Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

The work

Core tasks

1. 01Measure and visually inspect products for surface and dimension defects to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.
2. 02Observe continuous operation of automatic machines to ensure that products meet specifications and to detect jams or malfunctions, making adjustments as necessary.
3. 03Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.
4. 04Turn valves and dials of machines to regulate pressure, temperature, and speed and feed rates, and to set cycle times.
5. 05Read 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.
6. 06Observe meters and gauges to verify and record temperatures, pressures, and press-cycle times.
7. 07Connect water hoses to cooling systems of dies, using hand tools.
8. 08Remove parts, such as dies, from machines after production runs are finished.
9. 09Perform maintenance work such as cleaning and oiling machines.
10. 10Smooth and clean inner surfaces of molds, using brushes, scrapers, air hoses, or grinding wheels, and fill imperfections with refractory material.
11. 11Operate hoists to position dies or patterns on foundry floors.
12. 12Cool products after processing to prevent distortion.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading