Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers — Tasks

Task statements

• Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form filaments from synthetic materials such as rayon, fiberglass, or liquid polymers.
• Press buttons to stop machines when processes are complete or when malfunctions are detected.
• Notify other workers of defects, and direct them to adjust extruding and forming machines.
• Observe machine operations, control boards, and gauges to detect malfunctions such as clogged bushings and defective binder applicators.
• Load materials into extruding and forming machines, using hand tools, and adjust feed mechanisms to set feed rates.
• Move controls to activate and adjust extruding and forming machines.
• Record details of machine malfunctions.
• Clean and maintain extruding and forming machines, using hand tools.
• Observe flow of finish across finish rollers, and turn valves to adjust flow to specifications.
• Remove polymer deposits from spinnerettes and equipment, using silicone spray, brass chisels, and bronze-wool pads.
• Press metering-pump buttons and turn valves to stop flow of polymers.
• Record operational data on tags, and attach tags to machines.
• Start metering pumps and observe operation of machines and equipment to ensure continuous flow of filaments extruded through spinnerettes and to detect processing defects.
• Remove excess, entangled, or completed filaments from machines, using hand tools.
• Wipe finish rollers with cloths and wash finish trays with water when necessary.
• Lower pans inside cabinets to catch molten filaments until flow of polymer through packs has stopped.
• Open cabinet doors to cut multifilament threadlines away from guides, using scissors.