Edge bander operator

Edge bander operators tend machines that veneer materials, mostly wood, to increase durability and make them aesthetically pleasing. They also regulate the speed of the belt, set temperature control to regulate heat, brush glue on edges of panels and start and regulate the machine.

The following job titles also refer to edge bander operator:

adhesive bonding machine setter
edgebander operative
edgebander tender
banding machine tender
edge bander tender
edgebander setter
adhesive bonding machine worker
edge bander setter
adhesive bonding machine operator
edge bander operative
adhesive bonding machine tender
banding machine setter
edge bander worker
adhesive bonding machine operative
banding machine operative
banding machine worker
banding machine operator
edgebander worker

A high school diploma is generally required to work as a edge bander operator.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Edge bander operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to edge bander operator.

router operator
insulating tube winder
heat sealing machine operator
slitter operator
nailing machine operator

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of edge bander operator. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of edge bander operator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

pulp control operator
automated assembly line operator
metal furnace operator
metal production supervisor
container equipment assembly supervisor

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of edge bander operator.

• Edge banding: The process and different kinds of edge banding strips to cover materials with.
• Quality standards: The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.
• Types of wood: Types of wood, such as birch, pine, poplar, mahogany, maple and tulipwood.

These skills are necessary for the role of edge bander operator.

• Carry out measurements of parts: Operate measurement instruments to measure parts of manufactured objects. Take into consideration specifications of manufacturers to perform the measuring.
• Ensure public safety and security: Implement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property.
• Dispose of cutting waste material: Dispose of possibly hazardous waste material created in the cutting process, such as swarf, scrap and slugs, sort according to regulations, and clean up workplace.
• Maintain edge banding machinery: Maintain edge banding machinery and equipment, to ensure that it is clean and in safe, working order. Perform routine maintenance on equipment and adjust when necessary, using hand and power tools.
• Check quality of raw materials: Check the quality of basic materials used for the production of semi-finished and finished goods by assessing some of its characteristics and, if needed, select samples to be analysed.
• Operate edge banding machinery: Operate machines and equipment used to cover materials such as wood with a protective layer.
• Ensure conformity to specifications: Ensure that the assembled products are conform to the specifications given.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of edge bander operator. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Manufacturing of daily use goods: The manufacturing of items used in the daily life, personal use or daily practice. These products include protective safety equipment, drawing equipment, stamps, umbrellas, cigarette lighters, baskets, candles, and many other miscellaneous articles.
• Manufacturing of sports equipment: The manufacture of products and equipment used for both outdoor and indoor sports activities, such as balls, rackets, ski’s, surfboards, fishing, hunting, skating or fitness centre equipment.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of edge bander operator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Inspect quality of products: Use various techniques to ensure the product quality is respecting the quality standards and specifications. Oversee defects, packaging and sendbacks of products to different production departments.
• Record production data for quality control: Keep records of the machine’s faults, interventions and irregularities for quality control.
• Troubleshoot: Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
• Remove processed workpiece: Remove individual workpieces after processing, from the manufacturing machine or the machine tool. In case of a conveyor belt this involves quick, continuous movement.
• Weigh materials: Weigh materials and products, record weight and other relevant data on tags or labels.
• Manipulate wood: Manipulate the properties, shape and size of wood.
• Monitor stock level: Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
• Perform test run: Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, and adjust settings accordingly.
• Monitor automated machines: Continuously check up on the automated machine’s set-up and execution or make regular control rounds. If necessary, record and interpret data on the operating conditions of installations and equipment in order to identify abnormalities.
• Apply a protective layer: Apply a layer of protective solutions such as permethrine to protect the product from damage such as corrosion, fire or parasites, using a spray gun or paintbrush.
• Sand wood: Use sanding machines or hand tools to remove paint or other substances from the surface of the wood, or to smoothen and finish the wood.
• Repair edge banding machinery: Repair broken components or systems of edge banding machinery and equipment, using hand and power tools.
• Supply machine: Ensure the machine is fed the necessary and adequate materials and control the placement or automatic feed and retrieval of work pieces in the machines or machine tools on the production line.
• Operate hot glue gun: Operate the electric machine used to apply hot melt adhesive to join two pieces of material.
• Set up the controller of a machine: Set up and give commands to a machine by dispatching the appropriate data and input into the (computer) controller corresponding with the desired processed product.
• Remove excess glue: Remove surplus of glue with a scraper.

8189 – Stationary plant and machine operators not elsewhere classified

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References

1. Edge bander operator – ESCO