Fiber Production Machine Operator
Overview
Fiber production machine operators run specialized equipment that creates synthetic fibers like rayon, fiberglass, and polymer threads used in everything from clothing to car parts. You'll set up and monitor high-tech machines, adjust controls to ensure quality production, and work with your team to troubleshoot any issues that come up. This hands-on role combines technical skills with attention to detail, and you'll use computer systems to track production data and maintain quality standards. Many operators work in modern manufacturing facilities with opportunities for advancement into supervisory or technical specialist roles.
Did you know?
Employment in this field faces challenges from automation and international competition, making job security a key concern in the American manufacturing sector.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$45,626.25 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Service Orientation
Key Responsibilities
- Record operational data on tags, and attach tags to machines.
- Clean and maintain extruding and forming machines, using hand tools.
- Start metering pumps and observe operation of machines and equipment to ensure continuous flow of filaments extruded through spinnerettes and to detect processing defects.
- Move controls to activate and adjust extruding and forming machines.
- Record details of machine malfunctions.
- Notify other workers of defects, and direct them to adjust extruding and forming machines.
- Press metering-pump buttons and turn valves to stop flow of polymers.
- Remove excess, entangled, or completed filaments from machines, using hand tools.
- Press buttons to stop machines when processes are complete or when malfunctions are detected.
- Lower pans inside cabinets to catch molten filaments until flow of polymer through packs has stopped.
- Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form filaments from synthetic materials such as rayon, fiberglass, or liquid polymers.
- Observe machine operations, control boards, and gauges to detect malfunctions such as clogged bushings and defective binder applicators.
- Remove polymer deposits from spinnerettes and equipment, using silicone spray, brass chisels, and bronze-wool pads.
- Observe flow of finish across finish rollers, and turn valves to adjust flow to specifications.
- Open cabinet doors to cut multifilament threadlines away from guides, using scissors.
- Load materials into extruding and forming machines, using hand tools, and adjust feed mechanisms to set feed rates.
- Wipe finish rollers with cloths and wash finish trays with water when necessary.
Career Considerations
Job Market Volatility
Employment in this field faces challenges from automation and international competition, making job security a key concern in the American manufacturing sector.
Safety and Physical Demands
Workers must adhere to strict OSHA safety standards while performing physically demanding tasks in industrial environments with heavy machinery.
Technical Skills Development
Success requires continuous learning of new technologies and machinery operations as manufacturing processes become increasingly sophisticated.