Machine Operator
A machine operator is responsible for the operation of plastics processing equipment and monitoring the plastics processing operation to ensure quality within a plastics factory.
Job Description
| Machinist Video Profile
1 Machinist Video Profile 2 Machinist Video Profile 3 |
A machine operator could be involved in different types of production processes such as extrusion, injection moulding, blow moulding, and thermoforming. Each of the production processes requires a different set of operator skills and the specifics of the job will differ from company to company. Machine Operators should be able to use Statistical Process Control (SPC) techniques to sample and measure machinery (e.g. temperature and pressure) and products (e.g. hardening rate); using computer-aided analysis to interpret results and determine production quality and/or efficiency. As a result, they are the front-line trouble shooters whose suggestions and reports are used by managers, technical supervisors, and engineers to improve productivity.
Daily Activities
- sets up and runs powerful, high-speed machines;
- loads plastic materials into machines;
- adds colour concentrates into the machines;
- unloads and inspects finished product;
- monitors the machinery (speed, temperature, pressure);
- does minor machinery repairs and maintenance;
- reports to technical supervisors.
The daily activities of a machine operator vary depending on the factory where he or she is working. Most involve moderate heavy lifting. In some plants, a Machine Operator is only responsible for removing and packing the finished product. The operator stands by the machine to trim excess plastic off the bottles and visually inspect them before packing them in boxes. This type of position is repetitive in nature and does not require many advanced skills or training. In other positions, the Machine Operator requires technical skills and knowledge about the machinery’s mechanics and the properties of different types of polymer compounds.