Steel tube polishing machine worker (steel tube manufacturing)
まかんきこう（こうかんせいぞう）
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Steel tube polishing machine workers (steel tube manufacturing) operate internal grinding equipment for steel pipes, removing burrs and scales from inside the pipes to achieve dimensional accuracy and surface finish; a manufacturing occupation.
Description
Steel tube polishing machine workers use internal grinding machines or automatic polishing machines for steel pipes to remove burrs and scales from cut surfaces and pipe interiors, adjusting dimensional accuracy and surface finish. They set grinding conditions (rotation speed, feed rate, type of grinding wheel, grinding pressure) for each product, set the steel pipe in the grinding machine, and perform processing. After processing, they measure dimensions and surface roughness using calipers, micrometers, and roughness gauges, and inspect quality. Defective products are re-ground or escalated to the next process. They perform regular machine maintenance, grinding wheel replacement, coolant checks, and comply with safety and health regulations. They are also required to improve line operation rates, reduce costs, and respond to production plans.
Future Outlook
Even as manufacturing becomes more automated and IoT-enabled, the demand for skilled workers with expertise in equipment maintenance and quality control remains high.
Personality Traits
Attentive / Good team player / Meticulous / Strong sense of responsibility
Work Style
Career Path
Grinding operator → Team leader → Production engineer → Manufacturing manager
Required Skills
Blueprint reading (dimensional tolerances) / Grinding machine operation / Measuring instrument operation / Safety and health knowledge / Tool maintenance
Recommended Skills
5S and safety and health activities / Basics of metallurgy / Equipment maintenance / Quality control
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | High accuracy is required for detailed burr removal and dimensional measurement. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Standing work and handling metal pipes require a certain level of physical strength. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Because the work is mostly standardized, there are few opportunities to demonstrate creativity. |
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