Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Rolling machine setters, operators, and tenders (metal and plastic) set up, operate, or tend machines to roll steel or plastic forming bends, beads, knurls, rolls, or plate, or to flatten, temper, or reduce gauge of material.
Rolling machine setters, operators, and tenders operate metal rolling machines to flatten, temper, form, and reduce sheet metal sections and produce steel strips.
They monitor machine cycles and mill operation, adjust and correct machine set-ups, inspect and measure raw materials and finished products, read rolling orders, blueprints and mill schedules to determine setup specifications, and operate controls to monitor, adjust and regulate speeds of metal rolling machine mechanisms.
Rolling machine operators also perform minor repair and maintenance work on metal rolling machines and keep the work area clean. They assist other workers in removing and positioning equipment, filling hoppers, feeding materials into machines, and recording mill production on schedule sheets.
A high school diploma with some previous work-related skills, knowledge and experience is required for this job, with on-the-job training from experienced workers. The skills required include operation and control, equipment maintenance, repairing, troubleshooting, communication and coordination. They need knowledge of production and processing, mechanical and education and training.
Rolling machine operators find jobs in the production assembly lines in manufacturing industries, and their salaries are commensurate with the nature of the job.
Successful rolling machine operators are analytical thinkers who pay attention to detail, are efficient at teamwork, follow instructions and production schedules and act swiftly when problems arise.
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.
- Diploma Metallurgical Engineering
- Diploma Mechanical Engineering
Tasks
- Adjust and correct machine set-ups to reduce thicknesses, reshape products, and eliminate product defects.
- Monitor machine cycles and mill operation to detect jamming and to ensure that products conform to specifications.
- Examine, inspect, and measure raw materials and finished products to verify conformance to specifications.
- Read rolling orders, blueprints, and mill schedules to determine setup specifications, work sequences, product dimensions, and installation procedures.
- Manipulate controls and observe dial indicators to monitor, adjust, and regulate speeds of machine mechanisms.
- Start operation of rolling and milling machines to flatten, temper, form, and reduce sheet metal sections and to produce steel strips.
- Set distance points between rolls, guides, meters, and stops, according to specifications.
- Thread or feed sheets or rods through rolling mechanisms, or start and control mechanisms that automatically feed steel into rollers.
- Position, align, and secure arbors, spindles, coils, mandrels, dies, and slitting knives.
- Direct and train other workers to change rolls, operate mill equipment, remove coils and cobbles, and band and load material.
Progression Routes
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