Casting Technician

Main function of role:

To produce consistent, high-quality castings for Collier Webb’s product ranges through both lost wax and sand casting processes – from wax pattern and mould production, through investment and pouring, to the cleaning and trimming of finished castings – meeting both our clients’ and the company’s exacting standards. This role provides a thorough grounding in the Foundry, with the opportunity to progress into more skilled casting, furnace and pouring operations as skills and experience develop.

Key Responsibilities:

• Carry out sand casting processes, including the preparation and use of moulding sand and equipment, ‘ramming up’ of sand cast patterns and cast items, and unboxing of sand casts
• Jet wash and blast poured metal to ensure castings are clean
• Tree up items produced in wax ready for investment
• Set up and operate the investment equipment, investing items in art cast investment
• Load and unload ovens, following the correct burnout cycles and handling procedures
• Prepare the metal and furnace ready for pouring, and pour molten brass into flasks safely, following correct temperature, timing and handling procedures
• Cut and trim finished items so they meet quality expectations and are ready to enter the Workshop for completion
• Check moulds for defects prior to pouring and inspect finished castings afterwards, identifying and reporting any defects or non-conformances
• Clean moulds and wax pots regularly, and maintain control of patterns and moulds whilst they are in the Foundry
• Complete planned maintenance checks on casting equipment, tools and machinery in line with the PMS schedule, recording activity accurately and reporting faults promptly to minimise downtime
• Understand the requirement to adhere to standard times and report on any deviances
• Maintain accurate documentation and stock records, managing materials and consumables effectively to avoid waste and delay
• Plan and prioritise your daily workload to meet production schedules and deadlines
• Work safely and responsibly around molten metal, high temperatures and hazardous materials, adhering to the Company Health and Safety policy and always wearing appropriate PPE and using the safety equipment provided
• Keep the Foundry, workstations and equipment clean, tidy and organised at all times, including general housekeeping duties within all Foundry areas
• To carry out any other duty which may be required in line with operational requirements

Future Development – Foundry Progression

Once competent in the core casting processes, there is the opportunity to develop further within the Foundry, broadening your skill set and future career within CW. This will include:

• Developing a thorough working knowledge of both lost wax and sand casting techniques, working to agreed specifications and quality standards with minimal supervision
• Taking responsibility for furnace preparation and pouring, including metal temperature control and the safe handling of molten brass
• Building mould making skills, including assessing moulds for defects and advising on castability
• Keeping up to date with best practice, process improvements and relevant industry standards, and contributing ideas and feedback to support continuous improvement within the department

Other significant duties/responsibilities

• Assist in the Workshop and support other departments when required by operational needs
• Assist with the development of trainee staff
• Communicate any missed deadlines to Team Leader
• To always consider and work to the relevant EHS regulations and framework
• Report accidents, near misses, hazards and unsafe conditions immediately, and participate actively in risk assessments, toolbox talks and safety briefings
• Highlight potential risks and opportunities to Team Leaders
• Adapt positively to changes in priorities, workload and working practices
• Pro-actively develop your own skills, knowledge and experience, both of our industry and best practice within it and contribute to the development of colleagues wherever possible.

Person Specification

Essential

• Previous experience within a manufacturing environment
• A willingness to learn new skills and processes
• Strong awareness of health and safety practices and safe systems of work
• Good attention to detail and commitment to quality standards
• Physically fit and able to undertake manual handling and work in a foundry environment
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work well within a team

Desirable

• Previous experience within a foundry or casting environment
• An understanding of the lost wax or sand casting process
• Experience carrying out planned maintenance checks on production equipment

PLEASE NOTE: In addition to the duties and responsibilities listed, the jobholder is required to perform other tasks or duties commensurate with the role, as reasonably requested by their manager from time to time.

Pay: £13.50-£14.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person