{"schemaVersion":"1.0","exportedAt":"2026-05-15T12:39:12.552Z","occupation":{"soc":"51-9195.00","title":"Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic","group":"Production","sector":"31-33","jobZone":2,"jobZoneInferred":false},"framework":{"version":"v.26.05","description":"","contextCovered":"This framework covers hands-on molding, shaping, and casting operations in a Job Zone 2 production environment, spanning rubber, ceramic, and related non-metal/non-plastic materials from entry-level tool use through facility-wide process leadership.","levels":{"emerging":{"label":"Emerging","statements":["Work orders and part drawings — read and interpret under direct supervision to identify which product sections require molding or shaping.","Mold components and raw materials — locate and stage at the workstation following verbal or written instructions from a lead operator.","Basic hand tools such as scrapers and knives — use under close guidance to trim excess flash from freshly cast rubber or ceramic parts.","Mold surfaces and cavities — inspect visually for obvious defects or contamination before each production cycle with supervisor support.","Arm-hand steadiness and manual dexterity — apply when positioning workpieces into molds under direct oversight on the production floor.","Safety protocols for molding equipment — follow consistently as instructed, including PPE requirements and lockout/tagout procedures.","Finished castings — compare against a physical sample or template to confirm general dimensional conformance with guidance from a trainer.","Production quantities and completed units — record on paper logs or basic spreadsheet templates as directed by the shift supervisor.","Oral instructions from lead operators — receive, confirm understanding, and carry out routine molding and casting tasks without independent deviation.","Band saw and trimming equipment — operate at introductory level for straight cuts on excess material under step-by-step supervision."]},"developing":{"label":"Developing","statements":["Work orders and part specifications — read independently and translate into setup decisions for assigned molds across a full production shift.","Scrapers, knives, and band saws — select and apply the appropriate tool to trim or remove excess material from castings with minimal rework.","Mold temperature, pressure, and cure time parameters — monitor and adjust within established ranges to maintain consistent part quality.","Minor surface defects in molded parts — identify using near vision inspection and apply approved corrective actions without escalating every instance.","Multilimb coordination — demonstrate when simultaneously controlling mold halves, material feeds, and hand tools during routine casting cycles.","Inventory management software — use to record material usage and flag low-stock conditions for rubber, ceramic slip, or other casting media.","Production schedule requirements — meet daily output targets by organizing workload and managing cycle times across multiple mold cavities.","Finished parts — sort and segregate into conforming and nonconforming bins based on established visual and dimensional acceptance criteria.","New crew members at a similar level — provide informal guidance on correct tool handling and trimming technique during shared shifts.","Repeat defect patterns across a batch — recognize and report to the supervisor with supporting observations to prompt process adjustments."]},"proficient":{"label":"Proficient","statements":["Complex work orders involving multi-section assemblies — interpret autonomously, determining optimal molding sequence and tooling setup without supervisor input.","Full trimming and finishing operations — execute across the complete range of materials including rubber, plaster, and ceramic using scrapers, knives, and band saws.","Mold wear, misalignment, and parting-line flash — diagnose root causes and implement corrective adjustments to molds and process parameters independently.","Control precision — apply consistently when setting cure pressures and temperatures to achieve tight-tolerance parts on the first production run.","CAD and CAM software — use to review digital part models and verify that mold configurations match design intent before production commences.","Inductive reasoning — apply to isolated quality incidents, drawing generalizable conclusions about process drift or material variation across production runs.","Cross-functional communication with engineers and quality staff — convey molding process observations clearly using written reports and electronic mail.","Selective attention — sustain across extended production runs to detect subtle dimensional or surface-finish deviations before they propagate through a batch.","Time accounting and production tracking software — maintain accurate records of cycle times, downtime events, and yield rates to support process improvement.","Unusual or non-routine casting geometries — develop and validate effective trimming and finishing approaches through systematic trial on the shop floor."]},"advanced":{"label":"Advanced","statements":["Production and processing knowledge — apply at an organizational level to design molding workflows that maximize throughput and minimize scrap across the facility.","Work order interpretation standards and quality acceptance criteria — author and communicate so that all operators apply consistent judgment across shifts.","CAD/CAM toolpaths and mold specifications — review and approve before release to production, integrating mechanical knowledge to prevent downstream defects.","Capital equipment selection for trimming and casting operations — evaluate and recommend, balancing capability, cost, and workforce skill level.","Mentorship of developing and emerging molders — lead structured on-the-job training programs that build manual dexterity, tool selection, and process knowledge.","Recurring quality and yield data — analyze using spreadsheet and reporting tools to identify systemic process gaps and sponsor targeted improvement projects.","Inventory management systems and supplier relationships — oversee to ensure uninterrupted supply of casting media, release agents, and tooling components.","Safety culture and compliance standards for molding operations — champion across the department, translating regulations into daily practices and audit readiness.","Cross-departmental production goals — negotiate and align with engineering, quality, and scheduling leadership to set realistic and achievable output targets.","Organizational molding capability — benchmark against industry standards and drive adoption of updated techniques, materials, or digital tools to sustain competitive performance."]}}},"sources":{"onet":"v30.2 (CC BY 4.0)","crosswalk":"https://skillscrosswalk.com","generator":"LER.me"},"attribution":"© EBSCOed"}