---
name: laminating-machine-operator
description: "Occupational skill for the role 'laminating machine operator' (also: laminater, laminator operator, coating machine specialist, coter, papermaking laminate coating machine technician, laminating machine technician). Use when the user asks for typical laminating machine operator work such as: Release air bubbles and smooth seams, using rollers.; Spray chopped fiberglass, resins, and catalysts onto prepared molds or dies using pneumatic spray guns with chopper attachments.; Select precut fiberglass mats, cloth, and wood-bracing materials as required by projects being assembled."
---

# Laminating Machine Operator

Laminating machine operators tend a machine that applies a plastic layer to paper to strenghten it and protect it from wetness and stains.

## Core workflow

1. Release air bubbles and smooth seams, using rollers.
2. Spray chopped fiberglass, resins, and catalysts onto prepared molds or dies using pneumatic spray guns with chopper attachments.
3. Select precut fiberglass mats, cloth, and wood-bracing materials as required by projects being assembled.
4. Pat or press layers of saturated mat or cloth into place on molds, using brushes or hands, and smooth out wrinkles and air bubbles with hands or squeegees.
5. Mix catalysts into resins, and saturate cloth and mats with mixtures, using brushes.
6. Bond wood reinforcing strips to decks and cabin structures of watercraft, using resin-saturated fiberglass.
7. Check completed products for conformance to specifications and for defects by measuring with rulers or micrometers, by checking them visually, or by tapping them to detect bubbles or dead spots.
8. Trim excess materials from molds, using hand shears or trimming knives.

## How to use this skill

- Read [references/profile.md](references/profile.md) for the occupation profile and scope.
- Consult [references/tasks.md](references/tasks.md) for the full task and activity inventory.
- Check [references/skills.md](references/skills.md) for essential vs. optional competences.
- Check [references/tools.md](references/tools.md) for the software commonly used in this role.

## Key competences (essential)

- monitor automated machines
- operate laminating machine
- perform test run
- produce samples
- quality standards
- read job ticket instructions
- set up the controller of a machine
- supply machine
- troubleshoot
- types of laminators
- types of paper
- wear appropriate protective gear
- work safely with machines

## Hot technologies

- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word

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*Sources: ESCO v1.2.1 (http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/8f654b67-89f8-4669-8c9c-a4875bf22699), O*NET 30.3 (51-2051.00). See manifest.json for licensing/attribution.*