Profession drawing kiln operator

Drawing kiln operators are responsible for continuous sheet flat glass production by manipulating the drawing kiln that processes molten glass.

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Personality Type

  • Realistic / Conventional

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.

Skills

  • Consult technical resources

    Read and interpret such technical resources such as digital or paper drawings and adjustment data in order to properly set up a machine or working tool, or to assemble mechanical equipment.

  • Supply machine

    Ensure the machine is fed the necessary and adequate materials and control the placement or automatic feed and retrieval of work pieces in the machines or machine tools on the production line.

  • Tend drawing kiln

    Tend the drawing kiln in order to draw glass sheets of flat glass according to specified thickness.

  • Monitor automated machines

    Continuously check up on the automated machine's set-up and execution or make regular control rounds. If necessary, record and interpret data on the operating conditions of installations and equipment in order to identify abnormalities.

  • Handle broken glass sheets

    Handle the damaged glass sheets so that they do not collapse into the kiln by closing the roll of the drawing kiln.

  • Adjust glass sheets

    Adjust glass sheets` thickness, according to the gauge readings, using asbestos pads on the sides of the kilns` cooling jacket.

  • Maintain glass thickness

    Maintain the specified thickness of glass by adjusting the speed of rolls on the kiln.

  • Write batch record documentation

    Write reports on the manufactured batches history taking into account the raw data, tests performed and compliance to GMP of each batch of product.

  • Regulate gas-firing

    Regulate the gas-firing on the glass sheets edges in order to avoid the slippage of the sheets from the guide wheels.

  • Light auxiliary gas jets

    Light gas jets in the kiln in order to heat the sheets of glass below breakage.

  • Optimise production processes parameters

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

  • Set up the controller of a machine

    Set up and give commands to a machine by dispatching the appropriate data and input into the (computer) controller corresponding with the desired processed product.

  • Conform to health and safety regulations

    Carry out all work in accordance with relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements and company policies. Take the necessary health and safety precautions during work including posture the body well, safely operate tools and machinery, and wear the right clothes and protection for the climate.

  • Observe glass under heat

    Observe the characteristics of the glass already set into the kiln so that cracking, warping or blistering is avoided.

  • Troubleshoot

    Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.

Optional knowledge and skills

form moulding mixture inspect glass sheet handle gas cylinders manipulate glass check quality of raw materials read gas meter manage kiln ventilation cut glass remove defective products smooth glass edges mechanics maintain equipment perform kiln maintenance report defective manufacturing materials record production data for quality control manage waste

Common job titles

  • Laborer
  • Career control/process op
  • Machine operator
  • General maintenance mechanic