Overview
Plastics processing machine operators set up and operate plastic mixing, calendering, extruding and moulding processing machines used in the manufacture of plastic parts and plastic products. They are employed by plastic products manufacturing companies.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Mixing machine operators
Weigh resins, colourants 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 colourants 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.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$38,855
$41,712
$60,649
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
131expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
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.
Additional information
Mobility among the various operators in this unit is possible.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No post-secondary education required
No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.