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Metal Surface Finisher
Also known as Chrome Plater, Electroplater and Powder Coater.
Metal surface finishers work in metal fabrication and engineering production operations.
They finish metal products by cleaning, polishing, filing or bathing them in acid solutions.
They also apply protective and decorative coatings.
Metal surface finishers work in production areas that can be noisy, hot, dusty and may contain fumes.
However, the work environment is generally spacious, well ventilated and well lit.
They may have to spend long periods standing and are sometimes required to work shifts.
TASKS
- coat metal articles and parts with a layer of decorative or protective metal such as copper, silver, nickel or chromium
- prepare and maintain plating solutions
- clean and prepare metal surfaces with cleaning solutions, such as acids or alkalis, or by using blasting cabinets
- apply waxes, lacquers or resistant adhesive tapes to areas not to be plated
- dip parts in plating solutions or use selective brush plating
- use electroplating equipment, setting and adjusting controls to achieve the desired thickness of plating
Metal surface finishers may perform the following tasks:
PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS
- enjoy practical and manual activities
- enjoy technical activities
- able to cope with the physical demands of the job
- able to work independently and as part of a team
- patient
- able to work accurately
- good with numbers
- safety-conscious
- free from allergies to paint, solvents or dusts
Interest Area
SPECIALISATIONS
Electroplater - coats metal parts and articles with a layer of decorative or protective metal such as copper, silver, nickel or chromium. They work for electroplating firms, anodisers, metal polishers and printed circuit board manufacturers.
Electroplaters may specialise in one of the electroplating operations, such as anodising, barrel plating, metal preparation or powder coating.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
You can work as a metal surface finisher without formal qualifications.
You will probably get some informal training on the job.
Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications.
You may like to consider a VOC qualification in engineering. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.
You can also become a metal surface finisher through a traineeship in Engineering.
Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Metal surface finishers work for engineering firms, appliance and furniture makers, foundries and fencing manufacturers. They also work for motor vehicle accessory manufacturers, sheetmetal workshops and jobbing (smaller) shops.
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