Process mechanic for plastics and rubber technology
A process mechanic for plastics and rubber technology (Germany), plastics technician (Austria) or plastics technologist (Switzerland) is a job and the associated apprenticeship in the plastics and rubber processing industry.
job profile
Plastics processing is characterized by a striking dynamic in the development of machines, tools and materials. The process mechanics manufacture moldings, components and semi-finished plastic products of all kinds or fiber composite materials from polymer materials or rubber , according to the respective requirements . They process the plastics and recycle them. They also process plastics and semi-finished plastic products using processing techniques customary in the industry.
Set up, program, operate and maintain the high-tech systems for the manufacturing process. Process mechanics are trained in production management, they optimize production processes and participate in product and manufacturing development. Checking the product quality is also part of her area of responsibility.
For a detailed description of the processing methods such as extrusion, foaming, blow molding, injection molding, pressing, see plastics processing . For details on manufacturing, see Plastic Manufacturing .
education
The tasks and activities described in the job profile determine the content of the training. There are no significant differences in content between Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In Austria and Switzerland, however, there are two separate but closely related apprenticeships in this area.
Germany
Training from 1997 to 2012
.JPG)
In 1997, the previous occupations of rubber and plastic lining , plastic molders and plastic fitters were replaced by the apprenticeship process mechanic for plastic and rubber technology.
The training recognized under the Vocational Training Act lasts three years. It was modernized in 2006 and offered in industry in the following areas :
- Components
- Fiber composite materials
- Molded parts
- Semi-finished products
- Plastic windows
- Multi-layer rubber parts
Trainees learn in the so-called dual system at training companies in the plastics industry and in vocational schools and finish with the final examination.
Training from 2012
.JPG)
The training regulations were modernized again from 2010 to 2012. Instead of the focal points, there are now seven disciplines . The designations have largely been retained, only instead of "fiber composite materials" is now spoken of "fiber composite technology". The subject area "Compound and Masterbatch Production" is new, which deals with the production of plastic mixtures and plastic additives.
Instead of the conventional examination, there is now an extended final examination , in which part 1 of the final examination is weighted with 25% and part 2 with 75%. Part 1 consists of an examination product that is identical across all disciplines, including tasks to be solved in writing. In Part 2, different examination instruments are used in the subject areas, for example the processing of work tasks (with and without a situational technical discussion) or a variant model (subject area fiber composite technology). A work sample also takes place in the component area. The training framework plan is now formulated more abstractly; there is no separation between the materials metal and plastic. The qualifications for measuring, controlling and regulating are taught a little more extensively than before. An eight-week deepening phase is new. It enables companies to convey in-depth content from certain professional positions. This is intended to prepare trainees for the content of the subject areas (third year of training) in the first and second year of training. The learning field “testing and recycling” has been included in the school curriculum in the fields of multi-layer rubber parts and fiber composite technology.
Austria
In Austria, there are two apprenticeships with slightly different skills, the official names are plastics technician and plastics moulder . During the three-year training as a plastic mold maker, the focus is not only on manufacturing but also more on plastic processing (shaping). Plastics technicians complete a longer training (four years) and acquire more skills, especially in the area of plant control and production management. Apprentices in both professions also complete dual training in Austria and take the final apprenticeship examination at the end .
Switzerland
In Switzerland, a distinction is made between the dual training courses for plastics processor EBA ( Federal Professional Certificate ) and plastics technologist EFZ ( Federal Certificate of Proficiency ).
For plastics processors, the focus is on the manufacture and processing of plastics according to instructions. Training in a company in the plastics processing industry takes two years and you receive the EBA.
Plastics technologists complete a four-year training course with a focus on production technology, there are the following subjects to choose from:
- Injection molding, pressing
- Extrude
- Manufacture of flat structures
- Manufacture of composite parts
- Processing of semi-finished products, thermoforming
Training opportunities
Germany
After completing their three-year training and passing their final exams, process mechanics can take various further training options such as
- State-certified technician (plastics technology or mechanical engineering) or
- Master of Industry .
The technician training can take place full-time and a study period of two years or part-time with a study period of 4 years. For master craftsmen's training, a full-time course lasts six months, the part-time course three years.
Austria
In line with the dynamic development of the production processes, there are many subject-specific further training options to choose from, and training to become a master or foreman is also possible for both apprenticeships . Plastic molders and technicians can work independently in the plastics processing trade. The offer for higher qualifications at colleges, technical colleges and universities is extensive. In most cases, you need the vocational school leaving certificate (Berufsreifeprüfung), which consists of the final apprenticeship examination and four other exams.
Switzerland
Plastics processors EBA can do a shortened apprenticeship as plastics technologist EFZ (entry into the 2nd year of basic training). Then the same training courses are possible as for plastics technologists EFZ.
With very good academic performance, plastics technologists can attend the vocational school during their basic education. The professional examination (BP) can be taken for the following professions: process specialist, automation specialist, technical businessman (all with a federal certificate). As a result, the higher technical examination (HFP) - equivalent to a master’s examination - can be taken or courses of study at higher technical schools or universities of applied sciences can be attended.
See also
Individual evidence
- ↑ Text of the ordinance on vocational training as a real estate agent (Germany), valid since April 7, 2006
- ↑ Development project 4.2.346 of the BiBB: Vocational training to become a process mechanic for plastics and rubber technology ( Memento of the original from December 6, 2013 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , (PDF), accessed October 18, 2011.
- ↑ Training regulations for process mechanics for plastics and rubber technology Website of the BiBB, (PDF; 232 kB), accessed on June 6, 2012.
- ↑ Training regulation for plastic molders ( page no longer available , search in web archives ) Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (PDF; 55 kB) of the Austrian Ministry of Economic Affairs, valid since 2008
- ↑ Training regulation for plastics technicians (PDF; 75 kB) of the Austrian Ministry of Economics, valid since 2008
- ↑ Page no longer available , search in web archives: Training regulations for plastics processors Switzerland valid since 2008
- ↑ Page no longer available , search in web archives: Training regulations for plastics technologists Switzerland valid since 2007
- ↑ Federal Law Gazette II No. 66/2003 : Commercial access - plastics processing regulation of the Austrian Ministry of Economics, valid since 2003
- ↑ Further education information from the Swiss Service Center for Vocational Training, Vocational, Study and Career Advice SDBB.
Web links
- Process mechanic for plastics and rubber technology in Berufenet the Federal Employment Agency
- Professional and industry information for plastics technicians from the Austrian Chamber of Commerce
- Training and further education information for plastics technicians at the Institute for Economic Research: BerufsInformationsComputer (BIC)
- Professional and industry information for plastic molders from the Austrian Chamber of Commerce
- Training and further education information for plastic molders from the Institute for Economic Research: BerufsInformationsComputer (BIC)