Profession compression moulding machine operator

Compression moulding machine operators set up and operate machines to mould plastic products, according to requirements. They select and install dies on press. Compression moulding machine operators weigh the amount of premixed compound needed and pour it into the die well. They regulate the temperature of dies.

Personality Type

• Realistic / Conventional
• Realistic / Investigative

Knowledge

• Quality standards

  The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.

• Types of plastic

  Types of plastic materials and their chemical composition, physical properties, possible issues and usage cases.

• Dies

  The qualities and applications of various kinds of dies, the different components of a die (such as the die block, punch plate, pierce punch and others) and the types of die used in specialised manufacturing processes ( such as extrusion dies, drawing dies, forming dies, cutting dies, compound dies, and others).

• Compression moulding machine parts

  Parts of the machine that apply pressure on the usually preheated moudling material to force it into contact with the mould area such as the upper movable mould part, the lower fixed mould part and the ejector pin.

Skills

• Measure materials

  Measure the raw materials prior to their loading in the mixer or in machines, ensuring they conform with the specifications.

• Optimise production processes parameters

  Optimise and maintain the parameters of the production process such as flow, temperature or pressure.

• Move levers

  Move levers in order to facilitate the tile or pipe cutting or to adjust the automatic oilers.

• Extract products from moulds

  Remove finished products from moulds and examine them in detail for anomalies.

• Manipulate plastic

  Manipulate the properties, shape and size of plastic.

• Monitor gauge

  Oversee the data presented by a gauge concerning the measurement of pressure, temperature, thickness of a material, and others.

• Monitor valves

  Monitor and accordingly adjust the valves in order to allow a specific amount of liquids (such as ammonia sulfuric acid or viscous soap) or steam into the mixer or machine.

• Dump batches

  Dump the batches into conveyors making sure the specifications such as the mixing time are followed.

• Install press dies

  Install and coat dies on presses by using handtools, bolts and clamps.

• Use personal protection equipment

  Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.

• Tend compression moulding machine

  Tend the compression machine used to mould plastic and other powder products such as copper, graphite or carbon.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB