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This group performs some or all of the following duties:

Mixing machine operators

• Weigh resins, colorants and other chemicals according to formula
• Place weighed materials in mixing machine and operate machine to blend plastic and other chemicals to a specified consistency or viscosity
• Monitor operation, regulate material supply and add chemicals and colorants to mixture
• Operate controls to regulate temperature, speed and other processing conditions
• Unload mixture into container or conveyor for further processing
• Maintain and perform minor repairs on machinery as required
• Maintain inventory of material and clean working area.

Calendering process operators

• Set up and operate calendering machines which transform dough-consistent plastic mass into continuous sheets or films of specified thickness
• Troubleshoot, maintain and make minor repairs to equipment and adjust calender rollers for production line change
• Monitor quality of material produced
• Maintain inventory of material and clean working area.

Extruding process operators

• Set up and operate one or more extruding machines which extrude plastic composites products through a nozzle or die
• Change dies on extruding machines according to production line change
• Troubleshoot, maintain and make minor repairs to equipment
• Monitor quality of material produced
• Maintain inventory of material and clean working area.

Moulding process operators

• Set up and operate one or more moulding machines which mould plastic products according to specifications
• Change moulds and adjust equipment for production line change
• Troubleshoot, maintain and make minor repairs to equipment
• Monitor quality of material produced and adjust machine settings as required
• Follow formulation card to mix ingredient batches for injection moulding process
• Maintain inventory of material and clean working area.

• For all operators in this unit group, completion of secondary school is usually required.
• Several years of experience as a helper, tender or packer in the same company may be required.
• Completion of a statistical process control (SPC) course may be required.
• Completion of courses in hydraulics, pneumatics and electronics systems may be required for moulding process operators.
• On-the-job training is provided.

• Mobility among the various operators in this unit is possible.
• Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

• Labourers in rubber and plastic products manufacturing (95104)
• Supervisors, plastic and rubber products manufacturing (92013)
• Rubber processing machine operators and related workers (94112)
• Plastic products assemblers, finishers and inspectors (94212)