Plastics Engineer
Tasks & duties
Plastics engineers may do some or all of the following:
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set up the die (mould for shaping the product) to produce a plastic product
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prepare the line-changing equipment (for changing the product that is being made)
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change the equipment in the machines so they produce different products
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start up and shut down the machines
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set and record machine conditions such as heat, pressure and vacuum levels
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make sure the product complies with the specifications
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fix process problems if products do not meet the required standard
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conduct basic quality control tests
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fabricate equipment
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design equipment
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fix or organise the fixing of machines
Skills & knowledge
Plastics engineers need to have:
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engineering and tool-making skills
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knowledge of plastics machinery and how different machines are used together to produce the final product
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knowledge of plastic products and the standards they must meet
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an understanding of the plastics production process
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knowledge of heats, pressures and vacuums in relation to plastics production
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basic maths skills
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problem-solving skills
Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements to become a plastics engineer, as skills are gained on the job.
Secondary education
School Certificate or NCEA equivalent metalwork, maths, physics and chemistry are useful to become a plastics engineer.
Training on the job
Plastics engineers can work towards the National Certificate in Engineering and Technology (Plastics Engineering) through a combination of on and off-the-job training. For further information contact the Plastics and Materials Industry Training Organisation (PaMPITO).
Useful experience
Useful experience for plastics engineers includes:
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factory work
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shift work
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team work
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any work that involves continuous processes
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mechanical engineering or welding work
Related courses
Manufacturing Engineering
Plastics Processing Technology
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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