electrical discharge
The qualities and applications of electrical discharge, including voltage and electrodes.
Spark erosion machine operators set up and tend spark erosion machines designed to cut excess material from a metal workpiece by the use of electrical discharges, or sparks, caused by electric voltage and separated by a dielectric liquid, which removes pieces of metal from the electrodes. These applications can involve transmission and optical microscopy.
Competences and skills
49 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 4 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Cross-sector
4 competencesmetal eroding technology
The various eroding technology and techniques, automated or otherwise, such as electrical discharge machining, die sinking, wire eroding and others.
quality standards
The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.
types of metal
Qualities, specifications, applications and reactions to different fabricating processes of various types of metal, such as steel, aluminium, brass, copper and others.
Essential skills and competences 11 competences
Occupation specific
1 competencetend spark erosion machine
Monitor and operate a spark erosion machine according to regulations.
Sector-specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Cross-sector
10 competencesapply cross-reference tools for product identification
Employ cross-reference tools and programmes, listing file names and line numbers, to identify part numbers, descriptions, and the vendor as source of origin.
consult technical resources
Read and interpret technical resources such as digital or paper drawings and adjustment data in order to properly set up a machine or working tool, or to assemble mechanical equipment.
dispose of cutting waste material
Dispose of possibly hazardous waste material created in the cutting process, such as swarf, scrap and slugs, sort according to regulations, and clean up workplace.
monitor automated machines
Continuously check up on the automated machine's set-up and execution or make regular control rounds. If necessary, record and interpret data on the operating conditions of installations and equipment in order to identify abnormalities.
digital
operate precision measuring equipment
Measure the size of a processed part when checking and marking it to check if it is up to standard by use of two and three dimensional precision measuring equipment such as a caliper, a micrometer, and a measuring gauge.
remove inadequate workpieces
Evaluate which deficient processed workpieces do not meet the set-up standard and should be removed and sort the waste according to regulations.
remove processed workpiece
Remove individual workpieces after processing, from the manufacturing machine or the machine tool. In case of a conveyor belt this involves quick, continuous movement.
set up the controller of a machine
Set up and give commands to a machine by dispatching the appropriate data and input into the (computer) controller corresponding with the desired processed product.
digital
supply machine
Ensure the machine is fed the necessary and adequate materials and control the placement or automatic feed and retrieval of work pieces in the machines or machine tools on the production line.
troubleshoot
Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
Optional knowledge 17 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
12 competencesferrous metal processing
Various processing methods on iron and iron-containing alloys such as steel, stainless steel and pig iron.
manufacture of small metal parts
The manufacture of metal cable, plaited bands and other articles of that type, uninsulated or insulated cable not capable of being used as a conductor of electricity, coated or cored wire as well as barbed wire, wire fencing, grill, netting, cloth etc. Manufacture of coated electrodes for electric arc-welding, nails and pins, chain and springs (except watch springs), as well as leaves for springs.
manufacturing of cutlery
The manufacture of different cutlery items, such as forks, spoons, knives, razors or scissors.
manufacturing of door furniture from metal
The manufacture of metal items that can be attached to a door in order to support its function and appearance. The manufacture of padlocks, locks, keys, hinges and the like, and hardware for buildings, furniture, vehicles etc.
manufacturing of light metal packaging
The manufacture of tins and cans for food products, collapsible tubes and boxes, and of metallic closures.
manufacturing of metal containers
The manufacture of reservoirs, tanks and similar containers of metal, of types normally installed as fixtures for storage or manufacturing use. The manufacture of metal containers for compressed or liquefied gas.
manufacturing of metal household articles
The manufacture of flatware , hollowware , dinnerware and other non-electrical utensils for use at the table or in the kitchen.
manufacturing of steam generators
The manufacture of steam or other vapour generators, the manufacture of auxiliary plant for use with steam generators: condensers, economisers, superheaters, steam collectors and accumulators. The manufacture of nuclear reactors, parts for marine or power boilers. Also the production of pipe system construction comprising further processing of tubes generally to make pressure pipes or pipe systems together with the associated design and construction work.
manufacturing of tools
The manufacture of knives and cutting blades for machines or for mechanical appliances, hand tools such as pliers, screwdrivers etc. The manufacture of non-power-driven agricultural hand tools, saws and saw blades, including circular saw blades and chainsaw blades. The manufacture of interchangeable tools for hand tools, whether or not power-operated, or for machine tools: drills, punches, milling cutters etc. The manufacture of press tools, moulding boxes and moulds (except ingot moulds), vices and clamps, and blacksmiths’ tools: forges, anvils etc.
manufacturing of weapons and ammunition
The manufacture of heavy weapons (artillery, mobile guns, rocket launchers, torpedo tubes, heavy machine guns), small arms (revolvers, shotguns, light machine guns), air or gas guns and pistols, and war ammunition. Also the manufacture of hunting, sporting or protective firearms and ammunition and of explosive devices such as bombs, mines and torpedoes.
non-ferrous metal processing
Various processing methods on non-ferrous metals and alloys such as copper, zinc and aluminium.
- Scope note
- Excludes precious metals.
types of metal manufacturing processes
Metal processes linked to the different types of metal, such as casting processes, heat treatment processes, repair processes and other metal manufacturing processes.
Cross-sector
5 competenceschemistry
The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.
cutting technologies
The variety of cutting technologies, such as software or mechanics, guiding cutting processes through lasering, sawing, milling etc.
digital
electrical engineering
The field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
quality and cycle time optimisation
The most optimal rotation or cycle time and over-all quality of a tool or a machine's processes.
statistical process control
Method of quality control that uses statistics to monitor processes.
Optional skills and competences 17 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
3 competencesensure public safety and security
Implement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property.
maintain mechanical equipment
Observe and listen to machinery operation to detect malfunction. Service, repair, adjust, and test machines, parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical principles. Maintain and repair vehicles meant for cargo, passengers, farming and landscaping.
monitor stock level
Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
Cross-sector
14 competencesadvise on machinery malfunctions
Offer advice to service technicians in case of machinery malfunctions and other technical repair tasks.
apply control process statistical methods
Apply statistical methods from Design of Experiments (DOE) and Statistical Process Control (SPC) in order to control manufacturing processes.
digital
ensure equipment availability
Ensure that the necessary equipment is provided, ready and available for use before start of procedures.
inspect quality of products
Use various techniques to ensure the product quality is respecting the quality standards and specifications. Oversee defects, packaging and sendbacks of products to different production departments.
interpret geometric dimensions and tolerances
Understand and assess the models and symbolic language of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) systems indicating engineering tolerances.
keep records of work progress
Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
mark processed workpiece
Inspect and mark parts of the workpiece to indicate how they will fit into the finished product.
perform product testing
Test processed workpieces or products for basic faults.
perform test run
Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, and adjust settings accordingly.
program a CNC controller
Set up the desired product design in the CNC controller of the CNC machine for product manufacturing.
digital
read standard blueprints
Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.
record production data for quality control
Keep records of the machine's faults, interventions and irregularities for quality control.
replace machines
Evaluate when to invest in replacing machines or machine tools and take the necessary actions.
use CAM software
Use computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programmes to control machinery and machine tools in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation as part of the manufacturing processes of workpieces.
digital