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Career Details : Mold Makers, Hand

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Description

Construct or form molds from existing forms for use in casting objects.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer might benefit from experience installing drywall, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be an installer with little difficulty.

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.

Tasks

  • Places form around model and separately immerses each half portion of model in plaster, wax, or other mold-making material.
  • Melts metal pieces using torch and casts products, such as inlays and crowns, using centrifugal casting machine.
  • Smoothes surfaces of mold, using scraping tool and sandpaper.
  • Covers portions of model with layers of modeling or casting material treated to harden when allowed to set or dry.
  • Examines mold for accuracy.
  • Covers model or pattern of object from which mold is to be made with lubricant or parting agent to prevent mold from sticking to model.
  • Repairs cracks and broken edges of mold, using hand tools.
  • Allows mold to harden or dry in oven and repeats process until mold is complete.
  • Assembles hardened molds and seals joints.
  • Bores holes or cuts grates and risers in mold, using power tools.
  • Mixes modeling material, such as plaster powder and water, or mud, sand, and loam, to specified formula.
  • Constructs molds used for casting metal, clay, or plaster objects, using plaster, fiberglass, rubber, casting machine, patterns, and flasks.
  • Separates model or pattern from mold.
  • Removes excess modeling or mold material, such as plaster, wax, or rubber, using straightedge.

    Related Careers

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Indoors
    • Consequence of Error
    • Using Hands on Objects, Tools, Controls
    • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
    • Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
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