Extrusion machine operators set up, monitor and maintain machines which heat or melt raw materials, and pull or push the heated material through a shaped die to form it into a continuous profile with a preset cross section such as tubes, pipes and sheeting. They may also clean and maintain the equipment.

Tasks

Tasks include -
(a) Setting up, preparing and adjusting mineral ore and metal processing machinery to carry out one step in the overall mineral ore or metal processing operation;
(b) Operating single-function machinery to grind, separate, filter, mix, treat, cast, roll, refine or otherwise process metals and mineral ores;
(c) Observing gauges, meters, computer printouts, video monitors and products to ensure correct operation of machines and verify specified processing conditions;
(d) Adjusting equipment, valves, pumps, controls and process equipment;
(e) Controlling the preparation, measuring and feeding of raw materials and processing agents into plant;
(f) Controlling process start-up and shut-down, troubleshooting and monitoring outside process equipment;
(g) Verifying equipment for malfunctions, carrying out routine operating tests and arranging for maintenance;
(h) Analysing sample products, performing tests, recording data and writing production logs.