Kneeder Operator

Industry: Roller Manufacturing

Position: Kneader Operator – Rubber Processing

Department: Rubber Mixing / Production

Reports To: Production Supervisor / Rubber Section In-Charge

Location: Bawana Industrial Area, Delhi

Salary Range: ₹20,000 – ₹25,000 per month

Qualification: Graduate (Any discipline)

Experience Required: 4–5 years in rubber mixing / kneader operation

English Requirement: Basic communication level

1. Role Overview

The Kneader Operator is responsible for operating rubber kneading machinery to mix rubber compounds used for industrial rollers. The role requires experience in preparing batches as per formulations, controlling mixing parameters, ensuring uniform compound quality, and maintaining accurate documentation. This is a key production role contributing directly to roller performance and customer satisfaction.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Rubber Mixing & Kneader Operation

• Operate the Kneader (Banbury-type or Sigma-type) machine for rubber mixing as per standard formulations.
• Accurately weigh and load raw materials: rubber, chemicals, fillers, pigments, and additives.
• Monitor and control mixing time, temperature, pressure, and rotor speed.
• Prepare rubber batches with consistent properties (hardness, viscosity, elasticity).
• Unload the mixed compound and hand it over to the next process (milling, calendaring, extrusion, or roller covering).

B. Quality & Process Control

• Ensure consistency in compound color, texture, and physical properties.
• Follow defined mixing formulations and maintain batch-to-batch uniformity.
• Identify defects or deviations in mix quality (scorch, premature curing, uneven dispersion).
• Coordinate with the QC department for testing parameters (Mooney, hardness, tensile strength).

C. Machine Maintenance & Safety

• Perform routine cleaning, inspection, and lubrication of the kneader.
• Ensure safe handling of chemicals and rubber materials.
• Monitor working condition of rotors, blades, hydraulic systems, and cooling systems.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and PPE requirements.

D. Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain batch sheets, mixing logs, production reports, and chemical usage tracking.
• Record temperature, time, and process deviations accurately.
• Update daily production status and inform supervisors of shortages or machine issues.

3. Required Technical Skills

• Hands-on experience operating rubber kneader machines (2-wing/4-wing/other types).
• Knowledge of rubber mixing formulas, compounding techniques, and processing parameters.
• Understanding of rubber types used in rollers (NR, NBR, EPDM, SBR, PU blends, etc.).
• Familiarity with chemical handling, safe loading, accurate weighing, and dosage control.
• Ability to identify defects like under-mixing, over-mixing, lumps, non-uniform dispersion.
• Basic understanding of downstream processes (mill operation, roller covering) is preferred.
• Ability to read and follow batch sheets, SOPs, and processing instructions.

4. Required Competencies

A. Core Competencies

• Process accuracy
• Quality orientation
• Understanding of mixing discipline
• Machine operation competency
• Knowledge of materials and formulations

B. Technical Competencies

• Kneader machine handling
• Rubber compounding knowledge
• Temperature and pressure control
• Batch consistency management
• Measurement and weighing accuracy

C. Behavioral Competencies

• Basic communication (able to understand instructions in English)
• Team coordination with mixing and production departments
• Discipline and adherence to procedures
• Responsibility towards maintaining safety

5. Personal Traits & Soft Image

• Detail-focused and quality conscious.
• Physically fit for handling materials and working in a heat-intensive environment.
• Calm and patient during repetitive mixing cycles.
• Honest, reliable, and consistent in reporting and process adherence.
• Safety-minded due to handling chemicals and heavy machinery.
• Self-driven, with a proactive attitude toward production targets.

6. Motivational Drivers

• Interest in working with precision mixing and material handling.
• Motivation from achieving consistent batch quality and supporting production performance.
• Satisfaction in contributing to high-quality rubber rollers.
• Commitment to safe and efficient machine operation.

7. Qualifications & Experience

• Graduate (Any stream; technical diploma preferred but not mandatory).
• 4–5 years of experience in rubber processing, kneader operation, or compounding.
• Experience in a roller manufacturing environment will be a strong advantage.
• Basic English reading/writing ability.

8. Work Environment

• Shop-floor environment with heat and manual material handling.
• Requires PPE (gloves, apron, safety shoes, mask).
• May involve shift work or overtime during high production cycles.