Set up or set up and operate plastic molding machines, such as compression or injection molding machines, to mold, form, or cast thermoplastic materials to specified shape.

Mixes catalysts, thermoplastic materials, and coloring pigments according to formula, using paddle and mixing machine. Repairs and maintains machines and auxiliary equipment, using hand tools and power tools. Trims excess material from part, using knife, and grinds scrap plastic into powder for reuse. Removes finished or cured product from dies or mold, using hand tools and airhose. Measures and visually inspects products for surface and dimension defects, using precision measuring instruments, to ensure conformance to specifications. Positions, aligns, and secures assembled mold, mold components, and machine accessories onto machine press bed, and attaches connecting lines. Installs dies onto machine or press and coats dies with parting agent, according to work order specifications. Presses button or pulls lever to activate machine to inject dies and compress compounds to form and cure specified products. Observes and adjusts machine set up and operations to eliminate production of defective parts and products. Weighs premixed compounds and dumps compound into die well or fills hoppers of machines that automatically supply compound to die. Reads specifications to determine setup and prescribed temperature and time settings to mold, form, or cast plastic materials. Sets machine controls to regulate molding temperature, volume, pressure, and time, according to knowledge of plastics and molding procedures.

Mechanical -- Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. Production and Processing -- Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Operation and Control -- Controlling operations of equipment or systems. Operation Monitoring -- Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Control Precision -- The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions. Manual Dexterity -- 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 -- The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). Explosive Strength -- The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object. Static Strength -- The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects. Problem Sensitivity -- The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. Written Comprehension -- The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.