Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic workpieces.
A Grinder Operator is someone who sets up and operates the Grinding and Lapping Machine. They inspect and measure the finished workpieces and measuring instruments like gauges, and micrometres, detect problems and make necessary adjustments to correct problems.
Also, they conduct tests and check the mechanisms of pedal operated grinding machines. Their daily tasks include assembling the layout parts, operating grinding equipment, and measuring the dimensions of completed products.
The skills needed are - knowledge of raw materials, production process, quality control, manual dexterity, and monitoring improvements to elevate the performance of the products and services. Other than that, he or she must have good technical skills in software like ERP, Spreadsheet software, operating system software, industrial control software, and inventory management software.
However, to become a successful Grinder Operator, one must have passed a High School Diploma with work experience in the related field. Some of the career options under this category are - Cell Operator, Grinding Machine Operator, Die Maintenance, and Deburrer.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- ITI Course Machinist-Grinder
- ITI Course Machinist
- NSQF Level 4 Machining Technician
Tasks
- Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers.
- Lift and position workpieces, manually or with hoists, and secure them in hoppers or on machine tables, faceplates, or chucks, using clamps.
- Set up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic workpieces.
- Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.
- Set and adjust machine controls according to product specifications, using knowledge of machine operation.
- Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.
- Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements.
- Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.
- Mount and position tools in machine chucks, spindles, or other tool holding devices, using hand tools.
- Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.
Progression Routes
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