A professional who tends automatic molding machines that mold preexpanded polystyrene beads under heat and pressure into cast foam products. Respnsibilities include:

• Observes platens and listens to steam exhaust to determine end of molding cycle.
• Lifts cast foam products, such as balls, coolers, displays, and packing nests, from mold cavities while platens are parting.
• Presses cycle repeat button to reactivate molding machine, and blows loose beads from mold cavities as platens close, using airhose.
• Examines castings for post-expansion, fusion, shrinkage, and pits to ensure product meets quality standards.
• Rubs wire screen along mold parting line on casting to remove flash. May wrap advertising label around cooler cover and secure label, using masking tape.
• May adjust machine knobs to compensate for variations in product, such as moisture content and bead density.