How to become a Foundry Worker
Foundry workers assist tradespeople and semi-skilled workers to cast metal into shapes that are used as parts for machinery, motor vehicles, railway engines, stove parts and wheels.
Personal requirements for a Foundry Worker
- Enjoy working with machines
- Enjoy practical and manual activities
- Good at technical activities
- Good hand-eye coordination
- Able to work independently or as part of a team
- Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
- Patient and able to carry out accurate work
- Safety-conscious
- Able to read and follow instructions.
Duties & Tasks of a Foundry Worker
Foundry workers may perform the following tasks:
- Assist in making metal or wooden patterns of the object to be cast
- Operate machinery to mix chemically bonded sand and pack it around the pattern
- Fuel and charge the furnace
- Melt the metal and add the required alloys
- Operate automated moulding equipment
- Grind, smooth or dress the rough surfaces after the casting has set
- Select an appropriate finish
- Pack the castings for transportation.
Working conditions for a Foundry Worker
They work in hot, dusty and noisy conditions, although workshops are generally spacious, ventilated and well lit. Their work can involve significant physical exertion. They usually spend most of their day standing and often need to bend, crouch or climb. Some may be required to work in confined spaces or at heights, and shift work may be involved. Foundry workers may work in a team or alone.They must be aware of safety regulations and need to wear protective equipment to minimise heat and noise levels.
Specializations
Foundry Worker
Foundry workers assist tradespeople and semi-skilled workers to cast metal into shapes that are used as parts for machinery, motor vehicles, railway engines, stove parts and wheels.
