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Manufacturing & ProductionISCO 7213

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.

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Check yourself in a minute: coppersmith

Rate 5 of the 24 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

apply preliminary treatment to workpieces

operate precision measuring equipment

apply smithing techniques

wear appropriate protective gear

mark processed workpiece

About coppersmith

As a coppersmith, you will practice a skilled metalworking craft that combines traditional techniques with modern precision manufacturing. Your work involves shaping, forming, and joining non-ferrous metals such as copper and brass into functional or artistic objects. You may create everything from decorative household items and architectural elements to specialized industrial components and fine art pieces. Your expertise in forging processes, cold working, and precision metalworking techniques allows you to produce highly detailed work that meets exacting standards. The role requires both creative vision and technical precision, as well as a deep understanding of metal properties and manufacturing processes. Coppersmiths in Poland have steady demand in heritage restoration, bespoke manufacturing, and the growing artisanal market, with opportunities to establish independent workshops or advance to master craftsman status.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a coppersmith.

1

Metal shaping and forming

  • Apply forging techniques to shape heated metal into desired forms
  • Perform cold forging to create detailed components without heat treatment
  • Manipulate copper and other non-ferrous metals using smithing tools
  • Create objects of practical or artistic purpose based on design specifications
2

Design interpretation and workpiece preparation

  • Read and interpret design drawings and technical specifications
  • Apply preliminary treatment to raw metal workpieces
  • Mark processed workpieces for accurate assembly and quality control
  • Prepare metal from various sources for the manufacturing process
3

Precision metalworking and finishing

  • Apply precision metalworking techniques to meet tight tolerances
  • Operate precision measuring equipment to verify dimensions and quality
  • Cut, join, and finish metal products to specified standards
  • Polish, patina, or plate finished pieces as required
4

Metal knowledge and process selection

  • Understand types of metal and their properties for appropriate selection
  • Select appropriate types of metal manufacturing processes for each task
  • Apply knowledge of chemical technologies in metal manufacture
  • Understand manufacturing of metal structures and household articles
5

Safety and workshop management

  • Wear appropriate protective gear including aprons, gloves, and eye protection
  • Maintain a safe workshop environment and follow all safety procedures
  • Work effectively in metal manufacture teams with other craftspeople
  • Maintain and organize workshop tools and equipment

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (24)

non-ferrous metal processingnon-ferrous metal processingVarious processing methods on non-ferrous metals and alloys such as copper, zinc and aluminium.chemical technologies in metal manufacturechemical technologies in metal manufactureThe chemical procedures and technologies used in basic metal production.manufacturing of metal structuresmanufacturing of metal structuresThe production of metal structures for construction.design drawingsdesign drawingsThe drawings detailing the design of products, tools, and engineering systems.types of metaltypes of metalQualities, specifications, applications and reactions to different fabricating processes of various types of metal, such as steel, aluminium, brass, copper and others.forging processesforging processesThe 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 o...types of metal manufacturing processestypes of metal manufacturing processesMetal processes linked to the different types of metal, such as casting processes, heat treatment processes, repair processes and other metal manufacturing processes.apply preliminary treatment to workpiecesapply preliminary treatment to workpiecesApply preparatory treatment, through mechanical or chemical processes, to the workpiece preceding the main operation.operate precision measuring equipmentoperate precision measuring equipmentMeasure 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, an...apply smithing techniquesapply smithing techniquesApply techniques and use technologies in relation to the various smithing processes, including sculpting, forging, upsetting, heat treating, and finishing.work in metal manufacture teamswork in metal manufacture teamsAbility 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 gearwear appropriate protective gearWear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.mark processed workpiecemark processed workpieceInspect and mark parts of the workpiece to indicate how they will fit into the finished product.manipulate coppermanipulate copperShape and manipulate copper materials using the appropriate non-ferrous metal processing techniques. Form the copper object into a product of practical or artistic use.cut metal productscut metal productsOperate cutting and measuring instruments in order to cut/shape pieces of metal into given dimensions.smooth burred surfacessmooth burred surfacesInspect and smooth burred surfaces of steel and metal parts.assess suitability of metal types for specific applicationassess suitability of metal types for specific applicationAssess the physical nature and structural composition of various metals and alloys, and analyse how the materials behave in different circumstances.produce customised productsproduce customised productsProduce goods designed and created to fit the specific needs or request of a customer.manufacturing of metal household articlesmanufacturing of metal household articlesThe manufacture of flatware , hollowware , dinnerware and other non-electrical utensils for use at the table or in the kitchen.cold forgingcold forgingThe metalworking process of forging whilst hot metal is right below its recrystallisation temperature, being cooled and solidified after casting.ensure correct metal temperatureensure correct metal temperatureEnsure the necessary, usually constant, temperature of processed metal workpieces during metal fabrication processes.manufacture of small metal partsmanufacture of small metal partsThe 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 b...manipulate metalmanipulate metalManipulate the properties, shape and size of metal.apply precision metalworking techniquesapply precision metalworking techniquesComply with precision standards specific to an organisation or product in metalworking, involved in processes such as engraving, precise cutting, welding.
Optional (15) — show
hot forginghot forgingThe metalworking process of forging whilst the hot metal is right above its recrystallisation temperature after casting and being solidified.maintain furnace temperaturemaintain furnace temperatureMonitor and govern the pyrometer to control the furnace temperature.join metalsjoin metalsJoin together pieces of metal using soldering and welding materials.manage artistic projectmanage artistic projectManage an artistic project. Determine project needs. Establish partnerships. Manage the budget, schedule, contractual agreements and assess the project.concretise artistic conceptconcretise artistic conceptGuide the performers to combine various components of their work in order to add precision to the artistic concept.operate furnaceoperate furnaceOperate 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 ...extract materials from furnaceextract materials from furnaceRemove materials from the furnace using a crane, a conveyor, by tilting the furnace, or using other methods.admit basic metals to furnaceadmit basic metals to furnacePrepare and select the materials ready to furnace.select artistic materials to create artworksselect artistic materials to create artworksSelect 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 sha...load materials into furnaceload materials into furnaceLoad materials in furnace with correct positioning, fastening and levelling when needed.work independently as an artistwork independently as an artistDevelop 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 approachdefine artistic approachDefine 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 artis...heat metalsheat metalsHeat steel and metals in fire; adjust and regulate heat controls to reach appropriate pouring temperature.manage artistic careermanage artistic careerPresent and promote one's artistic approach and position one's work in target markets.metal joining technologiesmetal joining technologiesThe various technologies used for the joining and assembling of fabricated metal workpieces.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a coppersmith do?

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.

What skills does a coppersmith need?

A coppersmith needs 24 essential skills, including non-ferrous metal processing, chemical technologies in metal manufacture, manufacturing of metal structures, design drawings, types of metal.

Will AI replace coppersmith jobs?

The AI disruption score for coppersmith is 21/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: mark processed workpiece, maintain furnace temperature, operate precision measuring equipment. Most resilient: manipulate metal, work independently as an artist, apply smithing techniques.

Quick Facts

SectorManufacturing & Production
ISCO GroupMetal, machinery and related trades workers
Essential Skills24

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