Casting is the process from which solid metal shapes (castings) are produced by filling voids in molds with liquid metal.
Occupational Profile
Metal Casting, Foundry and Patternmaking Technicians are involved in highly skilled, complex and important roles in the Cast Metals Industry. The UK industry is a modern and advanced sector, producing 530,000 tonnes of castings in all metals with an annual value of £2.2 Billion and the 400 foundries employ more than 17,000 Operatives, Technicians, Engineers, Supervisors, Managers and Staff. Castings may weigh less than a gramme or over 600 tonnes. The industry underpins and is a vital supplier to other industries (automotive, aerospace, rail, power and renewable energy, medical, pumps & valves, defence, petrochemical and marine).
Technicians can be employed in all sizes of companies, working independently or as part of a team in a foundry, workshop or laboratory. An eye for detail is necessary and they will need to comply with safety requirements.
Common Technician job titles are: Pattern and Model Making or Methods Development Technician who plan how to design and make patterns in wood, resin or metal from 2D/3D drawings, sometimes using additive manufacturing techniques and simulation software programmes, to produce prototypes or sample castings to tight tolerance; Foundry Material and Process Control Technician, Foundry Production or Metal Casting Furnace and Ladle Technician who prepare and control sand or liquid metal quality for casting into moulds or dies, which may involve maintenance and control of complex automated equipment; Post Casting Technician; Inspection, Non-Destructive, Mechanical Testing and Quality Assurance Technician who inspect and carry out and record control tests on samples or castings to meet agreed tolerances. To be occupationally competent, the core knowledge, skills and behaviours listed below must be achieved, plus knowledge and skills from one of the specialist options.
Summary of Standard
Full Standard
