- This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Glass process control operators
- Operate multi-function process control machinery through control panels, computer terminals or other control systems to mix and melt raw materials; heat, anneal, temper or form float glass or glass products; and coat glass with silver or other metals and materials
- Observe gauges, computer printouts and video monitors to verify specified processing conditions and make adjustments as necessary
- Maintain shift log of production and other data
- May operate process control machinery to cut glass or assemble glass window units
- May clean and maintain process machinery
- May ensure adequate levels of oil, soap, talc or other materials used in machine production of glass.
- Glass forming machine operators
- Set up and adjust automatic glass feeding, flowing and forming machines
- Operate and maintain machines that press or blow molten glass in moulds to form or shape containers, such as bottles, jars and drinking glasses
- Operate electric kilns that heat glass sheets and mould to the shape and curve of metal jigs
- Spray or swab moulds with oil solutions to prevent adhesion of glass
- Weigh, measure and check production samples to assess conformance to specifications using scales and gauges and by visual verification.
- Glass finishing machine operators
- Set up and adjust glass and glass-product finishing machines
- Operate and maintain finishing machines to grind, drill, sand, bevel, decorate, wash or polish glass or glass products
- Visually inspect products for quality
- Record manufacturing information such as quantity, size and type of goods produced.
- Glass cutters
- Jig, measure and mark glass or place pattern on or under glass for cutting
- Examine and mark defective glass to obtain best cut
- Cut glass along marked outlines or around pattern using hand tools
- Smooth rough edges using belt sander or smoothing wheels
- Set up, operate and adjust computerized or robotic glass cutting equipment
- Monitor process for product quality.
Employment Requirements
- Completion of secondary school may be required.
- Experience as a machine operator helper in glass manufacturing is usually required for machine operators in this unit group.
- Experience as a glass cutter helper is usually required for manual glass cutters.