Roller Grinding Operator

The Roller Grinding Operator will be responsible for operating grinding machines to finish and dimension rubber-covered rollers according to customer specifications and engineering requirements. This role involves setting up machines, selecting appropriate grinding parameters, and ensuring rollers meet strict dimensional tolerances and surface finish standards. The operator will also conduct quality inspections, maintain equipment, and collaborate with production and quality teams to ensure timely and efficient completion of grinding jobs.

Key Responsibilities

- Machine Operation: Operate cylindrical grinding machines, rubber roller grinders, and related finishing equipment. Properly set up rollers, shafts, centers, and supporting arrangements before grinding. Select grinding wheels, speeds, feed rates, and parameters based on rubber hardness and roller specifications.

- Roller Grinding and Finishing: Grind rubber-covered rollers to specified outside diameter, length, profile, and surface finish. Maintain tolerances such as cylindricity, concentricity, and crowning where applicable. Perform rough grinding, finish grinding, and surface polishing while preventing defects like overheating, chatter marks, and scratches.

- Quality Inspection: Measure roller dimensions using micrometers, Pi tapes, vernier calipers, dial indicators, and other instruments. Check surface condition and uniformity during and after grinding. Verify compliance with job cards, engineering drawings, and customer requirements. Report any deviations or defects to supervisors or quality control.

- Roller Handling and Setup: Ensure correct mounting, alignment, and secure clamping of rollers. Safely handle heavy and long rollers using appropriate lifting equipment. Monitor roller runout and investigate causes of vibration or irregular grinding patterns.

- Machine Maintenance and Housekeeping: Perform routine cleaning, lubrication, and preventive maintenance tasks. Inspect grinding wheels, belts, bearings, and other machine components for wear or damage. Maintain a clean, organized workspace and adhere to safety procedures.

- Production and Documentation: Complete grinding jobs within scheduled timelines. Minimize rubber wastage, rework, and unnecessary material removal. Accurately record job details, final measurements, and inspection results. Coordinate with production, quality control, and dispatch teams to ensure order completion.

Required Qualifications

- Matriculation, technical diploma, or equivalent qualification preferred.
- 2 to 5 years of experience in cylindrical grinding or rubber roller grinding.
- Knowledge of roller dimensions, tolerances, grinding parameters, and measuring instruments.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and job cards.

Required Skills

- Precision measurement and dimensional inspection expertise.
- Understanding of rubber hardness and its impact on grinding processes.
- Proficiency in machine setup, alignment, and troubleshooting.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Safe handling of materials and basic machine maintenance skills.
- Ability to meet production targets while maintaining product quality.

Performance Indicators

- Dimensional accuracy and surface finish quality of rollers.
- First-pass acceptance rate of grinding jobs.
- Productivity and on-time completion of grinding tasks.
- Reduction in rework, scrap, and rubber wastage.
- Compliance with safety protocols and preventive maintenance schedules.

This role is ideal for candidates with hands-on experience in roller grinding who are detail-oriented and quality-focused, capable of working efficiently within a production environment while ensuring high standards of workmanship.