A process technician is a multi-function role. Responsibilities include the start-up and processing of molding machines, robots, and auxiliary equipment, participation in sampling of new equipment, and troubleshooting processes as necessary to maintain function and quality. It is expected that a process technician be able to perform other duties as staffing and production demand change.
3 Tier levels associated with this role. Each is inclusive of the responsibilities of the previous tier, but in a way to promote training and development.
Focus areas include:
- Tier 1 – Tool installation and basic understanding of equipment.
- Tier 2 – Process fundamentals, advanced troubleshooting, production startup, basic robot.
- Tier 3 – Process technology, samplings, new mold startup, robot programming.
General Physical Duties/ Role Requirements:
- All necessary duties required to safely install molding equipment (see Mold Setter job description).
- Following directions passed down from supervisor/management.
- Assist in samplings, continuous improvement, and other engineering projects.
- Use of hand tools and power tools to perform job function.
- Operating the injection molding machine controls.
- Prepare machine for production.
- Setting up robot positions.
- Advanced setup of hot stamp machines, label applicators, in-mold labeling (IML) equipment, robot tooling, material dryers, blenders, color carts, vibratory welders, and cooling fixtures.
- Perform quality checks.
- Troubleshoot robot/machine sequence program issues.
- Troubleshoot various process related issues with products (i.e., flash, burns, voids, warp).
- Troubleshoot various issues with auxiliary equipment, robot tooling, and molding components.
- Use of a multimeter.
- Minor repairs on mold tooling (i.e., clearing out flash, cleaning vents, replacing fittings, etc.).
- Minor repairs on the machine/auxiliary equipment (i.e., replace fuses, clean strainers, etc.).
- Performing a line clearance.
- Use of purging compounds to clean out the machine barrel and mold.
- Starting up and shutting down presses, water cooling, and air supply system.
- Operating a forklift.
- Standing / working at heights more than 2 feet off the ground.
Specific Knowledge Requirements:
- Work safe knowledge of the equipment (i.e., crane movements, machine safety, electricity, etc.).
- Ability to work as part of a team and/ or independently on a project without constant supervision.
- Understanding of fundamental injection molding processes going from pellet to part.
- Basic understanding of machine/robot sequence programming.
- Basic understanding of mold tooling.
- Understanding of water cooling and air supply system.