Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium43.49%
Found in Industries:
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$30,280
Median$38,870
High (90th %)$57,970
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Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.
The occupation "Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic" faces a moderate automation risk of 43.5%, which closely aligns with its base risk of 44.0%. This risk level reflects the blend of routine, repetitive tasks and manual operations inherent in the role. Many functions within this job can be codified for machines, particularly those requiring consistency, precision, and minimal adaptation to new situations. As automation technology improves, especially in manufacturing environments, the push for productivity and error reduction will encourage greater use of automated systems for suitable tasks. Nevertheless, the risk is not higher because not all job responsibilities are equally susceptible to automation, and manual intervention is often required for nuanced or physical aspects of the job. Among the most automatable tasks, measuring and visually inspecting products for defects using precision instruments is highly susceptible due to advancements in machine vision and sensor technology that reliably detect deviations in dimensions or surface quality. Similarly, observing the operation of automated machines to ensure proper output and intervene only for jams or malfunctions is increasingly managed by smart systems capable of both monitoring and simple adjustments. The core activity—setting up, operating, or tending molding, casting, or coremaking machines—can often be programmed or remotely controlled, particularly for standardized products with minimal variation, further driving up automation potential in these aspects of the role. Despite these trends, several tasks exhibit high resistance to automation. Actions such as skimming or pouring dross and impurities from molten metal require nuanced judgment, fine motor skills, and flexibility—qualities that remain difficult to replicate with current robotics. Similarly, pouring or loading materials using a variety of hand tools, and preheating tools or materials using equipment like blowtorches, involve complex physical interactions and environmental adaptation that exceed the capabilities of most automated systems. The main bottleneck skill restricting further automation is originality, though it is needed at a low level (2.1%–2.3%). This implies that while most tasks are standardized, occasional novel problem-solving and adaptation are necessary, sustaining the need for human oversight and intervention in this occupation.
Filter by Automatable Status
Measure and visually inspect products for surface and dimension defects to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.
Partially Automatable
Observe continuous operation of automatic machines to ensure that products meet specifications and to detect jams or malfunctions, making adjustments as necessary.
Partially Automatable
Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.
Partially Automatable
Turn valves and dials of machines to regulate pressure, temperature, and speed and feed rates, and to set cycle times.
Automatable
Observe meters and gauges to verify and record temperatures, pressures, and press-cycle times.
Automatable
Connect water hoses to cooling systems of dies, using hand tools.
Non-Automatable
Remove parts, such as dies, from machines after production runs are finished.
Automatable
Perform maintenance work such as cleaning and oiling machines.
Non-Automatable
Smooth and clean inner surfaces of molds, using brushes, scrapers, air hoses, or grinding wheels, and fill imperfections with refractory material.
Non-Automatable
Operate hoists to position dies or patterns on foundry floors.
Partially Automatable
Cool products after processing to prevent distortion.
Partially Automatable
Install dies onto machines or presses and coat dies with parting agents, according to work order specifications.
Non-Automatable
Remove finished or cured products from dies or molds, using hand tools, air hoses, and other equipment, stamping identifying information on products when necessary.
Partially Automatable
Obtain and move specified patterns to work stations, manually or using hoists, and secure patterns to machines, using wrenches.
Non-Automatable
Select and install blades, tools, or other attachments for each operation.
Partially Automatable
Inventory and record quantities of materials and finished products, requisitioning additional supplies as necessary.
Automatable
Select coolants and lubricants, and start their flow.
Partially Automatable
Adjust equipment and workpiece holding fixtures, such as mold frames, tubs, and cutting tables, to ensure proper functioning.
Partially Automatable
Maintain inventories of materials.
Automatable
Position and secure workpieces on machines, and start feeding mechanisms.
Non-Automatable
Trim excess material from parts, using knives, and grind scrap plastic into powder for reuse.
Automatable
Mix and measure compounds, or weigh premixed compounds, and dump them into machine tubs, cavities, or molds.
Automatable
Spray, smoke, or coat molds with compounds to lubricate or insulate molds, using acetylene torches or sprayers.
Partially Automatable
Preheat tools, dies, plastic materials, or patterns, using blowtorches or other equipment.
Non-Automatable
Pour or load metal or sand into melting pots, furnaces, molds, or hoppers, using shovels, ladles, or machines.
Partially Automatable
Skim or pour dross, slag, or impurities from molten metal, using ladles, rakes, hoes, spatulas, or spoons.
Non-Automatable
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.
Partially Automatable
Unload finished products from conveyor belts, pack them in containers, and place containers in warehouses.
Non-Automatable
Repair or replace damaged molds, pipes, belts, chains, or other equipment, using hand tools, hand-powered presses, or jib cranes.
Non-Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningLearning StrategiesMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceSystems AnalysisWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTherapy and Counseling
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersDocumenting/Recording InformationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
FANUC Robotics iRVisionSAP softwareHotFlo! Die-Shot MonitorRobotWare DieCastVisi-Trak True-Trak 20/20Microsoft OutlookFANUC Robotics iRVisionSAP softwareHotFlo! Die-Shot MonitorVisi-Trak True-Trak 20/20Microsoft OutlookIntera Systems Hawk-iRobotWare DieCastIntera Systems Hawk-iMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WordMicrosoft Word
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Medium49.31%
Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium58.74%
Set up, operate, or tend machines to extrude or draw thermoplastic or metal materials into tubes, rods, hoses, wire, bars, or structural shapes.
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium34.24%
Set up, operate, or tend forging machines to taper, shape, or form metal or plastic parts.
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium48.15%
Set up, operate, or tend machines to roll steel or plastic forming bends, beads, knurls, rolls, or plate, or to flatten, temper, or reduce gauge of material.
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium33.25%
Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium38.52%
Set up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic work pieces.
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium35.75%
Set up, operate, or tend lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread, form, or face metal or plastic materials, such as wire, rod, or bar stock.
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium47.82%
Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium44.70%
Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
Tool and Die Makers
Medium42.07%
Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Medium47.79%
Set up, operate, or tend welding, soldering, or brazing machines or robots that weld, braze, solder, or heat treat metal products, components, or assemblies. Includes workers who operate laser cutters or laser-beam machines.
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium50.59%
Set up, operate, or tend heating equipment, such as heat-treating furnaces, flame-hardening machines, induction machines, soaking pits, or vacuum equipment to temper, harden, anneal, or heat treat metal or plastic objects.
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
Medium39.82%
Perform precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or grinding of metal objects.
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
Medium46.54%
Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form continuous filaments from synthetic materials, such as liquid polymer, rayon, and fiberglass.
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
Medium44.55%
Set up, operate, or tend woodworking machines, such as drill presses, lathes, shapers, routers, sanders, planers, and wood nailing machines. May operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment.
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
Medium40.69%
Grind, sand, or polish, using hand tools or hand-held power tools, a variety of metal, wood, stone, clay, plastic, or glass objects. Includes chippers, buffers, and finishers.
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Medium44.55%
Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut or slice materials, such as glass, stone, cork, rubber, tobacco, food, paper, or insulating material.
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Medium57.10%
Set up, operate, or tend machines, such as glass-forming machines, plodder machines, and tuber machines, to shape and form products such as glassware, food, rubber, soap, brick, tile, clay, wax, tobacco, or cosmetics.
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
Medium51.08%
Operate or tend bonding machines that use adhesives to join items for further processing or to form a completed product. Processes include joining veneer sheets into plywood; gluing paper; or joining rubber and rubberized fabric parts, plastic, simulated leather, or other materials.
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
Medium44.30%
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.
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons
Low9.90%
Build or repair equipment such as furnaces, kilns, cupolas, boilers, converters, ladles, soaking pits, and ovens, using refractory materials.
Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators
Low26.26%
Laminate layers of fiberglass on molds to form boat decks and hulls, bodies for golf carts, automobiles, or other products.
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders
Medium56.08%
Operate or tend furnaces, such as gas, oil, coal, electric-arc or electric induction, open-hearth, or oxygen furnaces, to melt and refine metal before casting or to produce specified types of steel.
Pourers and Casters, Metal
Medium35.59%
Operate hand-controlled mechanisms to pour and regulate the flow of molten metal into molds to produce castings or ingots.
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Medium47.80%
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects. Includes template makers.
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
Medium46.07%
Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.
Foundry Mold and Coremakers
Medium45.76%
Make or form wax or sand cores or molds used in the production of metal castings in foundries.
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium60.67%
Set up, operate, or tend plating machines to coat metal or plastic products with chromium, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel, or other metal to protect or decorate surfaces. Typically, the product being coated is immersed in molten metal or an electrolytic solution.
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
Medium42.63%
Cut, grind, and polish eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other precision optical elements. Assemble and mount lenses into frames or process other optical elements. Includes precision lens polishers or grinders, centerer-edgers, and lens mounters.
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Medium42.67%
Set up, operate, or tend spraying or rolling machines to coat or paint any of a wide variety of products, including glassware, cloth, ceramics, metal, plastic, paper, or wood, with lacquer, silver, copper, rubber, varnish, glaze, enamel, oil, or rust-proofing materials. Includes painters of transportation vehicles such as painters in auto body repair facilities.
Semiconductor Processing Technicians
High67.97%
Perform any or all of the following functions in the manufacture of electronic semiconductors: load semiconductor material into furnace; saw formed ingots into segments; load individual segment into crystal growing chamber and monitor controls; locate crystal axis in ingot using x-ray equipment and saw ingots into wafers; and clean, polish, and load wafers into series of special purpose furnaces, chemical baths, and equipment used to form circuitry and change conductive properties.
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders
Medium61.76%
Operate or tend equipment such as cooling and freezing units, refrigerators, batch freezers, and freezing tunnels, to cool or freeze products, food, blood plasma, and chemicals.
Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers
Medium36.98%
Shape molten glass according to patterns.
Potters, Manufacturing
Medium37.41%
Operate production machines such as pug mill, jigger machine, or potter's wheel to process clay in manufacture of ceramic, pottery and stoneware products.
Tire Builders
Medium34.65%
Operate machines to build tires.