§ OCCUPATION · GLOBAL STANDARDS

blacksmith

Blacksmiths heat metal, usually steel, in a forge and shape it with a hammer, chisel, and an anvil.

Description

Blacksmiths heat metal, usually steel, in a forge and shape it with a hammer, chisel, and an anvil. Contemporarily, they predominantly create artisanal metal products, including ornamental work, as well as horse shoes, one of the sole metal fabricating processes that has not been industrialised.

Theoretical Knowledge

ESSENTIALTheoretical knowledge required

types of metal hot forging forging processes

OPTIONALAdjacent knowledge that strengthens fit

design drawings casting processes ferrous metal processing dust usage for forging precious metal processing manufacturing of door furniture from metal types of metal manufacturing processes cold forging coating substances manufacturing of tools non-ferrous metal processing

Practical Skills

ESSENTIALApplied skills & competences

select filler metal operate metal heating equipment work with blacksmithing hand tools operate welding equipment wear appropriate protective gear join metals measure metal to be heated ensure correct metal temperature prevent damage in a furnace shape metal over anvils load materials into furnace heat metals operate furnace maintain furnace temperature work with blacksmithing power tools apply smithing techniques

OPTIONALOptional competences

monitor gauge mark processed workpiece operate precision measuring equipment smooth burred surfaces produce customised products recognise signs of corrosion fill moulds supply machine with appropriate tools ensure equipment availability remove scale from metal workpiece remove finished casts insert mould structures cut metal products provide customer follow-up services apply precision metalworking techniques apply preliminary treatment to workpieces mark designs on metal pieces manage time in casting processes

Data Source: Unified Global Standards (ISCED, ISCO, O*NET, ESCO)