Wave soldering machine operator

Wave soldering machine operators set up and operate machines to solder electronic components to the printed circuit board. They read blueprints and layout designs.

The following job titles also refer to wave soldering machine operator:

operator of wave soldering machine
electronics solderer
wave operator
wave-soldering machine operative
wave-soldering machine operator
solderer of electronics
wave soldering machine operative

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

Wave soldering machine operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

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

surface-mount technology machine operator
printed circuit board assembler
printed circuit board test technician
automated optical inspection operator
semiconductor processor

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of wave soldering 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 wave soldering machine operator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

microsystem engineering technician
computer hardware test technician
microelectronics engineering technician
calibration technician
metal furnace operator

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of wave soldering machine operator.

• Circuit diagrams: Read and comprehend circuit diagrams showing the connections between the devices, such as power and signal connections.
• Printed circuit boards: Printed circuit boards (PCB) are essential components to almost all electronic devices. They consist of thin wafers or substrates on which electronic components, such as microchips, are placed. The electronic components are electrically connected through conductive tracks and pads.
• Temperature scales: Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature scales.
• 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.

These skills are necessary for the role of wave soldering machine operator.

• Monitor machine operations: Observe machine operations and evaluate product quality thereby ensuring conformity to standards.
• Solder components onto electronic board: Solder electronic components onto bare electronic boards to create loaded electronic boards using hand soldering tools or soldering machinery.
• Measure furnace temperature: Monitor the product temperature using the available tools and measuring instruments and adjust furnace temperature if needed.
• 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.
• Maintain furnace temperature: Monitor and govern the pyrometer to control the furnace temperature.
• Read assembly drawings: Read and interpret drawings listing all the parts and subassemblies of a certain product. The drawing identifies the different components and materials and provides instructions on how to assemble a product.
• 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.
• Assemble printed circuit boards: Attach electronic components to the printed circuit board through applying soldering techniques. Electronic components are placed in holes in through-hole assembly (THT), or are placed on the surface of PCB in surface-mount assembly (SMT).
• Read standard blueprints: Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.
• Operate wave soldering machine: Operate the wave soldering machine to solder electronic components onto the printed circuit board. Here, the board is moved over a wave of liquid solder and the connections inserted through the board are bonded firmly to the circuit board.
• Prepare board for soldering: Prepare the loaded printed circuit boards for solder operations. Clean the board and mark designated areas.
• 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 wave soldering machine operator. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Printed circuit boards testing methods: Printed circuit board (PCB) testing methods consist of those processes in which PCB components or systems are tested, such as the in-circuit test (ICT), joint test action group (JTAG) test, and automated optical inspection (AOI).
• IPC standards: Standards and guidelines with regards to the use and manufacture of electronics and printed circuit boards. These regulations provide rules and guidelines on topics such as general safety rules, electronic equipment manufacture, electronic equipment testing, and qualifications.
• Through-hole technology: Through-hole technology or THT is a method of mounting electronic components onto the printed circuit board through inserting leads on the components into holes in the circuit board and soldering the components to the board. THT components attached in this way are usually larger than SMT components, such as capacitors or coils.
• Surface-mount technology: Surface-mount technology or SMT is a method where the electronic components are placed on the surface of the printed circuit board. SMT components attached in this way are usually sensitive, small components such as resistors, transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits.

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

• Resolve equipment malfunctions: Identify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions; communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.
• Dispose of soldering waste: Collect and transport solder dross in special containers for hazardous waste.
• Oversee logistics of finished products: Ensure that the processes of packing, storage and shipment of finished products meet the requirements.
• Check for solder defects: Check the printed circuit board for solder defects and make adjustments as required.
• 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.
• Report defective manufacturing materials: Maintain required company records and forms in order to report any defective materials or questionable conditions of manufacturing machinery and equipment.
• Clean printed circuit board: Clean the printed circuit boards and components as necessary before, during, and after the assembly process.
• Apply technical communication skills: Explain technical details to non-technical customers, stakeholders, or any other interested parties in a clear and concise manner.
• Keep records of work progress: Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
• Test printed circuit boards: Test the printed circuit board with special testing adapters to ensure optimal efficiency, functionality, and that everything works according to design. Adapt the testing devices to the type of circuit board.
• Apply health and safety standards: Adhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.
• Repair electronic components: Repair, replace or adjust damaged electronics components or circuitry; use hand tools and soldering and welding equipment.
• Write records for repairs: Write records of the repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, of parts and materials used, and other repair facts.

8212 – Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers

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References

1. Wave soldering machine operator – ESCO