Foundry Mold and Coremakers

Overview

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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, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.

Make or form wax or sand cores or molds used in the production of metal castings in foundries.

Yearly Salary

High: $54K
Median: $37K
Low: $25K

Demand

Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend

Core Tasks

  • Clean and smooth molds, cores, and core boxes, and repair surface imperfections.
  • Position cores into lower sections of molds, and reassemble molds for pouring.
  • Position patterns inside mold sections, and clamp sections together.
  • Sift and pack sand into mold sections, core boxes, and pattern contours, using hand or pneumatic ramming tools.
  • Tend machines that bond cope and drag together to form completed shell molds.
  • Sprinkle or spray parting agents onto patterns and mold sections to facilitate removal of patterns from molds.
  • Form and assemble slab cores around patterns, and position wire in mold sections to reinforce molds, using hand tools and glue.
  • Move and position workpieces, such as mold sections, patterns, and bottom boards, using cranes, or signal others to move workpieces.
  • Pour molten metal into molds, manually or with crane ladles.
  • Rotate sweep boards around spindles to make symmetrical molds for convex impressions.
  • Operate ovens or furnaces to bake cores or to melt, skim, and flux metal.
  • Cut spouts, runner holes, and sprue holes into molds.
  • Lift upper mold sections from lower sections, and remove molded patterns.

Technology Skills

Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Computer aided design CAD software
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Industrial control software
Machine control software
Inventory management software
Inventory tracking software

Tools Used

Tool
Example
Batteries and generators and kinetic power transmission
Gas-powered generators
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Desktop computers
Foundry machines and equipment and supplies
Core machines
Grinding and polishing and smoothing materials
Abrasive stones
Hand tools
Power grinders
Hardware
Mold clamps
Heating and ventilation and air circulation
Cupola furnaces
Industrial filtering and purification
Vent gas scrubbers
Laboratory and scientific equipment
Induction furnaces
Material handling machinery and equipment
Electric overhead traveling EOT cranes
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
Foundry sand testing equipment
Metal cutting machinery and accessories
Buffing machines
Metal treatment machinery
Heat treating furnaces
Raw materials processing machinery
Wire electrical discharge machine WEDM
Welding and soldering and brazing machinery and accessories and supplies
Micro welding equipment

Top 10 Knowledge Required

English Language
68%
Importance

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

Mechanical
68%
Importance

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

Education and Training
66%
Importance

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

Production and Processing
66%
Importance

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

Administration and Management
65%
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.

Physics
63%
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.

Design
62%
Importance

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Engineering and Technology
61%
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.

Chemistry
60%
Importance

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Public Safety and Security
59%
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.

Top 10 Skills

Monitoring
60%
Importance

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

Operations Monitoring
60%
Importance

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

Active Listening
58%
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.

Critical Thinking
58%
Importance

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

Time Management
58%
Importance

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Complex Problem Solving
53%
Importance

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Judgment and Decision Making
53%
Importance

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

Operation and Control
53%
Importance

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Speaking
53%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Learning
48%
Importance

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Top 10 Abilities

Trunk Strength
75%
Importance

The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

Manual Dexterity
73%
Importance

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

Arm-Hand Steadiness
70%
Importance

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

Static Strength
70%
Importance

The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Finger Dexterity
68%
Importance

The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Multilimb Coordination
65%
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.

Near Vision
65%
Importance

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

Problem Sensitivity
63%
Importance

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

Reaction Time
63%
Importance

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

Auditory Attention
60%
Importance

The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

Top 10 Work Activities

Handling and Moving Objects
88%
Importance

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

Performing General Physical Activities
86%
Importance

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

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
76%
Importance

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

Getting Information
75%
Importance

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

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
75%
Importance

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

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
75%
Importance

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

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
73%
Importance

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

Controlling Machines and Processes
71%
Importance

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

Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
71%
Importance

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
66%
Importance

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Clean production equipment.
  • Smooth metal surfaces or edges.
  • Place materials into molds.
  • Position patterns on equipment, materials, or workpieces.
  • Build production molds.
  • Apply parting agents or other solutions to molds.
  • Lift materials or workpieces using cranes or other lifting equipment.
  • Signal others to coordinate work activities.
  • Remove workpieces from molds.
  • Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing.
  • Operate heating or drying equipment.

Education

Interests

Realistic
98%
Importance

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
47%
Importance

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.

Investigative
34%
Importance

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

Artistic
32%
Importance

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Social
17%
Importance

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Enterprising
15%
Importance

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

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.

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.

Relationships
39%
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.

Working Conditions
36%
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.

Achievement
29%
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.

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.