Pourer / Caster / Metal

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

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Caster; Casting Machine Operator; Casting Operator; DC Caster (Direct Chill Caster); Die Cast Machine Operator; Die Casting Machine Operator; Iron Pourer; Melter; Metal Handler; Pourer

Tasks

• Pour and regulate the flow of molten metal into molds and forms to produce ingots or other castings, using ladles or hand-controlled mechanisms.
• Read temperature gauges and observe color changes, adjusting furnace flames, torches, or electrical heating units as necessary to melt metal to specifications.
• Remove solidified steel or slag from pouring nozzles, using long bars or oxygen burners.
• Examine molds to ensure they are clean, smooth, and properly coated.
• Collect samples, or signal workers to sample metal for analysis.
• Load specified amounts of metal and flux into furnaces or clay crucibles.
• Position equipment such as ladles, grinding wheels, pouring nozzles, or crucibles, or signal other workers to position equipment.
• Skim slag or remove excess metal from ingots or equipment, using hand tools, strainers, rakes, or burners, collecting scrap for recycling.
• Transport metal ingots to storage areas, using forklifts.

Knowledge

• English Language

Skills

• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring

Abilities

• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Manual Dexterity
• Control Precision
• Perceptual Speed
• Multilimb Coordination
• Reaction Time
• Near Vision
• Oral Comprehension
• Problem Sensitivity
• Category Flexibility
• Selective Attention
• Finger Dexterity
• Trunk Strength