Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
What is a Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic?
Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic, are skilled workers who manipulate materials like glass, ceramics, and rubber into required shapes and forms. They operate various types of machinery and equipment to mold raw materials into finished products or components. These professionals carefully monitor the molding or casting process to ensure quality and precision, often making adjustments to the machines and processes as necessary. Their work involves interpreting blueprints or technical drawings, mixing materials, and preparing molds or patterns to achieve the desired outcomes. Safety practices are critical in this field, as workers may handle hazardous materials or operate machinery that poses risks. Their expertise is essential in industries such as manufacturing, ceramics, glassmaking, and rubber production, where they contribute to the creation of items ranging from artistic pieces to industrial components.
Tasks
- Read work orders or examine parts to determine parts or sections of products to be produced.
- Trim or remove excess material, using scrapers, knives, or band saws.
- Brush or spray mold surfaces with parting agents or insert paper into molds to ensure smoothness and prevent sticking or seepage.
- Engrave or stamp identifying symbols, letters, or numbers on products.
- Assemble, insert, and adjust wires, tubes, cores, fittings, rods, or patterns into molds, using hand tools and depth gauges.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook
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Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software
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Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
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Word processing software
- Microsoft Word
Tools Used
- Casting machines
- Blow molding machines
- Calipers
- Mainframe console or dumb terminals
- Pulverizing machinery
Knowledge
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Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Skills
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Abilities
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
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Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Work Activities
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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Detailed Work Activities
- Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
- Apply parting agents or other solutions to molds.
- Engrave designs, text, or other markings onto materials, workpieces, or products.
- Build production molds.
- Apply lubricants or coolants to workpieces.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$32540.0 - $59740.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.