Edge Banding Machine Operator

We’re hiring a hands-on Laminator / Edgebander & Packing Associate to run our corner‑rounding edgebanding machine, apply laminate to panels, and prepare finished casework for shipment. No experience required—we will train. Ideal candidates bring strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and pride in clean, consistent work.

Core ResponsibilitiesLamination

• Apply HPL/laminate to panels per spec; roll, trim flush, and finish clean edges.
• Maintain neat glue lines and bubble‑free surfaces; ensure surface prep is dust‑free.

Edgebanding (Corner-Rounding Machine)

• Load programs and run parts with ABS/PVC/veneer edge tape (0.5–1.0 mm).
• Set tape thickness and corner‑round radius (e.g., R2/R3) and run test panels.
• Monitor stations: pre‑milling → glue → pressure rollers → end trim → top/bottom trim → corner round → scrape → buff.
• Inspect batches for adhesion, flushness, radius consistency, and surface finish.

Packing & Staging

• Protect parts with edge/foam/corner guards; bundle hardware.
• Label with job/room/cabinet numbers; complete QC checklist; stage for shipping.

Machine Care & Uptime

• Daily cleaning and glue‑area hygiene; confirm dust extraction.
• Change/clean knives and scrapers; track tool life; basic troubleshooting.
• Keep accurate production, tool‑hour, and maintenance logs.

Simple Operation Outline (Edgebander)

• Prep parts: verify sizes are correct, edges square/clean; use pre‑milling if needed.
• Load materials: confirm tape type & thickness (0.5–1.0 mm); check glue (EVA or PUR) and fill pot.
• Warm‑up & safety: dust extraction on; heat glue (EVA ~170–190 °C; PUR per spec); verify guards/E‑stops.
• Program setup: select the correct program (feed speed, temp, roller pressure, trim tools, corner‑round radius) and install the matched radius knives/inserts.
• Test panel: look for light continuous glue squeeze‑out; peel/flex test bond; adjust as needed.
• Production: feed consistently; watch end‑trim, top/bottom trim, corner‑round, scrape, and buff finish.
• QC: tight glue line, no over/under‑trim, smooth radius, no chatter/swirl marks, color match.
• Changeovers: when switching tape/thickness, reload guides, swap radius knives if needed, re‑test.
• Shutdown & clean: purge/clean glue system per glue type; empty chips; wipe rollers; clean sensors.
• Log: record blade hours, issues, fixes, and remaining tape/glue.

Tool & Knife Maintenance

• Top/Bottom trim knives: rotate/replace when edges show fuzz, tear‑out, or heat marks; keep a sharp spare set.
• Scrapers: keep edges crisp; lightly stone as needed; replace if chatter persists.
• Corner‑round inserts: inspect radius wear; replace in pairs to keep profile consistent.
• Buffing wheels: clean/replace when glazed or streaking.
• Cleaners: use resin remover for glue buildup (rollers, shoes, scrapers); never use metal scrapers on coated rollers.

Daily & Weekly Checklists

Daily

• ☐ Power‑up; dust extraction on; glue temp set
• ☐ Tape type/thickness confirmed; test panel passed
• ☐ Clean glue area, pressure rollers, guides; empty chip bins
• ☐ Inspect trim knives/scrapers; verify corner‑round radius
• ☐ QC first‑article and last‑article; log production & tool hours

Weekly

• ☐ Deep clean glue station/rollers; resin removal where needed
• ☐ Inspect/rotate/replace trim knives, scrapers, corner‑round inserts
• ☐ Check belt tensions, air lines, and lubrication points (per manual)
• ☐ Verify programs/offsets; back up parameters
• ☐ Inventory tape coils, glue, cleaners, spare tooling

Qualifications

Required

• Mechanical aptitude—comfortable with knobs, gauges, and swapping tooling
• Measurement skills—read a tape to 1/32″ (or 1 mm); basic shop math; caliper use a plus
• Attention to detail—spot glue‑line issues, color/texture mismatches, chips
• Consistency & pacing—steady feed, repeatable setups, follows checklists
• Basic computer use—select programs, enter counts, basic data entry
• Safety mindset—PPE, lock‑out basics, housekeeping/5S
• Physical—lift up to 50 lb panels; stand/walk majority of shift; safe panel handling

Nice to Have (Not Required)

• Forklift/pallet jack certification
• Ability to read cabinet prints/labels
• EVA vs PUR basics; HPL lamination experience

Performance Metrics (KPIs)

• First‑pass yield / rework rate
• Setup/changeover time between tape/thickness
• Glue‑line quality (defect count)
• Machine uptime & housekeeping score
• On‑time, correctly labeled, damage‑free packed orders

Safety & Compliance

• Follow company safety policies and OSHA guidelines.
• Use PPE and proper lifting/handling techniques.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $11.00 - $13.00 per hour

Work Location: In person