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Moulding your future: How Die Setters shape the plastics industry

Ever wondered how everyday plastic products like bottles and bins are made? That’s where Die Setters come in!

A Die Setter, like Ben from PACT Packaging, is the person who keeps the machines running smoothly, ensuring everything is set up and ready to produce the products we use every day. Through the use of special tools across the production line, the plastics are shaped and cut to fabricate a finished product.

It’s a hands-on role that’s key to the success of the plastics manufacturing process, and it’s perfect for someone who loves working with their hands, keeping things running efficiently, and enjoys a solid day’s work!

Check out what Ben has to say about it…

Ben Wallace

Die Setter/Fitter

Key Terms to know

Tool – The term ‘tool’ broadly refers to any piece of equipment that assists in the manufacturing process. The term ‘tool’ can also be used to describe a die or mould.

Die – This is the specialised mould that shapes the molten plastic into a specific product as it is extruded from the machine.

MORE ABOUT BEN’S ROLE AS A DIE SETTER

BEN WALLACE

Former Fraser High School Student

What is a Die Setter/Fitter?

Here at PACT we have multiple jobs running at once. On this team we make bottles and bins, and my role here is to make sure that these machines run smoothly. I take the tool out of the machine and change everything in the machine over and start it back up and back into production.

How did you get into this work?

I did a pre-trade at Wintec where they took us on a walk through at PACT. They said they had apprenticeships going at the time and I thought it looked like a good place to work!

What is blow moulding?

We extrude a tube of plastic and close a tool around it, then blow it into shape. As it comes out you have all the excess plastic which you punch off and then we will leak test it to ensure durability.

What does your work day look like?

I do shift work so alternate through the various 8-hour shifts, day, afternoon and night shifts. Each shift is an 8 hour day 5 times a week. In the beginning you just have to stick it out, and it can be pretty rough to begin with.

What sort of person do you have to be?

In this role there is a lot of learning on the job and teaching yourself, so you have to be able to work independently and show initiative. Sometimes breakdowns happen that you may not have seen before so problem solving and trouble shooting skills are needed. You also need to be someone who is logical and practically-minded.

You need an interest in mechanical work, should like to be hands-on, able to lift heavy and not afraid to get dirty. Our workshop can also get quite hot because of the heat of the plastic, which takes getting used to.

What have you learnt on the job?

Coming in you know the basics of how a machine will work but then you have to alter your skills to each new machine and each challenge you face. I have learnt a lot of trouble shooting skills, being able to identify what has gone wrong and how to work around this.

What are the highlights in your line of work?

I love that it is 8 hour shifts, I do not have to travel far from home, and I can have a good work life balance and separate my work and home life.

What qualifications have you got, and what might be your next step?

I have done a Certificate in Plastics Processing Technology (Technical) (Level 3) with strand Extrusion Blow Moulding, first aid certificate, gantry crane operator, and forklift license.

If a technician spot opened up I would love to step up to that. Technicians are in charge of certain machines and make sure they are working well, and they also oversee the process.

Ben’s Career Advice

What challenges have you found?

Learning how to deal with different people. There are a lot of personalities on site which may be different to yours, so having patience is key. This is the same with every workplace. Getting used to the rotating shift work has also been difficult.

What do you wish someone told you when you left school?

Probably to take a bit longer to jump into a job. Try to find the time to figure out where you want to go and what you want to do. Save as much money as possible. It is common to go on a spending spree when you get a job, but you never know what will happen so you want these foundations.

What advice would you give someone looking at work in this industry?

You don’t get too attached to this work, as I said it’s a place where you come to work get the job done and then go home and have a life outside of work. Be focused on work at work, and get a good day’s work done!

What is the best career you ever received?

Keep your head down and work it out, stick to it and you will get there eventually.

About PACT Group

PACT Group has spent years creating smarter ways of reducing waste through reusing and recycling. Constantly striving to improve processes, grow business, create value for the environment and enrich people’s lives has driven the success of the organisation.

Learn more about PACT Group at

pactgroup.com/nz/

GRAB A SNAPSHOT OF BEN’S CAREER PROFILE