Manufacturing

Forging Press Operator

AI is poised to impact Forging Press Operators through advancements in robotics and computer vision. Automated systems can handle repetitive material handling and basic quality checks, while AI-powered monitoring systems can optimize press parameters. However, tasks requiring complex problem-solving and real-time adjustments based on unforeseen circumstances will likely remain human-dependent for the foreseeable future.

Top risks:

Position stock or workpiece against stops or dies.60%
Set up, operate, or tend forging machines, such as forging presses or hammers, to hot-forge metal parts.40%
Examine forged parts for defects, dimensional accuracy, or surface condition.70%

Lower Risk

Manufacturing

Surface Mount Technician

AI is poised to impact Surface Mount Technicians through advancements in computer vision and robotics. Computer vision can automate inspection tasks, while robotics can enhance the precision and speed of component placement and soldering. These technologies will likely augment, rather than completely replace, technicians, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks and troubleshooting.

Top risks:

Set up and operate surface mount technology (SMT) equipment, including pick-and-place machines and reflow ovens.60%
Inspect circuit boards for defects, such as misaligned components, solder bridges, and insufficient solder.70%
Troubleshoot and repair faulty circuit boards, using diagnostic tools and techniques.40%

Side-by-Side Metrics

Metric	Forging Press Operator	Surface Mount Technician
Risk Score	73%	70%
Risk Level	Critical Risk	Critical Risk
Timeline	5-10 years	5-10 years
Category	Manufacturing	Manufacturing
Tasks at Risk	7 tasks	7 tasks
Skills at Risk	4 skills	4 skills
Safe Skills	4 skills	4 skills

Risk Comparison

Forging Press Operator73%

Surface Mount Technician70%

Surface Mount Technician has 3 percentage points lower risk than Forging Press Operator.

Tasks at Risk

Forging Press Operator Tasks at Risk

Position stock or workpiece against stops or dies.60%

5-10 years

Set up, operate, or tend forging machines, such as forging presses or hammers, to hot-forge metal parts.40%

10+ years

Examine forged parts for defects, dimensional accuracy, or surface condition.70%

5-10 years

Adjust machine settings to maintain product quality or production volume.30%

10+ years

Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications or tooling instructions.80%

2-5 years

Surface Mount Technician Tasks at Risk

Set up and operate surface mount technology (SMT) equipment, including pick-and-place machines and reflow ovens.60%

5-10 years

Inspect circuit boards for defects, such as misaligned components, solder bridges, and insufficient solder.70%

2-5 years

Troubleshoot and repair faulty circuit boards, using diagnostic tools and techniques.40%

10+ years

Read and interpret schematics, blueprints, and technical documentation.30%

10+ years

Perform preventative maintenance on SMT equipment.50%

5-10 years

Skills Comparison

Forging Press Operator -- Safe Skills

Problem SolvingCritical ThinkingAdaptabilityTroubleshooting

Forging Press Operator -- Skills at Risk

Machine OperationQuality Control AnalysisBlueprint ReadingData Entry

Surface Mount Technician -- Safe Skills

Troubleshooting complex circuit board issuesInterpreting complex schematicsOptimizing production processesPerforming preventative maintenance

Surface Mount Technician -- Skills at Risk

Visual inspectionComponent placementMachine operationInventory management

Shared Vulnerable Skills(at risk in both careers)

Machine Operation

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