Mold Setter | Torchora

🎯 Role Definition

As a Mold Setter, you are the technical expert at the heart of our plastic injection molding operations. You will be instrumental in ensuring our production machinery is set up for success, performing complex mold changes, and fine-tuning process parameters to achieve optimal quality and efficiency. Your hands-on expertise will directly impact our ability to deliver top-tier products to our clients. This position requires a proactive problem-solver with a strong mechanical aptitude and an unwavering commitment to safety and quality.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Machine Operator
Material Handler
Maintenance Assistant

Advancement To:

Lead Mold Setter / Senior Process Technician
Production Supervisor
Process Engineer

Lateral Moves:

Maintenance Technician
Quality Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Execute the complete and efficient changeover of injection molds, including removal of the previous mold and precise installation of the new tool, ensuring minimal machine downtime.
Securely mount molds into injection molding presses using clamps, bolts, and hand tools, verifying proper alignment and seating.
Connect all necessary auxiliary lines to the mold, including water, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems, ensuring leak-free and correct connections.
Set up and program injection molding machine parameters according to established setup sheets, including temperatures, pressures, speeds, and cycle times.
Install and configure end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) on robotic systems for automated part removal and handling.
Operate overhead cranes, hoists, and forklifts in a safe and proficient manner to transport and position heavy molds.
Establish and optimize the molding process for new and existing tools to ensure parts are produced to quality specifications and at an efficient cycle time.
Perform first-piece inspection using calipers, micrometers, and other measurement devices to verify conformance to blueprints and quality standards before initiating full production.
Troubleshoot and resolve molding process issues in real-time, such as flash, short shots, sinks, and warpage, by adjusting machine parameters.
Monitor production runs to ensure process stability, consistent part quality, and adherence to cycle time targets.
Document all process parameters, adjustments, and setup information accurately on setup sheets and in the manufacturing execution system (MES).
Perform routine preventative maintenance on molds, such as cleaning parting lines and vents, and inspect for wear or damage before and after production runs.
Strictly adhere to all safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, when working on machinery and during mold changes.
Ensure the correct raw materials, resins, and colorants are supplied to the press and that auxiliary equipment like dryers and thermolators are set correctly.
Respond promptly to machine alarms, diagnose the root cause of the issue, and take corrective action to restart production.
Work closely with the scheduling department to prepare for upcoming mold changes by staging tools, materials, and necessary equipment.
Purge machines of previous materials and colors to prevent contamination in subsequent production runs.
Fine-tune and adjust robotic pick-and-place sequences to ensure proper part handling and prevent damage.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment around the molding presses, adhering to 5S principles.
Sample new molds or materials, documenting findings and helping to establish a stable and repeatable manufacturing process.

Secondary Functions

Provide technical support and guidance to Machine Operators to resolve minor processing issues and enhance their operational skills.
Actively participate in continuous improvement projects and Kaizen events aimed at optimizing cycle times, reducing scrap, and improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
Collaborate closely with the Quality Assurance department to conduct first-article inspections and troubleshoot part defects, implementing corrective actions to maintain quality standards.
Assist the maintenance team in performing scheduled preventative maintenance (PM) on molding machines and auxiliary equipment to ensure long-term reliability.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Expertise in setting up, operating, and troubleshooting various brands of injection molding presses (e.g., Toshiba, Nissei, Arburg, Engel, KraussMaffei).
Strong proficiency in safely operating overhead cranes, hoists, and forklifts for mold transportation and placement.
In-depth knowledge of plastic resins (e.g., PP, PE, ABS, PC) and their specific processing characteristics and requirements.
Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, including part blueprints, mold drawings, and electrical/hydraulic schematics.
Skilled in using precision measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and visual inspection tools.
Hands-on experience with process troubleshooting and applying root cause analysis to resolve part defects and machine malfunctions.
Familiarity with auxiliary equipment setup and operation, including material dryers, thermolators, granulators, and robotic systems.
Comprehensive understanding of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and other critical safety procedures within a manufacturing environment.
Strong mechanical aptitude for performing mold installations, basic maintenance, and machine adjustments.
Knowledge of scientific or decoupled molding principles (RJG, etc.) is a significant advantage.

Soft Skills

Exceptional problem-solving and analytical abilities to diagnose and resolve complex processing and equipment issues efficiently.
Strong attention to detail and a commitment to precision in all setup, processing, and quality control tasks.
Effective communication skills for collaborating with operators, supervisors, quality personnel, and maintenance teams.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing time and prioritizing tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
A proactive and self-motivated mindset with a strong sense of ownership and responsibility for machine performance and part quality.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED

Preferred Education:

Technical Certificate or Associate's Degree in a related field

Relevant Fields of Study:

Plastics Injection Molding Technology
Industrial Maintenance
Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5+ years of direct experience as a Mold Setter or Process Technician in a plastic injection molding environment.

Preferred:

Experience with scientific molding principles (e.g., RJG, Decoupled Molding) is highly desirable. Experience with large tonnage presses and complex, multi-cavity molds is a plus.