How to Be Plastic Injection Molding Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 18, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Plastic Injection Molding Technician is responsible for ensuring that the injection molding process runs smoothly and efficiently. This role is critical to the production process, as any problems encountered can have a significant effect on the quality and cost of the final product. Issues such as incorrect temperatures, incorrect cycles, or improper tooling can have a big impact on the finished quality of the plastic part.

To prevent this, the technician must have a good understanding of the injection molding process and be able to troubleshoot any problems that may arise. Having a good relationship with the mold maker and staying up to date on new technology and processes can also help the technician to ensure successful production.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent. Before becoming a plastic injection molding technician, you must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Gain Technical Experience. It is beneficial to have some technical experience prior to becoming an injection molding technician. This could include working with industrial machinery, computers, electronics, robotics, or hydraulics.
Take Related Courses. Taking related courses in high school or trade school can help you become more familiar with the industry and the equipment used.
Become Certified. You can become certified in plastic injection molding through the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). This certification requires passing a written exam and a skills assessment.
Get On-the-Job Training. Most employers require on-the-job training to become a plastic injection molding technician. This training will teach you how to operate the machinery, inspect parts, and troubleshoot issues.
Keep Learning. As technology evolves and new techniques are developed, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry. Take classes or attend workshops to keep your skills sharp.

The ability to be reliable and capable in a Plastic Injection Molding Technician role requires a good foundation of knowledge, as well as an understanding of the potential risks and safety measures. Adequate training is essential for any technician in this field, as it provides the skills necessary to identify issues, troubleshoot problems, and properly operate the machinery. In addition, having the correct safety equipment in place is essential in order to ensure a safe working environment.

Furthermore, the use of a quality control system helps to guarantee the reliability of the products, as well as the accuracy of the machining. Finally, developing good communication skills, both verbal and written, is important in order to effectively communicate with customers and colleagues. Taken together, these elements contribute to a reliable and capable Plastic Injection Molding Technician.

You may want to check Plastic Extrusion Operator, Plastic Film Processor, and Plastic Tool Maker for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare plastic injection molds to ensure they are in proper working condition.
Set up and operate injection molding machines to produce parts in accordance with specified production standards.
Monitor the injection molding process to identify any potential problems and make necessary adjustments to ensure proper operation.
Troubleshoot and resolve any mechanical, electrical, or software issues with injection molding machines.
Perform quality control tests on finished parts to ensure they meet quality standards.
Document production data such as cycle times, temperatures, pressures, and other relevant information.
Maintain a clean and organized work area to ensure safety and efficiency.
Work with engineers to modify molds and machine settings to achieve desired results.
Inspect raw materials for any imperfections or defects prior to use in the injection molding process.
Train new staff on the use and operation of injection molding machines and associated processes.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of injection molding processes and techniques.
Ability to read blueprints and drawings.
Ability to set-up, adjust and operate injection molding machines.
Knowledge of safety rules and regulations in the workplace.
Knowledge of injection molding tooling and auxiliary equipment.
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose molding problems.
Ability to use measurement instruments such as calipers, micrometers and scales.
Knowledge of plastics materials and their properties.
Ability to work with close tolerances and intricate parts.
Ability to work with minimal supervision and be a team player.
Ability to maintain a clean working environment.
Ability to perform preventive maintenance on molding machines.
Knowledge of quality control procedures and systems.
Knowledge of data logging systems and process monitoring systems.
Knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM).

Having strong technical skills is essential for any Plastic Injection Molding Technician. Being able to understand and troubleshoot complex machinery is important in order to keep production running efficiently. Knowing how to read and interpret technical drawings and diagrams is also necessary, as well as having the ability to recognize and diagnose potential problems.

having a good understanding of the injection molding process and the materials used is essential in order to select the best parameters for each job. Furthermore, good communication skills are important in order to effectively collaborate with colleagues and customers, as well as being organized and able to follow instructions accurately. All of these skills combined will ensure that the Plastic Injection Molding Technician can produce quality parts consistently.

Plastic Recycling Technician, Plastics Production Worker, and Plastic Injection Molding Machine Operator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with plastic injection molding?
What challenges have you faced while working with plastic injection molding?
How do you troubleshoot and resolve issues related to plastic injection molding?
What safety procedures do you follow when working with plastic injection molding?
What techniques have you employed to improve efficiency in the plastic injection molding process?
How do you ensure that the quality of the products produced by plastic injection molding is of the highest standard?
How do you keep up with new developments in the plastic injection molding industry?
How do you optimize the design of plastic parts for injection molding?
What experience do you have with setting up and operating injection molding machines?
How do you ensure that all processes related to plastic injection molding are completed on schedule?

Common Tools in Industry

Milling Machine. A type of machine used to shape metal and plastic by rotating a cutting tool in order to remove material from a workpiece. (eg: CNC Milling Machine)
Injection Molding Machine. A machine that is used to form plastic or metal parts by injecting molten material into a mold. (eg: All-Electric Injection Molding Machine)
Micrometers. A tool used to measure small distances and diameters with precision. (eg: Digital Micrometer)
Hot Plate Welders. A tool used to join two pieces of plastic or metal together by melting them together. (eg: Ultrasonic Hot Plate Welder)
Drill Press. A machine used to drill holes into materials with high accuracy and precision. (eg: Benchtop Drill Press)
Sander. A tool used to smooth out rough surfaces by sanding away material. (eg: Orbital Sander)
Grinder. A tool used to grind and shape materials such as metal and plastic. (eg: Angle Grinder)
Soldering Iron. A tool used to join two pieces of metal together by melting them together with solder. (eg: Electric Soldering Iron)

Professional Organizations to Know

Society of Plastic Engineers (SPE)
American Mold Builders Association (AMBA)
Plastics Industry Association (PIA)
National Plastics Center and Museum (NPCM)
International Association of Plastics Distribution (IAPD)
Mold Makers Association (MMA)
Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing Association (RPMA)
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT)
Plastics Technology Alliance (PTA)

We also have Plastics Engineer, Plastics Technician, and Plastic Fabrication Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Injection Molding Machine. A machine used for manufacturing plastic parts and components by injecting molten plastic into a mold.
Mold Design. The process of designing a plastic part or component to be manufactured in an injection molding machine.
Plastic Resin. A material used as the raw material in injection molding.
Clamping Unit. The mechanism on an injection molding machine that clamps the two halves of the mold together.
Injection Unit. The mechanism on an injection molding machine that injects the molten plastic into the mold.
Cooling System. The system that cools the injected plastic material before it is ejected from the mold.
Ejector System. The system that ejects the cooled plastic part from the mold.
Part Quality Inspection. The process of inspecting a plastic part to ensure it meets customer specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Plastic Injection Molding Technician?

A Plastic Injection Molding Technician is a professional who operates and maintains plastic injection molding machines to produce parts and products.

What are the duties of a Plastic Injection Molding Technician?

The duties of a Plastic Injection Molding Technician include setting up and operating plastic injection molding machines, performing quality checks on parts and products, troubleshooting molding issues and making adjustments as needed, and ensuring safety protocols are followed.

How much does a Plastic Injection Molding Technician make?

The median annual wage for a Plastic Injection Molding Technician is $37,820, with the top 10% earning more than $59,550.

What qualifications are required to become a Plastic Injection Molding Technician?

To become a Plastic Injection Molding Technician, qualifications typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, knowledge of plastic injection molding processes, familiarity with mold setup and adjustment, and basic mechanical and troubleshooting skills.

What type of training is necessary for a Plastic Injection Molding Technician?

Training for a Plastic Injection Molding Technician typically includes on-the-job training with experienced technicians, as well as classroom instruction in areas such as safety protocols, math, blueprint reading, and tooling and machine operations.