Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
Human Advantage 59%
Moderate human-AI collaboration
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
4.7 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Mold, shape, form, cast, or carve products such as food products, figurines, tile, pipes, and candles consisting of clay, glass, plaster, concrete, stone, or combinations of materials.
Also Known As: Adobe Block Maker, Adobe Maker, Almond Paste Molder, Artificial Candy Maker, Batter Out, Bed Laborer, Bit Gatherer, Block Maker +135 more
Core Tasks
- Read work orders or examine parts to determine parts or sections of products to be produced.
- Trim or remove excess material, using scrapers, knives, or band saws.
Supplemental Tasks (20)
- Brush or spray mold surfaces with parting agents or insert paper into molds to ensure smoothness and prevent sticking or seepage.
- Engrave or stamp identifying symbols, letters, or numbers on products.
- Assemble, insert, and adjust wires, tubes, cores, fittings, rods, or patterns into molds, using hand tools and depth gauges.
- Clean, finish, and lubricate molds and mold parts.
- Separate models or patterns from molds and examine products for accuracy.
- Set the proper operating temperature for each casting.
- Load or stack filled molds in ovens, dryers, or curing boxes, or on storage racks or carts.
- Align and assemble parts to produce completed products, using gauges and hand tools.
- Operate and adjust controls of heating equipment to melt material or to cure, dry, or bake filled molds.
- Select sizes and types of molds according to instructions.
- Patch broken edges or fractures, using clay or plaster.
- Withdraw cores or other loose mold members after castings solidify.
- Repair mold defects, such as cracks or broken edges, using patterns, mold boxes, or hand tools.
- Measure and cut products to specified dimensions, using measuring and cutting instruments.
- Smooth surfaces of molds, using scraping tools or sandpaper.
- Measure ingredients and mix molding, casting material, or sealing compounds to prescribed consistencies, according to formulas.
- Remove excess materials and level and smooth wet mold mixtures.
- Verify dimensions of products, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, vernier gauges, or protractors.
- Bore holes or cut grates, risers, or pouring spouts in molds, using power tools.
- Tap or tilt molds to ensure uniform distribution of materials.
Education & Training
Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
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.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (10)
Tools & Equipment (38)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Production & Automation Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 2
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic You are here
Zone 4
Biomass Power Plant Managers 78% match
Zone 5
Nanosystems Engineers 75% match
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