Manipulate plastic

Manipulate the properties, shape and size of plastic.

utilise plastic
mould plastic
manipulating plastic
shape plastic
use plastic

skill/competence

cross-sector

Manipulate plastic is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Prosthetic-orthotics technician: Prosthetic-orthotics technicians design, create, fit and repair supportive devices, such as braces, joints, arch supports, and other surgical and medical appliances.
Plastic products assembler: Plastic products assemblers fit and fasten parts and finished plastic products according to strictly-defined procedures. Plastic products assemblers may also cut and shape plastic parts using hand, power, and machine tools.
Plastic furniture machine operator: Plastic furniture machine operators tend plastic processing machines that produce pieces such as plastic chairs and tables. They inspect each resulting product, detect abnormalities and remove inadequate pieces. In some cases, they may assemble different plastic parts to obtain the final product.
Brush maker: Brush makers insert different types of material such as horsehair, vegetable fiber, nylon, and hog bristle into metal tubes called ferrules. They insert a wooden or aluminium plug into the bristles to form the brush head and attach the handle to the other side of the ferrule. They immerse the brush head in a protective substance to maintain their shape, finish and inspect the final product.
Optical disc moulding machine operator: Optical disc moulding machine operators tend moulding machines that melts polycarbonate pellets and inject the plastic into a mould cavity. The plastic is then cooled and solidifies, bearing the marks that can be digitally read.
Record press operator: Record press operators tend a machine that presses vinyl with a negative impression of a master disc. As pressure is applied, the vinyl is forced into the grooves of the master disc and a playable record is obtained.
Compression moulding machine operator: Compression moulding machine operators set up and operate machines to mould plastic products, according to requirements. They select and install dies on press. Compression moulding machine operators weigh the amount of premixed compound needed and pour it into the die well. They regulate the temperature of dies.

Manipulate plastic is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Model maker: Model makers create three-dimensional scale models or various designs or concepts and for various purposes, such as models of human skeletons or organs. They also mount the models on display stands so that they can be used for their final purpose such as inclusion in education activities.
Filing machine operator: Filing machine operators set up and tend filing machines such as band files, reciprocating files and bench filing machines in order to smoothen metal, wood or plastic surfaces by precisely cutting and removing small amounts of excess material.
Toymaker: Toymakers create or reproduce hand-made objects for sale and exhibition made of various materials such as plastic, wood and textile. They develop, design and sketch the object, select the materials and cut, shape and process the materials as necessary and apply finishes. In addition, toymakers maintain and repair all types of toys, including mechanical ones. They identify defects in toys, replace damaged parts and restore their functionality.
Recreation model maker: Recreation model makers design and construct recreation scale models from various materials such as plastic, wood, wax and metals, mostly by hand.
Doll maker: Doll makers design, create and repair dolls using various materials such as porcelain, wood or plastic. They build moulds of forms and attach parts using adhesives and handtools.
Prosthetist-orthotist: Prosthetist-orthotists design and custom fit prostheses and orthoses for individuals who are missing a limb from accident, disease or congenital conditions or for individuals who have impairments, deficiences or weaknesses due to injury, pathology or congenital malformation. They mix patient care with the design and fabrication of these devices to address their patients’ needs.
Wicker furniture maker: Wicker furniture makers choose and prepare materials such as softened rattan or willow branches in order to produce wicker furniture such as chairs, tables and couches. They use hand, power or machine tools to cut, bend and weave materials to create the desired objects. Finally, they treat the surface to ensure a finished look and protect it from corrosion and fire using waxes, lacquers and other coatings.
Slitter operator: Slitter operators set up, operate, or tend machines, in order to cut, slit, bend, or straighten sheets of metal, paper, or other materials to specific widths. Slitter operators must also ensure quality, by examining various end-products and observing pre-defined tolerances.
Router operator: Router operators set up and operate multi-spindle routing machines, in order to hollow-out or cut various hard materials such as wood, composites, aluminium, steel, plastics; and others, such as foams. They are also able to read blueprints to determine cutting locations and specific sizes.
Drill press operator: Drill press operators set up and operate drill presses designed to cut excess material from or enlarge a hole in a fabricated workpiece using a hardened, rotary, multipointed cutting tool that inserts the drill into the workpiece axially.
Furniture assembler: Furniture assemblers place together all parts of furniture and auxiliary items such as furniture legs and cushions. They may also fit springs or special mechanisms. Furniture assemblers follow instructions or blueprints to assemble the furniture, and use hand tools and power tools.

References

1. Manipulate plastic – ESCO