Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
What is a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic, are skilled workers who operate and oversee machinery used to shape and form metal and plastic materials into various products. Their primary responsibilities include setting up and adjusting machines that mold and shape heated metals or plastics, ensuring the machines operate correctly, and monitoring the production process for quality and efficiency. They work with a variety of equipment such as molding presses, casting machines, and other molding devices that require precise control and attention to detail. These professionals may also be involved in the preparation of molds or cores used in the casting process, selecting materials, and maintaining workspaces and machines to ensure optimum performance. Safety is a crucial aspect of their role, as they work with high temperatures and heavy equipment, necessitating adherence to industry regulations and standards.
Tasks
- Measure and visually inspect products for surface and dimension defects to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.
- Observe continuous operation of automatic machines to ensure that products meet specifications and to detect jams or malfunctions, making adjustments as necessary.
- Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.
- Turn valves and dials of machines to regulate pressure, temperature, and speed and feed rates, and to set cycle times.
- Read specifications, blueprints, and work orders to determine setups, temperatures, and time settings required to mold, form, or cast plastic materials, as well as to plan production sequences.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Intera Systems Hawk-i
- RobotWare DieCast
- Visi-Trak True-Trak 20/20
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Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook
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Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- SAP software
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Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
Tools Used
- Casting machines
- Hammers
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Injection molding machines
- Power grinders
- Foundry ladles
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.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Skills
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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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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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Multilimb Coordination
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Less than high school diploma
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Work Activities
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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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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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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.
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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.
Detailed Work Activities
- Inspect metal, plastic, or composite products.
- Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
- Monitor equipment operation to ensure that products are not flawed.
- Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
- Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.
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
$30280.0 - $57970.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.