Mould Maker

Mould makers are skilled workers who work within the Ceramic industry creating moulds for the manufacturing of ceramic products from a variety of materials including plaster of Paris, rubber and resin. Raw materials are blended, poured and cured to produce high quality production moulds. Once produced the moulds are fettled and finished to give a smooth surface. This ensures that no seams or blemishes remain which would affect the quality of cast products. Quality checks and the skill of fault correction is an important part of this role. 

Skills

Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment

? Follow suppliers/manufacturer’s instructions and working practices for the safe use and storage of materials/products and equipment

? Comply with organisations safety policies and procedures

? Carry out quality checks on equipment and materials

? Mix materials by measuring and blending following company prescribed formula

? Prepare cases by cleaning and lubricating

? Fill cases following company procedure and quality standards ensuring no air pockets

? Remove moulds post curing taking care not to cause damage/distortion

? Fettle and finish moulds, by removal and smoothing

? Carry out quality assurance checks of moulds

? Correct issues affecting the quality of the moulds produced following company procedures

? Create effective working relationships

? Control environmental hazards within own capacity and job responsibilities

? Demonstrate effective communication in an team and with management

? Meet individual production schedules as set by the company

Knowledge 

? How to identify faults on cases, equipment and materials prior to the commencement of the process

? How to determine the quality standards and production requirements for the mould to be made

? The consequences of failure to make quality checks

? The procedure to deal with damaged or faulty cases

? The reasons for multi part moulds and what is produced from them across all sectors of the industry

? The concept of curing times and how they differ depending on the products being produced by material and product

? Each of the different materials used in mould making

? The different methods used for each of the different materials

? The different products produced by the mould making process within the ceramic industry

? Common material problems and the faults that can occur at various stages in the process

? The importance of quality in the production process and the effects of poor quality on the organisation

? What moulds can be recycled/repaired

? The concept of production schedules how they are planned and the external influences

? Statutory and company health, safety and environmental regulations that apply to the ceramic industry and why these were introduced

? Company internal health and safety procedures that apply to their role

? Recognise hazards and know how to reduce them

Behaviours

Take responsibility for the production of quality moulds by paying attention to detail

? Flexible attitude towards the needs of the organisation

? Be punctual and reliable by adhering to company hours of work

? Demonstrate their responsibilities towards their own and others safety in the workplace by following company procedures

? Act in a way which does not endanger the health and safety of themselves or others

Entry Requirements 

Individual employers will set their selection criteria.

Duration

Typically 12 months to 15 months

Originally published on Gov.uk, this information has been re-used under the terms of the Open Government Licence.