51-4072.00Apprenticeship

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

Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.

Career Cluster:Advanced Manufacturing
Job Family:Production
Job Zone:Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Industry:Manufacturing
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Technology Tools

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Key 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.
  • Observe meters and gauges to verify and record temperatures, pressures, and press-cycle times.
  • Connect water hoses to cooling systems of dies, using hand tools.
  • Remove parts, such as dies, from machines after production runs are finished.
  • Operate hoists to position dies or patterns on foundry floors.
  • Cool products after processing to prevent distortion.
  • Install dies onto machines or presses and coat dies with parting agents, according to work order specifications.
  • Perform maintenance work such as cleaning and oiling machines.
  • Unload finished products from conveyor belts, pack them in containers, and place containers in warehouses.
  • Remove finished or cured products from dies or molds, using hand tools, air hoses, and other equipment, stamping identifying information on products when necessary.
  • Obtain and move specified patterns to work stations, manually or using hoists, and secure patterns to machines, using wrenches.
  • Select and install blades, tools, or other attachments for each operation.
  • Repair or replace damaged molds, pipes, belts, chains, or other equipment, using hand tools, hand-powered presses, or jib cranes.
  • Select coolants and lubricants, and start their flow.
  • Adjust equipment and workpiece holding fixtures, such as mold frames, tubs, and cutting tables, to ensure proper functioning.
  • Maintain inventories of materials.
  • Inventory and record quantities of materials and finished products, requisitioning additional supplies as necessary.
  • Position and secure workpieces on machines, and start feeding mechanisms.
  • Trim excess material from parts, using knives, and grind scrap plastic into powder for reuse.
  • Mix and measure compounds, or weigh premixed compounds, and dump them into machine tubs, cavities, or molds.
  • Smooth and clean inner surfaces of molds, using brushes, scrapers, air hoses, or grinding wheels, and fill imperfections with refractory material.
  • Spray, smoke, or coat molds with compounds to lubricate or insulate molds, using acetylene torches or sprayers.
  • Preheat tools, dies, plastic materials, or patterns, using blowtorches or other equipment.
  • Pour or load metal or sand into melting pots, furnaces, molds, or hoppers, using shovels, ladles, or machines.
  • Skim or pour dross, slag, or impurities from molten metal, using ladles, rakes, hoes, spatulas, or spoons.

Skills

Operations Monitoring
60%
Active Listening
56%
Reading Comprehension
53%
Operation and Control
53%
Monitoring
53%
Speaking
50%
Time Management
50%
Quality Control Analysis
50%
Critical Thinking
50%
Troubleshooting
47%
Repairing
47%
Active Learning
47%
Social Perceptiveness
47%
Complex Problem Solving
44%
Equipment Maintenance
44%
Judgment and Decision Making
44%
Writing
41%
Coordination
35%
Mathematics
31%
Management of Personnel Resources
31%
Equipment Selection
31%
Instructing
31%
Learning Strategies
31%
Persuasion
28%
Service Orientation
28%
Negotiation
28%
Systems Evaluation
28%
Installation
25%
Operations Analysis
22%
Systems Analysis
16%
Management of Material Resources
13%
Management of Financial Resources
13%
Programming
10%
Technology Design
10%
Science
3%

Knowledge

Production and Processing
64%
Mechanical
62%
Mathematics
52%
English Language
47%
Administration and Management
38%
Physics
37%
Computers and Electronics
34%
Engineering and Technology
34%
Education and Training
33%
Customer and Personal Service
28%
Public Safety and Security
28%
Chemistry
27%
Design
25%
Psychology
24%
Administrative
22%
Personnel and Human Resources
15%
Communications and Media
9%
Medicine and Dentistry
8%
Law and Government
8%
Economics and Accounting
7%
Transportation
7%
Telecommunications
7%
Sales and Marketing
6%
Therapy and Counseling
6%
Sociology and Anthropology
5%
Philosophy and Theology
4%
Building and Construction
4%
Foreign Language
3%
Food Production
3%
History and Archeology
2%
Geography
2%
Biology
2%
Fine Arts
0%

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Abilities

Arm-Hand Steadiness
69%
Manual Dexterity
66%
Multilimb Coordination
60%
Control Precision
60%
Perceptual Speed
56%
Deductive Reasoning
56%
Near Vision
56%
Information Ordering
56%
Written Comprehension
53%
Problem Sensitivity
53%
Category Flexibility
53%
Oral Expression
53%
Static Strength
53%
Finger Dexterity
53%
Oral Comprehension
53%
Speech Clarity
53%
Trunk Strength
53%
Reaction Time
53%
Rate Control
53%
Speech Recognition
50%
Visualization
50%
Auditory Attention
50%
Flexibility of Closure
50%
Inductive Reasoning
50%
Selective Attention
50%
Far Vision
47%
Hearing Sensitivity
47%
Stamina
47%
Dynamic Strength
47%
Written Expression
44%
Extent Flexibility
41%
Depth Perception
41%
Speed of Closure
41%
Response Orientation
41%
Gross Body Coordination
41%
Visual Color Discrimination
41%
Wrist-Finger Speed
38%
Time Sharing
35%
Number Facility
31%
Mathematical Reasoning
31%
Explosive Strength
31%
Gross Body Equilibrium
31%
Fluency of Ideas
28%
Originality
28%
Speed of Limb Movement
25%
Glare Sensitivity
25%
Memorization
25%
Sound Localization
19%
Spatial Orientation
19%
Night Vision
13%
Peripheral Vision
13%
Dynamic Flexibility
6%

Work Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes
89%
Handling and Moving Objects
78%
Getting Information
71%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
71%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
68%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
68%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
67%
Performing General Physical Activities
63%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
63%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
57%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
57%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
56%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
53%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
51%
Processing Information
49%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
49%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
48%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
47%
Documenting/Recording Information
47%
Training and Teaching Others
47%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
46%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
45%
Coaching and Developing Others
44%
Analyzing Data or Information
44%
Scheduling Work and Activities
42%
Working with Computers
40%
Developing and Building Teams
38%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
38%
Assisting and Caring for Others
37%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
37%
Thinking Creatively
35%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
34%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
25%
Performing Administrative Activities
24%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
23%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
23%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
16%
Selling or Influencing Others
12%
Staffing Organizational Units
12%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
11%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
4%

Work Context

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

100%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

91%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

89%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

88%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

83%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

82%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

81%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

81%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

79%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

74%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

74%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

73%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

73%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

73%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

71%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

71%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

68%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

68%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

66%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

62%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

62%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

62%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

57%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

57%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

56%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

55%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

54%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

54%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

53%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

49%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

47%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

46%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

45%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

45%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

44%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

40%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

39%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

36%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

34%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

29%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

28%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

27%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

24%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

23%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

23%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

17%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

11%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

10%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

10%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

7%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

7%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

6%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

4%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

4%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

3%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

2%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

0%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

57%

Less than high school diploma

30%

Post-secondary certificate

11%

Interests

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, t

100

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 hum

52

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

24

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

8

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

1

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

1

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
79%
Dependability
73%
Cautiousness
62%
Stress Tolerance
35%
Achievement Orientation
30%
Perseverance
27%
Integrity
25%
Adaptability
20%
Self-Control
20%
Cooperation
14%
Self-Confidence
14%
Initiative
8%
Intellectual Curiosity
3%
Sincerity
1%

Work Values

Support
61%
Relationships
33%
Independence
28%
Working Conditions
22%
Achievement
17%
Recognition
17%

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