Slitter operator

Slitter operators set up, operate, or tend machines, in order to cut, slit, bend, or straighten sheets of metal, paper, or other materials to specific widths. Slitter operators must also ensure quality, by examining various end-products and observing pre-defined tolerances.

The following job titles also refer to slitter operator:

slitting machine tender
paper slitter operative
splitter rewinder machine operator
slitter setter
slitting machine operator
slitting machine setter
slitting machine worker
steel slitter operative
steel slitter operator
aluminium bending operator
slitting machine operative
slitting machinist
shearer
slitting line setter
slitting rewind machine operator
slitter operative
paper slitter operator
slitter tender

No formal educational credential is generally required to work as a slitter 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.

Slitter operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

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

router operator
heat sealing machine operator
insulating tube winder
edge bander operator
nailing machine operator

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

automated assembly line operator
pulp control operator
metal production supervisor
metal furnace operator
desalination technician

These skills are necessary for the role of slitter operator.

• Supply machine with appropriate tools: Supply the machine with the necessary tools and items for a particular production purpose.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Check quality of products on the production line: Check products for quality on the production line and remove defective items before and after packaging.
• Maintain slitting machinery: Maintain slitting 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.
• Pack goods: Pack different kinds of goods such as finished manufactured products or goods in use. Pack goods by hand in boxes, bags and other types of containers.
• 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.
• 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.
• Consult technical resources: Read and interpret such technical resources such as digital or paper drawings and adjustment data in order to properly set up a machine or working tool, or to assemble mechanical equipment.
• 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 slitting machinery: Operate a machine to convert sheets of paper, metal or other materials into strips of specified witdhs.
• 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 slitter operator. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Types of paper: The different criteria used to determine differences in paper types such as coarseness and thickness, and the different fabrication methods and wood types from which the types of paper stem.
• Types of metal: Qualities, specifications, applications and reactions to different fabricating processes of various types of metal, such as steel, aluminium, brass, copper and others.
• Types of plastic: Types of plastic materials and their chemical composition, physical properties, possible issues and usage cases.
• 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 slitter operator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Work ergonomically: Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
• 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.
• Manipulate plastic: Manipulate the properties, shape and size of plastic.
• 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.
• Manipulate metal: Manipulate the properties, shape and size of metal.
• Carry out measurements of parts: Operate measurement instruments to measure parts of manufactured objects. Take into consideration specifications of manufacturers to perform the measuring.
• Weigh materials: Weigh materials and products, record weight and other relevant data on tags or labels.
• Monitor stock level: Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
• Read standard blueprints: Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.
• Repair slitting machinery: Repair broken components or systems of slitting machinery and equipment, using hand and power tools.
• 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.

8189 – Stationary plant and machine operators not elsewhere classified

References

1. Slitter operator – ESCO