Thread rolling machine operator

Thread rolling machine operators set up and tend thread rolling machines designed to form metal workpieces into external and internal screw threads by pressing a thread rolling die against metal blank rods, creating a larger diameter than those of the original blank workpieces.

The following job titles also refer to thread rolling machine operator:

thread mill rolling machinist
thread machine rolling operator
thread machine rolling machinist
thread-mill roller
thread machine roller
thread mill roller
thread roller
thread rolling machine technician
thread rolling operator
thread rolling machinist

A high school diploma is generally required to work as a thread rolling machine 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.

Thread rolling machine operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

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

stamping press operator
riveter
straightening machine operator
screw machine operator
extrusion machine operator

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

automated assembly line operator
metal production supervisor
pulp control operator
industrial robot controller
machine operator supervisor

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of thread rolling machine operator.

• Metal forming technologies: The variety of technologies and techniques, such as forging, pressing, stamping, rolling and others, used for the forming processes of metal product manufacturing.
• 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.
• 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.
• Thread rolling machine parts: Different parts of a thread rolling machine, such as the radial and vertical roll force, the die block, the moving block, the ram and the vertical roll force sensor, their qualities and applications.
• Types of thread: Types of thread, such as unified thread, metric thread, square thread, ACME thread, buttress thread and their qualities and applications. 

These skills are necessary for the role of thread rolling machine operator.

• Supply machine with appropriate tools: Supply the machine with the necessary tools and items for a particular production purpose.
• Remove inadequate workpieces: Evaluate which deficient processed workpieces do not meet the set-up standard and should be removed and sort the waste according to regulations.
• 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 equipment availability: Ensure that the necessary equipment is provided, ready and available for use before start of procedures.
• 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.
• Tend thread rolling machine: Tend automated or semi-automated thread rolling machine creating threads, monitor and operate it, according to regulations.
• Adjust rolling slide: Use manual switch for adjusting the rolling slide, which holds the die block, of a thread rolling machine.
• 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.

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

• Statistical process control: Method of quality control that uses statistics to monitor processes.
• Manufacturing of metal structures: The production of metal structures for construction.
• Quality and cycle time optimisation: The most optimal rotation or cycle time and over-all quality of a tool or a machine’s processes.
• Ferrous metal processing: Various processing methods on iron and iron-containing alloys such as steel, stainless steel and pig iron.
• Manufacturing of metal assembly products: The manufacture of rivets, washers and similar non-threaded products, screw machine products, screws, nuts and similar threaded products.
• Types of metal manufacturing processes: Metal processes linked to the different types of metal, such as casting processes, heat treatment processes, repair processes and other metal manufacturing processes.
• Mechanics: Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of thread rolling machine 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.
• Record production data for quality control: Keep records of the machine’s faults, interventions and irregularities for quality control.
• Perform product testing: Test processed workpieces or products for basic faults.
• Monitor stock level: Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
• Monitor conveyor belt: Monitor the flow of the work pieces on the conveyor belt as they are processed by the machine to ensure optimal productivity.
• Read standard blueprints: Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.
• Apply cross-reference tools for product identification: Employ cross-reference tools and programmes, listing file names and line numbers, to identify part numbers, descriptions, and the vendor as source of origin.
• Use CAM software: Use computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programmes to control machinery and machine tools in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation as part of the manufacturing processes of workpieces.
• Perform machine maintenance: Perform regular maintenance, possibly including corrections and alterations, on a machine or machine tool to ensure it remains in a proper productive state.
• Provide advice to technicians: Offer help and advice to service technicians in case of machine malfunctions and other repair tasks.
• Mark processed workpiece: Inspect and mark parts of the workpiece to indicate how they will fit into the finished product.
• 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.
• Program a CNC controller: Set up the desired product design in the CNC controller of the CNC machine for product manufacturing.
• Keep records of work progress: Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
• Interpret geometric dimensions and tolerances: Understand and assess the models and symbolic language of the GD&T system indicating engineering tolerances.
• Set up automotive robot: Set up and programme an automotive robot working on machine processes and substituting or collaboratively supporting human labour, such as the six-axis automotive robot.

7223 – Metal working machine tool setters and operators

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References

1. Thread rolling machine operator – ESCO