Will “Sculptor” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔
Unknown Chance of Automation
Sadly, the research paper did not provide any information about this occupation. Maybe have a look at our directory?
Job Description
Operate production machines such as pug mill, jigger machine, or potter's wheel to process clay in manufacture of ceramic, pottery and stoneware products.
Job Details
- The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 51-9195.05
☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Potters, Manufacturing”.
Also Known As…
- Potters, Manufacturing
- Production Potter
- Potter
- Jigger Machine Operator
- Jigger Artisan
- Glazer
- Clay Mixer
- Thrower
- Studio Potter
- Press Operator
- Pottery Machine Operator
- Pot Maker
- Mold Maker
- Model Maker
- Model and Mold Maker
- Jiggerman
- Etcher
- Clay Artist
- Clay Artisan
- Ceramic Artist
- Artist
Tasks for “Sculptor”
- Raise and shape clay into wares such as vases and pitchers, on revolving wheels, using hands, fingers, and thumbs.
- Adjust pressures, temperatures, and trimming tool settings as required.
- Press thumbs into centers of revolving clay to form hollows, and press on the inside and outside of emerging clay cylinders with hands and fingers, gradually raising and shaping clay to desired forms and sizes.
- Perform test-fires of pottery to determine how to achieve specific colors and textures.
- Mix and apply glazes, and load glazed pieces into kilns for firing.
- Adjust wheel speeds according to the feel of the clay as pieces enlarge and walls become thinner.
- Operate pug mills to blend and extrude clay.
- Smooth surfaces of finished pieces, using rubber scrapers and wet sponges.
- Maintain supplies of tools, equipment, and materials, and order additional supplies as needed.
- Position balls of clay in centers of potters' wheels, and start motors or pump treadles with feet to revolve wheels.
- Move pieces from wheels so that they can dry.
- Prepare work for sale or exhibition, and maintain relationships with retail, pottery, art, and resource networks that can facilitate sale or exhibition of work.
- Operate jigger machines to form ceramic ware, such as bowls, cups, plates, and saucers.
- Teach pottery classes.
- Start machine units and conveyors and observe lights and gauges on panel board to verify operational efficiency.
- Design clay forms and molds, and decorations for forms.
- Operate drying chambers to dry or finish molded ceramic ware.
- Verify accuracy of shapes and sizes of objects, using calipers and templates.
- Pull wires through bases of articles and wheels to separate finished pieces.
- Examine finished ware for defects and measure dimensions, using rule and thickness gauge.
Related Technology & Tools
- Raku tongs
- Dust masks
- Mold trimming knives
- Banding wheels
- Safety glasses
- Thickness gauges
- Portable pottery wheels
- Kiln glasses
- Personal computers
- Electric kilns
- Cleanup tools
- Layout templates
- Gas kilns
- Carving tools
- Conveyor feeding systems
- Digital scales
- Hole cutters
- Clay extruders
- Fettling knives
- Air compressors
- Spring scales
- Ball mills
- Grinding wheels
- Kick wheels
- Insulated gloves
- Pyrometers
- Handheld sprayers
- Precision rulers
- Pottery molds
- Pug mills
- Scoring tools
- Dipping tongs
- Oxyprobes
- Clay mixers
- Ceramics kilns
- Slab rollers
- Triple beam balances
- Slip trail applicators
- Pottery wheels
- Hake brushes
- Carving spatulas
- Clay presses
- Texturing brushes
- Lace tools
- Tile cutters
- Air cleaners
- Spray booths
- Kiln gloves
- Dial calipers
- Drying ovens
- Laptop computers
- Clay cutters
- Inventory control software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook