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Form of workJob Description
Title: Extrusion Technician
Type: Full-time, temp to hire
Salary: $16.40 / hour (can be higher for experienced Extrusion Operators)
Shift: 2nd shift (3-11pm) & 3rd Shift (11pm-7am) opportunities
Job Summary:
Under the guidance of the Cell Leader, learns and performs all skills and tasks required to safely produce plastic cylinders and profiles that consistently meet customer specifications for quality, quantity and on-time delivery (OTD). Specifically, an Extrusion Technician’s duties include, but are not limited to, machine setup and operation, adjustments to extruder, puller or saw, inspection of parts, completion of paperwork, re-stocking of raw materials, and packaging of finished parts. Responsible for obtaining first-piece inspection from designated personnel, and following all prescribed quality inspection requirements.
Essential Functions:
The incumbent is cross-trained to perform the following functions on a variety of extrusion production lines:
- Sets up and operates extrusion line using a variety of thermoplastic materials to produce plastic cylinders and profiles which meet specifications and dimensions according to work orders and blueprints:
- Obtains, identifies and loads raw material into hopper. Keeps hopper full, requiring lifting of 55 pound buckets full of plastic pellets. Weighs and adds color. Mixes materials. Detects flaws in raw materials and production equipment, and makes required mechanical or material changes as required.
- Reviews work order and blueprints; assembles tooling accordingly including extrusion heads, dies, pins, sizing sleeves, screens and extruder screws as needed. Uses a full range of hand tools including wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers, saws, and pliers to set up tooling on machines.
- Sets up water tank, puller and saw according to job. Makes all necessary line adjustments including startup, temperature profile adjustments, dryer set-ups, resin changeovers and shutdowns.
- Starts the extrusion line.
- Visually inspects part for defects continually during extrusion process, and adjusts extruder, puller or saw as necessary to keep part in spec. Adjusts zone and die heat temperatures, line speed and water pressure as necessary. Uses judgment and knowledge of plastics and their reaction to heat to determine if adjustments are necessary.
- Inspects and measures finished parts. Uses various measuring devices such as scale, caliper, micrometer, dial indicator, Go / No Go Rods and tape measure. Records data on inspection sheet. Determines if part meets specifications.
- Maintains accurate records of production set-ups, extrusion production data sheets, statistical process control or inspection report sheets.
- Determines most effective packing and packages finished parts. Builds framed skids, including measuring and cutting the wood, banding with metal bands, cardboard and packaging finished product.
- Completes and submits inventory tags.
- Makes vacuum seals.
- Communicates with other shift employees to relay status of in-process jobs and machines.
- Obtains first-piece inspection from designated personnel, and follows all prescribed quality inspection requirements.
- Sets up, cleans, operates and feeds granulators.
- Experienced Technician trains new employees on operating the extrusion line, and may direct employees in the absence of the Cell Leader.
- Develops the ability to operate tow motors.
Performs other standard Essential Functions as follows:
- Has regular and punctual attendance in accordance with company attendance policy.
- Complies with all company policies and procedures;
- Follows all safety rules and regulations, including wearing required and recommended safety equipment and following safety precautions on materials as per MSDS sheets.
- Adheres to all environmental regulations.
- Attends and participates in all required training sessions.
- Works as a team member.
- Exercises proper care in the use of tools, equipment and materials.
- Performs routine preventive maintenance and minor repairs to tools and equipment, and refers major repairs to Machine Shop or Maintenance Department.
- Maintains work areas in a neat and orderly condition.
- Completes all required records, reports, and forms in a neat, accurate and timely fashion.
- Detects and reports any faulty equipment, defective material, improper operation, unsafe or unusual condition to a supervisor or other responsible manager.
- Seeks to always improve production processes, product quality, and worker safety.
- Follows all written and verbal instructions.
- Completes all other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Mathematical aptitude
- Ability to read blueprints and specifications
- Ability to read measuring devices such as ruler, caliper, dial indicator, micrometer and scale
- Ability to build wood skids using basic carpentry skills
- Ability to make minor repairs to water tanks using basic plumbing knowledge
- Manual dexterity and ability to use all hand tools in order to set up and operate extruder, puller and saw
- Ability to lift up to 55 pounds and carry objects while climbing up and down a ladder
Working Conditions:
The work characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.
Environment:
While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is exposed to noise, plastic fumes, dust, hot plastic and tooling, water and electricity. The incumbent is required to wear safety glasses and ear protection at all times. Gloves may be worn to protect skin from burns. Extreme caution should be used while working with pullers, saws and guillotine to avoid serious injury or loss of fingers or hands.
Physical Demands:
While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is required to continuously stand and perform repetitive motions; frequently walk, push, pull, and lift up to 20-pound parts; and occasionally bend and lift up to 55-pound buckets of raw materials and climb ladders.
Supervisory Responsibilities: n/a
