The Metal Former requires Imag Flux (IF) energy to run. It can be provided via a wireless IF energy network or manually using Energy Unit.
The Metal Former has four modes: Plate Crushing, Refining, Incising, and Etching. Plate Crushing mode can process ingot into plate; Refining makes Metal Former work as ore duplicator; while both Incising and Etching are for creating components. The current mode can be switched by clicking the mode icon above progress bar.