Glass Forming and Finishing Machine Operators and Glass Cutters

Nature of work

Glass forming and finishing machine operators use multi-function process control machinery or single-function machines to melt, form, cut or finish flat glass, glassware, bottles, and other glass products. Glass cutters cut flat glass of various thicknesses to specified sizes and shapes by hand. They work for glass and glass products manufacturing companies.

Job duties

Glass process control operators:

• Use process control machinery through control panels, computer terminals or other control systems to mix and melt raw materials; heat, anneal, temper or form float glass or glass products; and coat glass with silver or other metals and materials.
• Watch gauges, computer printouts, and video monitors to verify processing conditions and make changes, as necessary.
• Maintain shift log of production and other data.
• May use process control machinery to cut glass or assemble glass window units.
• May clean and maintain process machinery.
• May make sure adequate levels of oil, soap, talc, or other materials are used in machine production of glass.

Glass forming machine operators:

• Set up and adjust automatic glass feeding, flowing, and forming machines.
• Use and maintain machines that press or blow molten glass in moulds to form or shape containers like bottles, jars and drinking glasses.
• Use electric kilns that heat glass sheets and mould to the shape and curve of metal jigs.
• Spray or swab moulds with oil solutions to prevent glass from sticking.
• Weigh, measure, and check production samples using scales and gauges and by visual verification to make sure they meet specifications.

Glass finishing machine operators:

• Set up and adjust glass and glass-product finishing machines.
• Use and maintain finishing machines to grind, drill, sand, bevel, decorate, wash or polish glass or glass products.
• Visually inspect products for quality.
• Record manufacturing information like quantity, size and type of goods produced.

Glass cutters:

• Jig, measure and mark glass or place pattern on or under glass for cutting.
• Examine and mark defective glass to get the best cut.
• Cut glass along marked outlines or around pattern using hand tools.
• Smooth rough edges using belt sander or smoothing wheels.
• Set up, run, and adjust computerized or robotic glass cutting equipment.
• Monitor process for product quality.

Sample job titles

• bottle machine operator
• float operator
• glass beveller
• glass edger
• glass moulder
• glass-blowing machine operator
• glass-finishing machine operator
• glass-pressing machine operator
• hand glass cutter
• mirror maker

Skills

• You should be responsible, alert, and in good physical health. Coordination, agility, and a mechanical ability are important. You must be accurate and pay attention to detail. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.

Job requirements

• High school may be necessary.
• On-the-job training is provided.
• Experience as a machine operator helper in glass manufacturing is usually necessary for machine operators in this unit group.
• Experience as a glass cutter helper is usually necessary for manual glass cutters.

Other considerations

• Shiftwork is common in these jobs. Movement is possible among the various types of machine operators in this unit group.
• Movement to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

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