Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 2 (7%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 1 (3%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 26 (90%)

• Compute and record settings for new work, applying knowledge of metal properties, principles of welding, and shop mathematics.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Record operational information on specified production reports.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Read blueprints, work orders, or production schedules to determine product or job instructions or specifications.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Inspect, measure, or test completed metal workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using measuring and testing devices.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assemble, align, and clamp workpieces into holding fixtures to bond, heat-treat, or solder fabricated metal components.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Set up, operate, or tend welding machines that join or bond components to fabricate metal products or assemblies.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Lay out, fit, or connect parts to be bonded, calculating production measurements, as necessary.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Correct problems by adjusting controls or by stopping machines and opening holding devices.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Give directions to other workers regarding machine set-up and use.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Select, position, align, and bolt jigs, holding fixtures, guides, or stops onto machines, using measuring instruments and hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Mark weld points and positions of components on workpieces, using rules, squares, templates, or scribes.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Transfer components, metal products, or assemblies, using moving equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clean, lubricate, maintain, and adjust equipment to maintain efficient operation, using air hoses, cleaning fluids, and hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Prepare metal surfaces or workpieces, using hand-operated equipment, such as grinders, cutters, or drills.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Conduct trial runs before welding, soldering, or brazing, and make necessary adjustments to equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Remove completed workpieces or parts from machinery, using hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Tend auxiliary equipment used in welding processes.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Load or feed workpieces into welding machines to join or bond components.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Observe meters, gauges, or machine operations to ensure that soldering or brazing processes meet specifications.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Turn and press knobs and buttons or enter operating instructions into computers to adjust and start welding machines.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Set dials and timing controls to regulate electrical current, gas flow pressure, heating or cooling cycles, or shut-off.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Select torch tips, alloys, flux, coil, tubing, or wire, according to metal types or thicknesses, data charts, or records.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Fill hoppers and position spouts to direct flow of flux or manually brush flux onto seams of workpieces.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Start, monitor, and adjust robotic welding production lines.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Devise or build fixtures or jigs used to hold parts in place during welding, brazing, or soldering.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Add chemicals or materials to workpieces or machines to facilitate bonding or to cool workpieces.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Immerse completed workpieces into water or acid baths to cool and clean components.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Dress electrodes, using tip dressers, files, emery cloths, or dressing wheels.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Anneal finished workpieces to relieve internal stress.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about welding, soldering, and brazing machine setters, operators, and tenders and AI