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

realistic interests mold production equipment inspect product read blueprints metal regulate temperature automatic machine measure dimensions instrument

Machine Operator, Molder, Process Technician, Production Technician

What they do:
Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.
On the job, you would:
  • 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.

Knowledge

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Skills

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Controlled Movement

  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cooperation
  • Integrity
  • Independence
  • Initiative

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

  • Intera Systems Hawk-i
  • Visi-Trak True-Trak 20/20

Electronic mail software

  • Microsoft Outlook Hot Technology

Education

Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma/GED or
no high school diploma/GED
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Below Average
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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