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Manufacturing & ProductionISCO 8181

Auger press operator

An auger press operator is a person who runs and adjusts an auger press so that clay is formed, extruded and cut to the specification of the product.

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Check yourself in a minute: auger press operator

Rate 5 of the 7 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

optimise production processes parameters

inspect quality of products

maintain extrusion machines

inspect extruded products

cut clay

About auger press operator

The auger operator works the screw conveyor press: feeding the ceramic body into it, setting screw speed, pressure and moisture, and taking a continuous column of clay off the outlet. Materials are measured before they go in, because a body that is too wet slumps once it leaves the die and one that is too dry cracks. The clay is cut into lengths to size, with the cut edge kept square.

The operator optimises the process parameters: choosing the die, adjusting de-airing and the rate of travel. The extruder is maintained: cleaning the screw and the barrel, and checking wear on the flights and the state of the seals, because dried-on body spoils the shape of the column.

The operator examines product quality and inspects extruded articles, looking for laminations, screw marks, bowing and air pockets that turn into cracks during drying. Inspection results are compared with the product specification, and the press settings are corrected accordingly.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a auger press operator.

1

Machine Setup and Configuration

  • Set up auger press with correct dies for specified products
  • Configure material feed systems and pressure parameters
  • Adjust temperature and moisture controls for material properties
  • Prepare materials for extrusion according to specifications
2

Production Process Control and Optimization

  • Tend auger press machinery throughout production runs
  • Monitor production parameters and adjust for optimal conditions
  • Optimize production process parameters to reduce waste
  • Maintain consistent output rates and quality throughout shifts
3

Product Inspection and Cutting

  • Inspect extruded products for dimensional accuracy
  • Inspect quality of products against specifications
  • Cut clay and extruded materials to specified lengths
  • Identify and remove defective items from production line
4

Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting

  • Maintain extrusion machines in proper working condition
  • Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of equipment
  • Troubleshoot common mechanical and operational issues
  • Report equipment failures and maintenance needs to supervisors
5

Quality Measurement and Documentation

  • Measure materials and finished products for accuracy
  • Document production batches and quality measurements
  • Keep records of production output and defect rates
  • Report quality issues and production data to supervisors

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (7)

optimise production processes parametersoptimise production processes parametersOptimise and maintain the parameters of the production process such as flow, temperature or pressure.inspect quality of productsinspect quality of productsUse 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 extrusion machinesmaintain extrusion machinesMaintain, replace and install parts of the extrusion machines such as dies, rings or cutoff knives so that they are accoding to the specifications under which each type of products is to be processed.inspect extruded productsinspect extruded productsInspect the finished extruded products in order to determine any flaws or deviations from the specified parameters such as hardness or consistency, adjusting it if necessary by adding water and oil in...cut claycut clayCut clay column by operating the already set up automatic cutoff knives aiming to obtain brick and tile products.tend auger-presstend auger-pressTend the auger press in order to perform the pressing of clay products such as tiles or pipes.measure materialsmeasure materialsMeasure the raw materials prior to their loading in the mixer or in machines, ensuring they conform with the specifications.
Optional (7) — show
mechanicsmechanicsTheoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.maintain edged hand toolsmaintain edged hand toolsIdentify and repair defects in a hand tool handle or shaft. Ensure the tool is in safe working condition. Identify defective and dull cutting edges in tools and use appropriate equipment to sharpen th...monitor gaugemonitor gaugeOversee the data presented by a gauge concerning the measurement of pressure, temperature, thickness of a material, and others.move leversmove leversMove levers in order to facilitate the tile or pipe cutting or to adjust the automatic oilers.train employeestrain employeesLead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the perform...types of tiletypes of tileTiles of different sizes, materials and glazing. Their properties such as weight, propensity to chipping or breaking, moisture resistance, adhesion and cost.ensure conformity to specificationsensure conformity to specificationsEnsure that the assembled products are conform to the specifications given.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

brick and tile caster3 shared essential skillsbelt builder2 shared essential skillsclay kiln burner2 shared essential skillsclay products dry kiln operator2 shared essential skillscoagulation operator2 shared essential skillscompression moulding machine operator2 shared essential skillsdry press operator2 shared essential skillsglass forming machine operator2 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does an auger press operator do?

Auger press operators control and adjust an auger-press in order to perform clay forming, extrusion and cutting operations on products according to specifications.

What skills does an auger press operator need?

An auger press operator needs 7 essential skills, including optimise production processes parameters, inspect quality of products, maintain extrusion machines, inspect extruded products, cut clay.

Will AI replace auger press operator jobs?

The AI disruption score for auger press operator is 54/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: measure materials, monitor gauge, move levers. Most resilient: maintain edged hand tools, cut clay, maintain extrusion machines.

AI Replacement Risk

54/ 100
Moderate Risk
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Quick Facts

SectorManufacturing & Production
ISCO GroupStationary plant and machine operators
Essential Skills7

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