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Pourers and Casters, Metal

Pourers and Casters, Metal

Overview
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
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.

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

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.

Examples

These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.

Operate hand-controlled mechanisms to pour and regulate the flow of molten metal into molds to produce castings or ingots.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $28K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $33K
Median Salary: $40K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $50K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $61K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

Examine molds to ensure they are clean, smooth, and properly coated.

Pour and regulate the flow of molten metal into molds and forms to produce ingots or other castings, using ladles or hand-controlled mechanisms.

Pull levers to lift ladle stoppers and to allow molten steel to flow into ingot molds to specified heights.

Read temperature gauges and observe color changes, adjusting furnace flames, torches, or electrical heating units as necessary to melt metal to specifications.

Collect samples, or signal workers to sample metal for analysis.

Load specified amounts of metal and flux into furnaces or clay crucibles.

Add metal to molds to compensate for shrinkage.

Skim slag or remove excess metal from ingots or equipment, using hand tools, strainers, rakes, or burners, collecting scrap for recycling.

Turn valves to circulate water through cores, or spray water on filled molds to cool and solidify metal.

Remove metal ingots or cores from molds, using hand tools, cranes, and chain hoists.

Stencil identifying information on ingots and pigs, using special hand tools.

Assemble and embed cores in casting frames, using hand tools and equipment.

Position equipment such as ladles, grinding wheels, pouring nozzles, or crucibles, or signal other workers to position equipment.

Transport metal ingots to storage areas, using forklifts.

Remove solidified steel or slag from pouring nozzles, using long bars or oxygen burners.

Repair and maintain metal forms and equipment, using hand tools, sledges, and bars.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Industrial control software
Husky Injection Molding Systems Shotscope NX
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Foundry machines and equipment and supplies
Automatic ladles
Hand tools
Foundry tongs
Heating and ventilation and air circulation
Electric arc furnaces
Hydraulic machinery and equipment
Automatic extractors
Industrial pumps and compressors
Lubricant pumpers
Janitorial equipment
Hand scrapers
Material handling machinery and equipment
Jib cranes
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
Coordinate measuring machines CMM
Metal cutting machinery and accessories
Handheld pneumatic grinders
Personal safety and protection
Heat resistant suits
Welding and soldering and brazing machinery and accessories and supplies
Acetylene torches
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Production and Processing
70%
Importance

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Mechanical
65%
Importance

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Education and Training
63%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Public Safety and Security
63%
Importance

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

English Language
60%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Clerical
53%
Importance

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Mathematics
53%
Importance

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Physics
52%
Importance

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.

Engineering and Technology
50%
Importance

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Administration and Management
49%
Importance

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Top 10 Skills
Operation and Control
65%
Importance

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Operations Monitoring
65%
Importance

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Active Listening
60%
Importance

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Coordination
60%
Importance

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Critical Thinking
60%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Equipment Maintenance
60%
Importance

Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Judgment and Decision Making
60%
Importance

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Monitoring
60%
Importance

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Quality Control Analysis
60%
Importance

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Speaking
58%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Top 10 Abilities
Arm-Hand Steadiness
78%
Importance

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Control Precision
73%
Importance

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

Manual Dexterity
70%
Importance

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

Near Vision
65%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Oral Comprehension
65%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Perceptual Speed
65%
Importance

The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

Multilimb Coordination
63%
Importance

The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

Reaction Time
63%
Importance

The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

Visual Color Discrimination
63%
Importance

The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

Category Flexibility
60%
Importance

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

Top 10 Work Activities
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
83%
Importance

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
83%
Importance

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Getting Information
81%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
80%
Importance

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Handling and Moving Objects
78%
Importance

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Controlling Machines and Processes
77%
Importance

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Performing General Physical Activities
76%
Importance

Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
75%
Importance

Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
74%
Importance

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
72%
Importance

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Detailed Work Activities

Inspect production equipment.

Place materials into molds.

Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products.

Monitor instruments to ensure proper production conditions.

Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.

Collect samples of materials or products for testing.

Signal others to coordinate work activities.

Load materials into production equipment.

Trim excess material from workpieces.

Skim impurities from molten metal.

Remove workpieces from molds.

Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.

Move products, materials, or equipment between work areas.

Operate forklifts or other loaders.

Maintain production or processing equipment.

Repair templates, patterns, or molds.

Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow.

Apply parting agents or other solutions to molds.

Engrave designs, text, or other markings onto materials, workpieces, or products.

Assemble mechanical components or machine parts.

Clean production equipment.

Work Context
Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?

Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

Education
Interests
Realistic
100%
Importance

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Conventional
43%
Importance

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Investigative
29%
Importance

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Enterprising
24%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Artistic
15%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Social
15%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
83%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Dependability
81%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Independence
77%
Importance

Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Integrity
77%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Persistence
76%
Importance

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Adaptability/Flexibility
73%
Importance

Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Self Control
73%
Importance

Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Initiative
72%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Achievement/Effort
71%
Importance

Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Cooperation
70%
Importance

Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Work Values
Support
72%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Relationships
43%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Independence
39%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Achievement
34%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Working Conditions
34%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Recognition
29%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.