Coating machine operators work at machines that apply paint, enamel, lacquer or other protective coatings to the surfaces of various items from large equipment to small parts. They are employed in many different and industrial establishments.
As a coating machine operator, you job is to operate equipment that applies protective or decorative coatings to a wide variety of products, from toys to automotive parts. These products are made from metal, leather, plastic, ceramics or wood. There are many types of coatings that can be applied, including enamel, lacquer, rust-proofing, oil, dyes and varnishes. In addition, there are many different ways of applying these coats.
One method uses automated units that spray products and dry them on a conveyor system. You place the products on a conveyor belt and work valves and buttons to start mixing pumps, and filling the tanks. You control the thickness of the coating material by changing spray nozzles and positioning them to coat the products.
You can also coat products electrostatically. Negatively charged dry powdered paint particles are sprayed onto positively charged work pieces, such as auto parts, freezers, filing cabinets and other metal objects. Using switches and dials, you start the current flow and activate the conveyor and paint spraying equipment. In some operations, you work a bank of spraying stations that paint objects moving on a conveyor belt. You may also hand spray an object using a portable spray gun to get into difficult spots.
A third type of machine coats large coils of steel or other metals. The metal is uncoiled and run through a series of large rollers that apply the coating. You control the application of the coatings using dials and gauges. The coils are then moved along to a heating unit where the coating is baked on.
The last method used to coat objects is to dip them into vats of paint, lacquer, latex or asphalt. This precess is used on a variety of products, such as asphalt roofing, broom handles or coil springs. You fill dipping tanks with the mixture specified by the job and measure its consistency. Using a hoist or lifting by hand, you load products onto a conveyor or rack that automatically dips them into a coating tank.
Regardless of the machine you use, you must mix the solutions to the right proportions, monitor temperatures, adjust speeds, and control quality. You must also check the coating for thickness and smoothness, ensuring that there are no flaws. After you've completed the job, you always clean the machinery and equipment.
A coating machine operator's job is usually not physically demanding. You may be required to do certain amount of lifting to fill paint reservoirs or place products on conveyor belts, but much of your job involves monitoring and adjusting equipment. Heavy lifting is generally done by automatic hoists. Although you do not require great physical strength, you still need a certain amount of stamina since you may spend long hours on your feet, operating your machine.
Coating machine operators work with potentially hazardous or toxic materials, such as lacquers, enamels or solvents. You must wear gloves, masks and other protective equipment to avoid risks to your health. As in any industrial job, the best protection is to obey safety rules and use common sense.
Coating machine operators are usually paid by the hour. Depending on the company, you may be required to do shift work. Training is generally provided on-the-job by the employer.
You will do well as a coating machine operator if you are a quality-minded person with an eye for detail. You must monitor each job carefully and be alert for any flaws in the coating since any job that is not perfect can be costly to your employer.
You must not mind getting your clothes dirty. You work with paints and other coating materials and you are generally required to clean your equipment. Since you may be required to mix paint to certain proportions, you should enjoy mathematics.
In many plants, you work as a member of a production line. Because of this, you should work well with others. In addition, you need to be able to communicate well and to understand written and verbal instructions.