Skills
- Operation and Control Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.
- Bed Laborer
- Caster
- Injection Molding Machine Operator
- Machine Operator
- Mold Mechanic
- Molder
- Molding Line Operator
- Press Operator
What is a molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic?
Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic, are skilled workers who manipulate materials like glass, ceramics, and rubber into required shapes and forms. They operate various types of machinery and equipment to mold raw materials into finished products or components. These professionals carefully monitor the molding or casting process to ensure quality and precision, often making adjustments to the machines and processes as necessary. Their work involves interpreting blueprints or technical drawings, mixing materials, and preparing molds or patterns to achieve the desired outcomes. Safety practices are critical in this field, as workers may handle hazardous materials or operate machinery that poses risks. Their expertise is essential in industries such as manufacturing, ceramics, glassmaking, and rubber production, where they contribute to the creation of items ranging from artistic pieces to industrial components.
What the work actually is
- 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.
- 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.
Skills employers expect
Abilities
- Arm-Hand Steadiness The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
- Finger Dexterity The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
- Manual Dexterity The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
- Control Precision The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
- Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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.
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A normal week
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Tools used on the job
Technology
- Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel
- Electronic mail software Microsoft Outlook
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software
- Office suite software Microsoft Office software
- Word processing software Microsoft Word
Tools
- Casting machines Centrifugal casting machines · Continuous casting machines · Die casting machines
- Blow molding machines Extrusion blow molding machines · Squeeze molding machines · Stretch blow molding machines
- Calipers Dial calipers · Vernier calipers
- Mainframe console or dumb terminals Computer terminals
- Pulverizing machinery Pulverizers
Who it suits
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, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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 human resources.
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Questions people ask
How much does a molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic earn in South Africa?
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.
What is a molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic?
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 and Brush or spray mold surfaces with parting agents or insert paper into molds to ensure smoothness and prevent sticking or seepage.
How do I know if this career fits me?
Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.