Plating Machine Setter / Operator / Tender (Metal/Plastic)

Set up, operate, or tend plating machines to coat metal or plastic products with chromium, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel, or other metal to protect or decorate surfaces. Typically, the product being coated is immersed in molten metal or an electrolytic solution.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Anodizer; Anodizing Line Operator; Chrome Plater; Coater Associate; Coater Operator; Electro Plater; Galvanizer; Line Operator; Machine Operator; Plater

Tasks

• Immerse workpieces in coating solutions or liquid metal or plastic for specified times.
• Adjust dials to regulate flow of current and voltage supplied to terminals to control plating processes.
• Inspect coated or plated areas for defects, such as air bubbles or uneven coverage.
• Set up, operate, or tend plating or coating machines to coat metal or plastic products with chromium, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel, or other metal to protect or decorate surfaces.
• Observe gauges to ensure that machines are operating properly, making adjustments or stopping machines when problems occur.
• Remove objects from solutions at periodic intervals and observe objects to verify conformance to specifications.
• Maintain production records.
• Remove excess materials or impurities from objects, using air hoses or grinding machines.
• Examine completed objects to determine thicknesses of metal deposits, or measure thicknesses by using instruments such as micrometers.
• Rinse coated objects in cleansing liquids and dry them with cloths, centrifugal driers, or by tumbling in sawdust-filled barrels.

Knowledge

• Production and Processing
• Mathematics
• Chemistry
• English Language
• Engineering and Technology
• Mechanical
• Education and Training
• Customer and Personal Service
• Design
• Law and Government
• Public Safety and Security
• Transportation

Skills

• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Monitoring
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking

Abilities

• Control Precision
• Near Vision
• Oral Comprehension
• Problem Sensitivity
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Manual Dexterity
• Oral Expression
• Multilimb Coordination
• Speech Clarity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Category Flexibility
• Flexibility of Closure
• Perceptual Speed
• Selective Attention
• Finger Dexterity
• Static Strength
• Trunk Strength
• Speech Recognition