# Pourers and Casters, Metal

> Operate hand-controlled mechanisms to pour and regulate the flow of molten metal into molds to produce castings or ingots.

- Code: 51-4052.00 (O*NET-SOC; SOC 2018 51-4052)
- Family: [Production](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations#family-51), one of its 114 occupations
- Tasks: 16 tasks (9 core and 7 supplemental)
- Page: https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4052.00
- JSON: https://foundation.org.ai/data/tasks/51-4052.00.json

## What the work is made of

1. Pour and regulate the flow of molten metal into molds and forms to produce ingots or other castings, using ladles or hand-controlled mechanisms.  
   Core task · Task 12007 · Rated by 64 people who do the job, August 2024
2. Read temperature gauges and observe color changes, adjusting furnace flames, torches, or electrical heating units as necessary to melt metal to specifications.  
   Core task · Task 12008 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2024
3. Remove solidified steel or slag from pouring nozzles, using long bars or oxygen burners.  
   Core task · Task 12016 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2024
4. Examine molds to ensure they are clean, smooth, and properly coated.  
   Core task · Task 12009 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2024
5. Collect samples, or signal workers to sample metal for analysis.  
   Core task · Task 12006 · Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2024
6. Load specified amounts of metal and flux into furnaces or clay crucibles.  
   Core task · Task 12015 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2024
7. Position equipment such as ladles, grinding wheels, pouring nozzles, or crucibles, or signal other workers to position equipment.  
   Core task · Task 12010 · Rated by 64 people who do the job, August 2024
8. Skim slag or remove excess metal from ingots or equipment, using hand tools, strainers, rakes, or burners, collecting scrap for recycling.  
   Core task · Task 12011 · Rated by 65 people who do the job, August 2024
9. Transport metal ingots to storage areas, using forklifts.  
   Core task · Task 12019 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2024
10. Assemble and embed cores in casting frames, using hand tools and equipment.  
   Supplemental task · Task 12017 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2024
11. Turn valves to circulate water through cores, or spray water on filled molds to cool and solidify metal.  
   Supplemental task · Task 12012 · Rated by 62 people who do the job, August 2024
12. Pull levers to lift ladle stoppers and to allow molten steel to flow into ingot molds to specified heights.  
   Supplemental task · Task 12014 · Rated by 62 people who do the job, August 2024
13. Remove metal ingots or cores from molds, using hand tools, cranes, and chain hoists.  
   Supplemental task · Task 12018 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2024
14. Repair and maintain metal forms and equipment, using hand tools, sledges, and bars.  
   Supplemental task · Task 12021 · Rated by 61 people who do the job, August 2024
15. Add metal to molds to compensate for shrinkage.  
   Supplemental task · Task 12013 · Rated by 63 people who do the job, August 2024
16. Stencil identifying information on ingots and pigs, using special hand tools.  
   Supplemental task · Task 12020 · Rated by 56 people who do the job, August 2024

## More in Production

- [Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9191.00): 16 tasks
- [Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2011.00): 27 tasks
- [Assemblers and Fabricators, All Other](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2099.00): no tasks listed
- [Bakers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-3011.00): 18 tasks
- [Biofuels Processing Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8099.01): 19 tasks
- [Biomass Plant Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8013.03): 18 tasks
- [Butchers and Meat Cutters](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-3021.00): 11 tasks
- [Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-7011.00): 20 tasks
- [Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9011.00): 23 tasks
- [Chemical Plant and System Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8091.00): 19 tasks
- [Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9192.00): 11 tasks
- [Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9124.00): 29 tasks
- [Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2021.00): 11 tasks
- [Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9161.00): 27 tasks
- [Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9162.00): 15 tasks
- [Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9193.00): 18 tasks
- [Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9021.00): 21 tasks
- [Cutters and Trimmers, Hand](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9031.00): 18 tasks
- [Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9032.00): 25 tasks
- [Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4031.00): 32 tasks
- [Dental Laboratory Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9081.00): 17 tasks
- [Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4032.00): 17 tasks
- [Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2022.00): 16 tasks
- [Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2023.00): 14 tasks
- [Engine and Other Machine Assemblers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2031.00): 12 tasks
- [Etchers and Engravers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9194.00): 26 tasks
- [Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4021.00): 16 tasks
- [Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6091.00): 17 tasks
- [Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9041.00): 26 tasks
- [Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6092.00): 16 tasks
- [Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2051.00): 16 tasks
- [First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-1011.00): 20 tasks
- [Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-3091.00): 19 tasks
- [Food Batchmakers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-3092.00): 25 tasks
- [Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-3093.00): 17 tasks
- [Food Processing Workers, All Other](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-3099.00): no tasks listed
- [Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4022.00): 13 tasks
- [Foundry Mold and Coremakers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4071.00): 13 tasks
- [Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9051.00): 17 tasks
- [Furniture Finishers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-7021.00): 22 tasks
- [Gas Plant Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8092.00): 19 tasks
- [Gem and Diamond Workers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9071.06): 14 tasks
- [Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9195.04): 16 tasks
- [Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9022.00): 17 tasks
- [Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4033.00): 18 tasks
- [Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4191.00): 23 tasks
- [Helpers--Production Workers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9198.00): 30 tasks
- [Hydroelectric Plant Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8013.04): 21 tasks
- [Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9061.00): 31 tasks
- [Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9071.00): 29 tasks
- [Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4034.00): 18 tasks
- [Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6011.00): 23 tasks
- [Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4192.00): 14 tasks
- [Machinists](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4041.00): 29 tasks
- [Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-3022.00): 12 tasks
- [Medical Appliance Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9082.00): 15 tasks
- [Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4199.00): no tasks listed
- [Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4051.00): 15 tasks
- [Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4035.00): 15 tasks
- [Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9023.00): 20 tasks
- [Model Makers, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4061.00): 16 tasks
- [Model Makers, Wood](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-7031.00): 14 tasks
- [Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9195.00): 24 tasks
- [Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4072.00): 29 tasks
- [Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4081.00): 21 tasks
- [Nuclear Power Reactor Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8011.00): 19 tasks
- [Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9083.00): 18 tasks
- [Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9111.00): 20 tasks
- [Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9123.00): 9 tasks
- [Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9196.00): 14 tasks
- [Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4062.00): 15 tasks
- [Patternmakers, Wood](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-7032.00): 20 tasks
- [Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8093.00): 24 tasks
- [Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9151.00): 27 tasks
- [Plant and System Operators, All Other](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8099.00): no tasks listed
- [Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4193.00): 33 tasks
- [Potters, Manufacturing](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9195.05): 23 tasks
- [Power Distributors and Dispatchers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8012.00): 14 tasks
- [Power Plant Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8013.00): 30 tasks
- [Prepress Technicians and Workers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-5111.00): 15 tasks
- [Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6021.00): 28 tasks
- [Print Binding and Finishing Workers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-5113.00): 25 tasks
- [Printing Press Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-5112.00): 23 tasks
- [Production Workers, All Other](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9199.00): no tasks listed
- [Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4023.00): 19 tasks
- [Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-7041.00): 22 tasks
- [Semiconductor Processing Technicians](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9141.00): 20 tasks
- [Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9012.00): 20 tasks
- [Sewers, Hand](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6051.00): 11 tasks
- [Sewing Machine Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6031.00): 26 tasks
- [Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6041.00): 26 tasks
- [Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6042.00): 19 tasks
- [Slaughterers and Meat Packers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-3023.00): 14 tasks
- [Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8021.00): 25 tasks
- [Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9195.03): 16 tasks
- [Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2041.00): 23 tasks
- [Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6052.00): 22 tasks
- [Team Assemblers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2092.00): 11 tasks
- [Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6061.00): 23 tasks
- [Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6062.00): 18 tasks
- [Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6063.00): 19 tasks
- [Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6064.00): 23 tasks
- [Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6099.00): no tasks listed
- [Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-2061.00): 17 tasks
- [Tire Builders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-9197.00): 20 tasks
- [Tool and Die Makers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4111.00): 17 tasks
- [Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4194.00): 18 tasks
- [Upholsterers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-6093.00): 22 tasks
- [Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-8031.00): 8 tasks
- [Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4121.00): 30 tasks
- [Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-4122.00): 29 tasks
- [Woodworkers, All Other](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-7099.00): no tasks listed
- [Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/51-7042.00): 25 tasks

## Where this comes from

Quoted from O*NET 29.0, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0: free to copy and reuse, with credit. Nothing on this page is written by the Org.AI Foundation.
