Plastics and Rubber Production Machine Operators (ANZSCO 7115) are skilled professionals who operate machines to manufacture and finish plastic and rubber products. They play a crucial role in the production process, ensuring that the machines are operating efficiently and producing high-quality products.

Indicative Skill Level:

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:

• AQF Certificate II or III (ANZSCO Skill Level 4)

In New Zealand:

• NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 4)

At least one year of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Tasks Include:

• Operating controls to regulate temperature, pressure, speed, and flow of operation
• Measuring and loading materials, items, and ingredients for mixing into machines and feeding mechanisms
• Monitoring operation, regulating material supply, and adding chemicals and colorants to the mixture
• Threading uncoated wire and cable through plastic coating machines, around take-up reels, and through dies and cooling chambers
• Laying casings, beads, ply, and rubber sheets on molds
• Operating rollers to remove air
• Operating vulcanizer presses and controlling curing
• Examining output for defects and conformity to specifications
• Performing minor repairs and maintaining production records

Occupations:

• 711511 Plastic Cablemaking Machine Operator
• 711512 Plastic Compounding and Reclamation Machine Operator
• 711513 Plastics Fabricator or Welder
• 711514 Plastics Production Machine Operator (General)
• 711515 Reinforced Plastic and Composite Production Worker
• 711516 Rubber Production Machine Operator
• 711599 Plastics and Rubber Production Machine Operators nec

711511 Plastic Cablemaking Machine Operator

Plastic Cablemaking Machine Operators operate extruding machines to encase wire, cord, cable, and optic fiber in plastic or rubber. They play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and durability of cables and wires used in various industries.

Skill Level: 4

Specialisations:

• Insulation Extruder Operator
• Optic Fiber Drawer
• Wire Drawer (Plastics)

711512 Plastic Compounding and Reclamation Machine Operator

Plastic Compounding and Reclamation Machine Operators operate mixing and grinding machines to prepare plastic powders and liquid blends, as well as recycle waste plastic materials from factory operations. They contribute to sustainable manufacturing practices by minimizing waste and maximizing the use of resources.

Skill Level: 4

Specialisations:

• Pelletising Extruder Operator
• Powder Hand (Plastics)
• Shredder/Granulator Operator

711513 Plastics Fabricator or Welder

Plastics Fabricators or Welders operate machines to measure, cut, shape, fit, and assemble plastics materials to produce plastic products. They are skilled in working with various types of plastics and contribute to the manufacturing of a wide range of plastic products.

Skill Level: 4

Specialisations:

• Acrylic Fabricator
• Vinyl Welder and Fabricator

711514 Plastics Production Machine Operator (General)

Plastics Production Machine Operators (General) operate extruding, injection molding, and blow molding machines to produce finished plastic products. They are knowledgeable in the operation and maintenance of these machines, ensuring the efficient production of high-quality plastic products.

Skill Level: 4

Specialisations:

• Blow Molding Machine Operator
• Extruding Machine Operator (Plastics)
• Injection Molding Machine Operator (Plastics)
• Lamination Machine Operator
• Plastic Production Machine Setter
• Rotational Molding Operator (Plastics)

711515 Reinforced Plastic and Composite Production Worker

Reinforced Plastic and Composite Production Workers operate machines to apply gelcoat, coloring, and fiber-reinforced plastic to molds, producing fiberglass and laminated products. They play a vital role in the manufacturing of lightweight and durable products used in various industries.

Skill Level: 4

Specialisations:

• Fiberglass Gun Hand
• Fiberglass Laminator
• Resin Transfer Molding Machine Operator

711516 Rubber Production Machine Operator

Rubber Production Machine Operators operate machines to manufacture rubber products such as tires. They are skilled in the operation and maintenance of these machines, ensuring the efficient production of high-quality rubber products.

Skill Level: 4

Specialisations:

• Rubber Belt Splicer
• Rubber Compounder
• Rubber Extrusion Machine Operator
• Rubber Knitting and Reinforcing Machine Operator
• Rubber Molding Machine Operator
• Rubber Roller Grinder Operator
• Tire Builder
• Tire Retreader

711599 Plastics and Rubber Production Machine Operators nec

Plastics and Rubber Production Machine Operators nec (not elsewhere classified) cover a range of specialized roles within the industry. These operators perform tasks that are not specifically listed under other occupation titles but are still essential for the production of plastics and rubber products.

Skill Level: 4

Occupations in this group include:

• Thermoforming Machine Operator