SUMMARY:
Shift Toolmaker
Lenasia
POSITION INFO:
Job Summary / Purpose
The Toolmaker is responsible for diagnosing, repairing, modifying, and maintaining all moulds and tooling to ensure optimal production performance. The role also includes the development and manufacture of new moulds when required, while ensuring product quality, safety compliance, and adherence to the Toolroom Mandate.
Primary Responsibilities
Mould Maintenance, Repairs & Modifications
- Perform planned and breakdown maintenance on moulds.
- Attend mould start-ups at machines to ensure correct operation and product quality approval by QC.
- Modify and repair moulds as required to maintain specification standards.
Tool Inspections During Production Runs- Stop machines when required to:
- Clean shut-off faces.
- Check wear pad screws and shims.
- Inspect stripper plate screws.
- Inspect tamper slides, handle hole slides, and other moving components.
- Inspect ejector couplings.
- Inspect nozzle-to-sprue bush contact area for leaks.
- Verify correct operation and settings of mould temperature controllers.
- Grease wear pads, guide pins, and all required moving parts.
- Update and verify date stamps.
Tool Maintenance Between Production Runs- Completely strip moulds.
- Clean all plates and components.
- Replace:
- O-rings
- Cap screws
- Broken springs
- Inspect:
- Hot runner systems for leaks or loose tips
- Shut-off faces for wear or damage
- Wear pads and shims (replace wear pads if shim stock exceeds 1 mm)
- Repair damaged plates or components.
- Replace or repair broken mould parts.
- Test and restore:
- Support air
- Core tip air
- Air valves
- Lubricate all moving components.
- Reassemble moulds correctly.
- Test all basic functions (water, air, hot runner systems) prior to release.
Production Breakdown SupportRespond promptly to machine stoppages and breakdowns, including:
- Heater faults
- Water leaks
- Loose or broken fasteners
- Flashing
- Venting issues
- Ejector bar and coupling faults
- Off-centre moulding
- Damaged or broken components
- Any fault affecting quality production
Quality Assurance ResponsibilitiesMaintain injection moulded product quality, addressing:
- Burn marks
- Flashing
- Water marks
- Poor surface finish
- Uneven filling
- Off-centre moulding
- Functional failures (drop tests, lid fitment, handle suspension tests, etc.)
Machining & Toolroom Operations- Select raw materials, cutters, and tooling.
- Perform programming, setup, and operation of conventional machines including:
- Lathes
- Milling machines
- Surface grinders
- Spark eroders
- Drill presses
- Bench grinders
- Ensure efficient and safe operation of all equipment.
Additional Technical Responsibilities- Maintain housekeeping standards in the toolroom.
- Perform monthly machine cleaning.
- Provide technical input on:
- Product development
- Mould design improvements
- Conduct root cause analysis on:
- Product quality issues
- Performance failures
- Customer complaints
- Implement and maintain the Toolroom Mandate.
- Ensure moulded products remain within specification after repairs or modifications.
Secondary Responsibilities- Identify and report safety risks.
- Conduct visual quality spot checks.
- Complete all required reports as per management format.
- Perform effective shift handovers.
- Train and mentor staff.
- Assist other departments when required.
Key Performance Areas (KPAs)- Complete all work within scheduled timelines.
- Develop and maintain:
- Costing spreadsheets for each completed job
- Mould history records
- Job Card Register (accurate and complete)
- Cutter stock list for conventional machines (monthly control)
- Ensure all machines are thoroughly cleaned monthly.
Competencies- Strong mechanical aptitude
- Ability to prioritise work based on urgency
- Excellent communication (verbal and written)
- Sound judgement and decision-making ability
- Basic mathematical skills
- Strong planning and organisational skills
- Accountability and ownership
- Ability to multitask with strong attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and in teams
- Strong interpersonal skills across all levels
- Knowledge of health and safety standards
- Strong work ethic
- Reliable, responsible, and committed
- Ability to read and write
- Effective time management skills
Education and Experience Requirements- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar position
- Minimum 3 years’ experience working with plastic injection moulding machines
- No restraint of trade
