Insulator Operator
CurrentOperate multiple insulating lines that contribute to the manufacturing of the more popular internet wire Cat 5 and Cat 6, but also many other different types of electrical wire. The operator controls different machines that all must work perfectly in sync to produce good wire. Insulating is the first step in the wire making process.First the copper is drawn from a thick rod to the desired gauges of wire, most commonly 23 and 24 gauge, by pulling the rod through sets of diamond coated dies that are kept cool and lubricated by a special solution. Lubrication in the drawing process is essential for maintaining good surface finish and long die life. The wire then travels through the Annealer which heats the copper and subsequently cools it to change its properties. Annealing copper makes it softer and less brittle, which allows you to bend it without breaking it. Next, the wire goes through the preheater. The preheater heats the wire to a specific temperature evaporating debris and solution the wire may be carrying and enabling a good bond for the insulation that will be applied by the Extruder. The Extruder is a machine that melts down insulation pellets by heat and pressure. The melted insulation is then transferred onto the copper wire which travels down the line through water troughs that cool the hot insulation on the wire and then through vacuums that pull any water that may be carried from the troughs. The operator then tests the wire to ensure it is within specification. If not, adjustments are made.The wire then travels to different departments that ultimately wrap multiple wires together and coated with a jacket creating electrical cable that is then shipped to the customers.
