Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Go Back to List Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Industrial control software

Tasks
	Observe continuous operation of automatic machines to ensure that products meet specifications and to detect jams or malfunctions, making adjustments as necessary.
	Measure and visually inspect products for surface and dimension defects to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.
	Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.
	Position and secure workpieces on machines, and start feeding mechanisms.
	Turn valves and dials of machines to regulate pressure, temperature, and speed and feed rates, and to set cycle times.
	Remove finished or cured products from dies or molds, using hand tools, air hoses, and other equipment, stamping identifying information on products when necessary.
	Skim or pour dross, slag, or impurities from molten metal, using ladles, rakes, hoes, spatulas, or spoons.
	Trim excess material from parts, using knives, and grind scrap plastic into powder for reuse.
	Cool products after processing to prevent distortion.
	Install dies onto machines or presses and coat dies with parting agents, according to work order specifications.

Skills
	Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
	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.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
	Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
	Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Knowledge
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
	Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
	Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
	Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

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Education & Training   Education:   These occupations usually require a high school diploma.   Related Experience:   Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $45,569.00 $21.91  $16.37  $17.05 - $24.83  Bridgeport/Stamford $45,734.00 $21.98  $17.33  $17.76 - $24.80  Hartford $44,379.00 $21.34  $16.00  $16.28 - $23.71  New Haven $46,003.00 $22.12  $16.70  $17.38 - $25.53  New London/Norwich $45,114.00 $21.69  $16.37  $17.17 - $24.46  Waterbury $44,669.00 $21.48  $16.06  $16.68 - $25.72  Torrington $49,541.00 $23.81  $17.02  $17.50 - $29.78

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   117   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.