How to become a Rubber Processor

Duties & Tasks of a Rubber Processor

Rubber processors:

• Select appropriate material for processing as per specification
• Set controls and check the production machine before starting
• Load raw materials
• Operate machines in accordance with safety requirements
• Mark out patterns from blueprints and cutting sheets
• Monitor instruments and adjust controls to regulate the speed and temperature of rubber processing machines
• Sandblast non-rubber surfaces
• Remove wrinkles and trapped air in rolled products
• Maintain consistent operation of output
• Check the quality of products and take part in quality improvement activities
• Report defects and carry out minor repairs
• Keep production records and quality assurance data.

Tasks

• Examines output for defects and conformity to specifications.
• Monitors operation, regulates material supply and adds chemicals and colorants to mixture.
• Measures and loads materials, items and ingredients for mixing into machines and feeding mechanisms.
• Operates vulcaniser presses and controls curing.
• Performs minor repairs and maintains production records.
• Lays casings, beads, ply and rubber sheets on moulds.
• Operates rollers to remove air.
• Operates controls to regulate temperature, pressure, speed and flow of operation.

Working conditions for a Rubber Processor

Rubber processors work in factories and may be required to work shifts. They may have to handle dirty items. In some factories the equipment is computer-controlled. The use of safety equipment and lifting devices to move heavy items is required in some areas.

Employment Opportunities for a Rubber Processor

Rubber processors are employed in factories and by tyre manufacturers. Some tyre distributors have tyre re-treading, recapping and repair facilities where rubber workers are also employed. A large proportion of the rubber industry is involved in the manufacture of component parts for motor vehicles. As new technologies and processes change the way companies operate, people with good practical and problem-solving skills are highly sought after.

Specializations

Rubber Extruder Operator

A rubber extruder operator operates rubber extrusion machinery to extrude (press out) rubber materials into finished products or components.

Rubber Injection Moulding Machine Operator

A rubber injection moulding machine operator operates injection moulding machinery to mould formulated rubber materials into finished products or components.

Rubber Knitting Machine Operator

A rubber knitting machine operator operates machines to knit and cement fabric cord or wire around rubber hoses for reinforcement.

Rubber Moulding Machine Operator

A rubber moulding machine operator operates compression moulding machinery to mould compounded rubber materials into finished products or components.

Rubber Roll Builder

A rubber roll builder builds up layers of rubber on metal cores for use as rollers.

Rubber Roller Grinder Operator

A rubber roller grinder operator sets up and operates roller grinders to produce rubber rollers.

Tyre Production Machine Operator

A tyre production machine operator builds raw tyres, re-treads new tyres and vulcanises them.

Rubber Processor

Rubber processors operate machines and perform related duties to manufacture rubber products such as tyres and reinforced hoses.

• 

  Average age

  38

• 

  Future Growth

  N/A

• 

  Gender Share

  3% female

• 

  Average full-time

  51 hours

• 

  Weekly Pay

  N/A

• 

  Skill level rating

  Medium skill

• 

  Unemployment

  Lower unemployment

• 

  Full-Time Share

  92%

• 

  Employment Size

  1,500

• 

  Employment by state

  ACT: 0.0%
  NSW: 26.0%
  NT: 0.8%
  QLD: 20.3%
  SA: 5.3%
  TAS: 1.5%
  VIC: 19.5%
  WA: 26.8%
  
• 

  Age brackets

  15-19: 1.3%
  20-24: 7.4%
  25-34: 28.6%
  35-44: 25.5%
  45-54: 20.9%
  55-59: 7.6%
  60-64: 6.8%
  65 and Over: 2%
  
• 

  Education level

  Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 4.8%
  Bachelor degree: 2.2%
  Certificate III/IV: 35.8%
  Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 0.2%
  Year 10 and below: 27.9%
  Year 11: 8.6%
  Year 12: 20.5%