Will “Buffing Machine Operator” be Automated?

Core Skills & Abilities

• Compute machine indexings and settings for specified dimensions and base reference points.

• Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.

• Move machine controls to index workpieces, and to adjust machines for pre-selected operational settings.

• Mount and position tools in machine chucks, spindles, or other tool holding devices, using hand tools.

• Lift and position workpieces, manually or with hoists, and secure them in hoppers or on machine tables, faceplates, or chucks, using clamps.

• Adjust air cylinders and setting stops to set traverse lengths and feed arm strokes.

• Maintain stocks of machine parts and machining tools.

• Set up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic workpieces.

• Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.

• Repair or replace machine parts, using hand tools, or notify engineering personnel when corrective action is required.

• Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.

• Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers.

• Thread and hand-feed materials through machine cutters or abraders.

• Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.

• Brush or spray lubricating compounds on workpieces, or turn valve handles and direct flow of coolant against tools and workpieces.

• Set and adjust machine controls according to product specifications, using knowledge of machine operation.

• Slide spacers between buffs on spindles to set spacing.

• Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements.