Molders

The origins of metal molding can be traced back thousands of years. King Solomon of Israel, who lived in the 10th century B.C., for example, is said to have placed two brass pillars at the entrance to his temple. These pillars would have been cast in molds before being erected. Also, copper and tin were cast into bronze as far back as 3000 B.C.

The Industrial Revolution in the 18th century changed the way metal molding was perceived. Before that time, molders were considered craft workers who primarily used molding techniques to produce wares such as jewelry and cookware. With the burgeoning of mass-production methods in factories, the work of the molder slowly became what it is today. Modern techniques and technologically advanced molding machines have made metal casting one of the fastest, most economical, and versatile ways to produce metal products.

However, because technology has introduced automation into the industry, molders' responsibilities have narrowed. In some cases, molders are sharing job responsibilities with related skilled workers such as machinists, machine tool operators, numerical control tool programmers, and setup technicians.