Metal Rollers and Finishers (also called metal fabrication operators) setup and operate machines to roll (squeeze between two massive cylinders), smooth, and shape hot or cold metals into structural shapes, sheets, or strips.

JOB DUTIES

Metal Rollers may:

Read a rolling (job) order to determine setup, rolling sequences, number of passes (tries between rolls) required, and draft (space between rolls) for each pass

Set clearances on guides and rolls

Start mill to roll a sample ingot and measure the sample to see if it meets specifications

Move levers to regulate draft and control movement of conveyors, water sprays, and mill tables for each pass

Signal soak pit workers for ingots as needed

Observe the color of an ingot to determine if the specified rolling temperature has been reached

Finishers may:

Read a rolling order to determine setup specifications

Install guides on stands and grind them to obtain specified fit

Move controls and observe dial indicators and gages to set roll draft, adjust guides, and align material with mill rolls

Observe materials leaving leading stand and adjust controls to obtain specified flatness and straightness and to prevent defects (cracks and scratches)

Feed steel from lead rolls into finishing stand or start carriage that automatically feeds steel into finish rollers

The tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Metal Rollers and Finishers may specialize in these areas:

613.362-014 PRIMARY MILL ROLLERS operate mills to roll hot steel ingots (a mass of metal) into blooms, slabs, billets, or beam blanks.

613.382-014 FINISHERS set up and operate roll stands in finishing mills to roll steel objects, such as strips, bars, and flats, to specified gage, shape, and finish.

613.362-018 ROUGHERS operate roughing mill roll stands to reduce steel billets, blooms, and slabs to specified dimensions.

613.462-018 ROLLING-MILL OPERATORS set up and operate hot or cold rolling mills to reduce or form nonferrous metal (metal containing no iron) into plates, sheets, foil, flatwires, and rods of specified dimensions.

613.682-030 MILL OPERATORS set up and operate rolling mills to form sheet metal sections of various types, gages, and lengths from coils of sheet metal.

613.662-018 COLD-MILL OPERATORS set up and operate rolling mills to flatten, temper, and reduce the gage of steel strip.

611.482-014 ROLLER-MACHINE OPERATORS operate machines to flatten and taper heated ends of spring leaf blanks to specified dimensions.

613.682-022 STRIP ROLLERS set up and operate rolling mills to reduce the dimensions of cold strip metal prior to processing the metal into springs.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Metal Rollers and Finishers work with other mill crew workers such as soaking-pit workers, crane operators, and helpers. Working conditions vary. Rolling mill and furnace areas are hot and noisy; however, the use of remote control equipment enables some to work outside the immediate areas of processing operations. The primary mill roller, the worker in charge of the mill, may work in a glass-enclosed control booth located above the conveyor line or rolling process.

Some hazards to Metal Rollers and Finishers include bodily injury from moving machinery and metal, burns, and eye injuries from flying chips of hot metal. They must follow strict safety regulations.

Their normal workweek is 40 hours, 8 hours a day. They may be assigned to rotating shifts. They may be required to work overtime in order to meet production deadlines.

Metal Rollers and Finishers must provide their own safety shoes. They are usually supplied with helmets, safety glasses, and gloves by the employer.

They may belong to one of several unions such as The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), or The United Steelworkers of America. Union members must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities involving processes, machines, and techniques

• Working with your hands

• Work that is routine and organized

You Should Be Able To:

• Understand how machines work in order to set up or make minor repairs

• Follow set procedures and meet set standards of accuracy

• See differences in size/shape/texture/form of objects and materials

• Evaluate information using standards that can be measured or checked

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If a piece of metal is being squeezed through a set of rollers which finishes the metal into a piece 3 feet wide, 5 feet long and 1 inch thick, what is the volume of this piece of metal?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Despite everyone's best efforts, however, accidents do sometimes occur. If you are involved in any accident while at work, report it to your supervisor immediately.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report to your supervisor explaining any malfunction that might have occurred with the machinery.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide the most efficient way to complete your work while wasting the least amount of time.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2200 MATH , 2300 METALS , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

049 MACHINE TOOL OPERATION/SHOP

Approved vocational education programs in Machine Tool Operation and Machine Shop prepare students to shape metal parts on machines such as lathes, grinders, drill presses, milling machines, and shapers. Programs may also train individuals in the use of one machine. Instruction is given in calculating dimensions; using precision measuring instruments such as layout tools, micrometers, and gages; machining and heat-treating various metals; and in laying out machine parts.

Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this programs.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Because the work may be hazardous, summer and part-time work are not available to those under 18. Secondary vocational education programs in machine tool operation and machine shop may provide some opportunities for experience.

                School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Metal Roller and Finisher employer

internships

volunteer work with a Metal Roller and Finisher employer

community service work with an agency

The most common method of entry is direct application to employers. Jobs may be located by consulting local unions representing Metal Rollers and Finishers, local offices of Michigan Works!, and newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:   

Michigan Works!

                You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Metal Rollers and Finishers vary with individual specialties, size and type of employer, geographic location, and extent of unionization.

Nationally, in late 1998, the average hourly earnings for Production Workers employed in the blast furnaces and steel mills industry were $20.23.

In Michigan, the average hourly wage for production workers in the blast furnace and steel mill industry was about $19.51 in 1998.

Base hourly wage rates for unionized Metal Rollers and Finishers in a large steel mill in the Detroit area (mid 1999) were:

Metal Rollers and Finishers receive 1-1/2 or 2 times the hourly rate of pay for overtime and for work on weekends and holidays. They also get an additional 2% to 10% of the basic hourly rate for evening or night shift work. Some employers also provide bonuses and cost-of-living allowances.

Depending on the employer, fringe benefits may include paid holidays and vacations; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; and pension plans. In the steel industry, other benefits may include earnings protection and severance pay to workers assigned to lower paying jobs because of technological changes or to workers laid off because of the use of new equipment.

Individuals usually start out in entry level jobs such as laborer or helper. With training and experience, they may advance to assistant Rougher, Rougher, Finisher, and eventually to supervisor. Promotions depend on the availability of job openings and on the individual's ability to do the job. Physical fitness and length of service with the company are also considered. Chances for promotion may be increased by taking such courses as chemistry, physics, and metallurgy.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Employment in the occupation is expected to decrease through the year 2005. Large imports of foreign steel will lead to fewer jobs in the metal product industry. Some openings are expected each year as workers retire, die, or transfer to other kinds of work.

About 725 Metal Rollers and Finishers are employed in Michigan. All Metal Rollers and Finishers worked in the manufacturing industry. All Metal Rollers and Finishers worked in iron and steel plants; in plants that produce nonferrous metals such as aluminum, bronze, and zinc; and in plants that fabricate metal products.

The Employment of Metal Rollers and Finishers is expected to decline through the year 2005. An average of 10 annual opening is expected through the year 2005, all due to replacement of those who retire, die or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

Technological developments, such as continuous casting and computer controlled rolling operations, will limit employment growth. Employment of Metal Rollers and Finishers in Michigan is highly sensitive to the ups and downs of the economy. Overall, the increasing demand for household appliances, industrial machinery, and other products that use large amounts of metals will benefit the primary metal industry. However, primary metals must compete with plastic, wood, paper, glass, and cement.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.