly by hand.
Rolling stock assembler: Rolling stock assemblers use hand tools, power tools and other equipment such as lifting equipment or robots to construct, fit and install prefabricated parts to manufacture rolling stock subassemblies and body structures. They read and interpret blueprints. They operate control systems to determine functional performance of the assemblies and adjust accordingly.
Slitter operator: Slitter operators set up, operate, or tend machines, in order to cut, slit, bend, or straighten sheets of metal, paper, or other materials to specific widths. Slitter operators must also ensure quality, by examining various end-products and observing pre-defined tolerances.
Upholsterer: Upholsterers provide objects such as furniture, panels, orthopaedic devices, fixtures or vehicle parts with padding or soft covering. They can install, repair or replace the upholstery of objects with materials such as fabrics, leather, suede or cotton. Upholsterers install the webbings and springs necessary to cover the material.
Furniture upholsterer: Furniture upholsterers provide furniture with padding, springs, webbing and covers. Sometimes they have to remove old padding, filling and broken strings before to replace them using tools such as a tack puller, chisel or mallet. The aim is to provide comfort and beauty to seats as backs of the furniture.
Electromechanical equipment assembler: Electromechanical equipment assemblers read and interpret blueprints, drawings and instructions to assemble or modify electromechanical equipment or devices. They inspect and test the completed units to guarantee good working order and compliance with specifications and standards.
Furniture assembler: Furniture assemblers place together all parts of furniture and auxiliary items such as furniture legs and cushions. They may also fit springs or special mechanisms. Furniture assemblers follow instructions or blueprints to assemble the furniture, and use hand tools and power tools.
Cabinet maker: Cabinet makers build cabinets or other pieces of furniture by cutting, shaping and fitting pieces of wood. They use different kind of power and hand tools, such as lathes, planers and saws.
Motor vehicle body assembler: Motor vehicle body assemblers fasten motor vehicle body parts and components together such as frames, doors, chassis and hoods. They use hand tools, power tools and other equipment such as CNC machines or robots. They read technical plans and use automated assembling equipment to build motor vehicle bodies. They inspect individual parts for malfunctions and check the quality of assemblies to make sure the standards are met and the specifications respected. Motor vehicle body assemblers report any assembly issues to their supervisor.

 


 

References

  1. Manipulate metal – ESCO

 

Last updated on September 20, 2022