{"schemaVersion":"1.0","exportedAt":"2026-05-15T12:38:47.643Z","occupation":{"soc":"51-4072.00","title":"Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic","group":"Production","sector":"31-33","jobZone":2,"jobZoneInferred":false},"framework":{"version":"v.26.05","description":"","contextCovered":"This framework covers competencies for setting up, operating, monitoring, and improving metal and plastic molding, coremaking, and casting machines in a Job Zone 2 production manufacturing environment, from initial supervised operation through department-level leadership.","levels":{"emerging":{"label":"Emerging","statements":["Basic precision measuring instruments — identify and use under direct supervision to check surface dimensions of cast or molded parts against specification sheets.","Automatic molding machine operation — observe under close guidance to detect obvious jams or product defects on a production floor.","Metal or plastic casting machine startup procedures — follow step-by-step written instructions with a supervisor present during initial on-the-job training.","Machine valves and dials — adjust pressure, temperature, and feed rate settings as directed by a lead operator on a single assigned machine.","Work orders and basic blueprints — read and interpret with guidance to identify required temperatures, cycle times, and material sequences for a production run.","Meters and gauges — monitor and record temperature and pressure readings at scheduled intervals using a provided log sheet.","Water cooling hoses — connect to die cooling ports using hand tools under direct supervision following a standard safety checklist.","Dies and mold components — remove from machines at the end of a production run following lock-out/tag-out procedures with trainer oversight.","Defective parts — recognize and segregate from conforming product using visual inspection criteria provided on a quality reference card.","Workplace safety rules and machine guarding requirements — follow consistently during all assigned tasks in a molding or casting production cell."]},"developing":{"label":"Developing","statements":["Precision calipers, micrometers, and gauges — apply routinely and independently to verify dimensional conformance of molded or cast metal and plastic parts.","Continuous automatic machine operation — monitor across a full shift, identifying early signs of malfunction or drift and making minor adjustments without supervisor direction.","Metal and thermoplastic molding or coremaking machines — set up and operate for standard production runs, following process sheets with minimal oversight.","Temperature, pressure, and cycle-time parameters — regulate by turning valves and dials to maintain consistent output quality during routine production.","Blueprints and production work orders — read independently to plan setup sequences, select tooling, and verify material requirements before a run begins.","Gauge and meter readings — record accurately in shift logs or spreadsheet software, flagging out-of-range values and notifying a lead operator promptly.","Die cooling system connections — complete efficiently using hand tools, confirming flow and leak-free seals before authorizing machine start.","Post-run die removal — perform safely and efficiently, inspecting removed tooling for wear and reporting findings to maintenance or tooling staff.","In-process quality checks — conduct at defined intervals using inspection criteria, distinguishing acceptable variation from non-conforming conditions.","Production pace and task sequencing — manage within a shift to meet daily output targets while maintaining machine uptime and product quality standards."]},"proficient":{"label":"Proficient","statements":["Complex or multi-cavity molds and dies — set up and fine-tune autonomously across a range of metal and plastic materials, resolving non-standard process conditions independently.","Automatic and semi-automatic casting or molding lines — monitor across multiple machines simultaneously, diagnosing root causes of recurring jams or quality drift and implementing corrective actions.","Process parameter optimization — adjust temperature, pressure, speed, and cycle-time profiles to improve yield and reduce scrap on challenging or new production jobs.","Full blueprint and engineering specification packages — interpret without assistance to plan complete production sequences, tooling requirements, and quality control checkpoints.","Statistical process control data — analyze using analytical or industrial control software to identify trends and prevent defects before they reach downstream operations.","Industrial control software and CAM software — configure machine programs and verify tool paths to support setup of new or modified molds and casting tools.","Tooling wear and dimensional drift — diagnose from inspection data and coordinate corrective tooling adjustments with maintenance or tool-room staff to restore conformance.","Non-routine or off-spec material conditions — evaluate, determine appropriate process modifications, and document decisions in ERP or production tracking systems.","Cross-shift quality and production records — review and synthesize to identify systemic issues and recommend process or procedural improvements to supervisors.","Junior operators and new hires — guide through machine setups, quality inspections, and safety protocols, sharing technical knowledge gained from hands-on production experience."]},"advanced":{"label":"Advanced","statements":["Molding, coremaking, and casting process standards — establish and maintain across an entire production department, ensuring alignment with engineering specifications and customer quality requirements.","Shift-level production planning and scheduling — direct using ERP software to balance machine capacity, material availability, and labor resources for maximum throughput.","Departmental quality control systems — design and implement, including inspection sampling plans, acceptance criteria, and corrective action workflows for metal and plastic casting operations.","Capital equipment selection and tooling investments — evaluate and recommend by applying deep knowledge of casting and molding processes, machine capabilities, and production economics.","Process improvement initiatives — lead using data from industrial control and analytical software to drive measurable reductions in scrap, cycle time, and downtime across the operation.","Technical training curriculum for machine operators — develop and deliver, covering safe machine operation, blueprint reading, precision measurement, and quality inspection for Job Zone 2 production staff.","Cross-functional collaboration with engineering, maintenance, and quality teams — facilitate to resolve complex tooling, material, or process failures that exceed the scope of floor-level troubleshooting.","Workplace safety programs for molding and casting environments — champion by setting behavioral standards, conducting audits, and driving compliance with lock-out/tag-out and hazardous material protocols.","Operator performance and skill development — assess systematically and create individualized development plans that advance staff from emerging to proficient competency levels.","Production metrics and key performance indicators — report to plant leadership using spreadsheet and ERP data, translating floor-level operational data into strategic recommendations for continuous improvement."]}}},"sources":{"onet":"v30.2 (CC BY 4.0)","crosswalk":"https://skillscrosswalk.com","generator":"LER.me"},"attribution":"© EBSCOed"}