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.

Would you like to know what kind of career and professions suit you best? Take our free Holland code career test and find out.

Personality Type

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

finish plastic products clean moulds plastic welding monitor automated machines keep records of work progress report defective manufacturing materials perform test run manufacturing of sports equipment assemble moulds maintain plastic machinery feed hoppers adjust curing ovens mix moulding and casting material mechanics maintain mould parts perform loading and unloading operations manufacturing of daily use goods maintain equipment graphite add colour inspect quality of products monitor environmental parameters construct moulds set up the controller of a machine

Source: Sisyphus ODB