Work Description
Injection molding machine setters set up and tend machines that transform plastic compounds into a wide variety of consumer goods such as toys, tubing and auto parts. They install plastic injection molds on the molding machine; make necessary connections of the electrical, hydraulic and cooling systems to the mold; insure that the correct plastic material, plastic melt temperatures, shot size, injection speed and pressures are set; and cycle the machine and adjust the molding parameters until acceptable parts are produced.
Working Conditions
Injection molding machine setters work in a typical factory shop setting and use protective equipment to avoid common hazards such as safety belts and protective glasses. This highly technical apprenticeship program requires a thorough understanding of the material taught in this program.
Training
- 5-year training program
- 10,400 hours of on-the-job training
- 576 hours of paid related instruction
Units of instruction include electricity, hydraulics and pneumatics; statistical process control; plastic mold design and blueprint reading; technical mathematics; basic tool room machine shop operations; and an overview of many of the plastic molding processes other than injection molding.
Learn more from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
Program Details
Injection Mold Set-Up (Plastic) Apprenticeship classers may be offered at these Madison College campuses:
- Madison - Commercial Avenue
- Madison - Truax
Portage
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