Plastics Die Setter

Tasks & duties

Plastics die setters may do some or all of the following:

• set up the die (mould for shaping the product) to produce a plastic product
• fit the die into a machine
• remove the die from the machine when a production run has finished
• collect and return die-setting equipment before and after die changes
• replace parts on the dies
• repair and maintain dies
• start up and shut down the machines
• run trials of new dies before they go into production

Skills & knowledge

Plastics die setters need to have:

• knowledge of different types of metals
• understanding of the processes used to make plastic products
• the ability to diagnose production problems
• mechanical, machining and welding skills
• knowledge of the heats and speeds needed for machining tasks such as welding
• problem-solving skills

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements to become a plastics die setter, as skills are gained on the job.

Secondary education

School Certificate or NCEA equivalent is useful for becoming a plastics die setter.

Training on the job

Plastics die setters can work towards the National Certificate in Plastics Processing Technology offered by the Plastics and Materials Industry Training Organisation (PaMPITO).

Useful experience

Useful experience for plastics die setters includes: