Polymers are a group of materials that include plastics, rubber, adhesives, resins and fibres. Polymer technicians are involved in the manufacture of these materials, or use them to make other component parts or products. The three main groups of materials are:
- plastics that are used in the manufacture of a range of products, including mass-produced toys, casings for mobile phones and medical devices for use as internal or external body parts
- rubber, such as that used in the manufacture of tyres, wetsuits, hoses and industrial pumps
- composites, such as those used for racing car bodies, aircraft wings and security doors.
Composites manufacturing is a particularly important area of development. There is a major increase in the use of polymers within the manufacturing process, replacing traditional materials, such as metal.
Polymer technicians ensure that the manufacturing process works effectively. They may work in factories or with research and development organisations. They often work with sophisticated machines and have responsibility for their supervision. They may also be involved in the setting up of machinery, production, maintenance and quality control checks.
Technicians usually work with operatives and engineers to ensure that production is efficient and cost effective. They support them in ensuring that new processes and materials are introduced successfully. They also aim to solve technical problems before the materials go into production. This may involve the development and provision of the tools necessary for the production process to run smoothly. These can take the form of extrusion dies, mould tools or formers. They are used in a wide range of plastic, rubber and composite manufacture, including extrusion, resin infusion, injection moulding, blow moulding, rotational moulding and dip moulding.
In addition to the technical work described above, technicians may also supervise the work of operatives and liaise with customers and suppliers.
Hours and environment
Polymer technicians normally work standard full-time hours, which may include shifts and weekend work. Overtime may sometimes be required in order to meet deadlines.
Technicians may work in a number of different working environments. These may range from quiet, modern offices to laboratories and factory production or maintenance areas, which may be noisy.
When working on a production line, technicians usually wear overalls and protective clothing. At other times, they may wear formal office clothing.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
- A starting salary as an apprentice may be around €15,000 a year.
- The basic starting salary for a qualified polymer technician may be about €25,000.
- With further experience, this may rise to around €35,000 a year.
- Senior technicians may earn up to €40,000 a year.
Skills and personal qualities
Polymer technicians need:
- knowledge of polymer and plastics technology
- knowledge of mechanics and engineering
- practical skills for handling tools and instruments
- awareness of health and safety
- design, numeracy, and information and communication technology (ICT) skills
- normal colour vision
- good communication skills
- good organisational and problem-solving skills
- the ability to work in a team
- to have initiative
- to be able to supervise the work of others.
Interests
It helps to have an interest in:
- materials science, engineering or technology
- working with machinery.
Entry routes
The main route of entry is through an apprenticeship in Polymer Processing Technology
Useful Links:
Polymer Technology Apprenticeship
First Polymer Training Skillnet