Injection Molding (Plastic) Apprenticeship

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, saftey belts, protective glasses. This highly technical apprenticeship program requires a thorough understanding of the material taught in this program.

Training

• 4 year training program
• 7,424 hours on-the-job training
• 576 hours paid related instruction
• Additional related instruction may be required.

Units of instruction include electricity, hydraulics and pneumatics; statistical process control; plastic mold design and blueprint reading; techinical mathematics basic tool room machine shop operations; and an overview of many of the plastic molding processes other than the injection molding.

Text provided by State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards