Heat Operator LPCS

Mission:

To thermally process castings in air or vacuum heat treat furnaces in order to change metal microstructure to meet customer specifications.

• Preparation and Scheduling:

Objective: to accurately and efficiently stage parts for heat treat processing; to schedule loads in order to produce maximum furnace load capabilities.

• Reviews documentation and tech cards to identify parts, determine temperature and load requirements, and determine test bar requirements.
• Identifies and consolidates castings with the same processing requirements.
• Inspects parts for contamination; cleans prior to loading.
• Loads and seals castings in retort or baskets by hand or with forklift; arranges loads to eliminate warping or distortion.
• Air Furnace Operations.

Objective: to operate high and low temperature air furnaces at optimal capacity, insuring compliance with customer specifications and proper furnace operating procedures.

• Inspects furnace systems to ensure proper operations.
• Loads furnace according to load charts; sets controls and monitors computerized Data Acquisition System.
• Controls argon flow to achieve proper dewpoint levels throughout the heat treat process.
• Vacuum Furnace Operations.

Objective: to operate vacuum furnaces at optimal capacity, insuring compliance with customer specifications.

• Checks pumps and elements in furnace; checks leak rate.
• Loads/unloads baskets and operates furnaces; controls and adjusts furnace temperatures; operates quench.
• Monitors all aspects of the process, including dew point, vacuum level and temperature ramp/hold time.
• Operates and monitors computerized Data Acquisition System.
• Maintains proper vacuum level and temperature ramp/hold during cycle.
• Documentation. Completes records, logs, non-conformance reports, and production reports.
• Maintenance.

Objective: to maintain heat treat equipment, complete minor repairs and assist maintenance with major equipment problems.

• Locates and repairs vacuum, argon and oil leaks.
• Troubleshoots furnace problems.
• Performs minor maintenance on furnaces and equipment.
• Performs housekeeping tasks to maintain a clean work area.
• Safety.

Objective: to take responsibility for and demonstrate safe work practices.

• Adheres to plant and department safety rules.
• Safely operates all equipment and tools.
• Identifies and reports safety problems.
• May provide training and work direction as assigned.
• Performs other tasks as directed.

• Training is provided on the job.
• PCC's Forklift Driving Safety Training must be completed.

• Working knowledge of air and/or vacuum heat treat furnaces is preferred, OR demonstrated ability, as shown by one or more years manufacturing furnace operator experience, to function as an expert furnace operator.
• Ability to read and follow complex specifications on Tech Cards and Process Control Procedures, perform arithmetic calculations and follow verbal instructions.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to lift and/or maneuver objects weighing forty to sixty pounds and occasionally up to one hundred pounds.
• Ability to work in difficult working conditions which may include exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, temperature extremes and other elements for extended periods of time.

• LSBO requires basic metallurgy course as a training requirement.