Ministry of Primary
and Secondary Education
ZIMBABWE
Glass Production Machine Operators
Benefits to Secondary industries
Glass is widely used in the construction industry for windows, doors, curtain walls, facades, and interior partitions. It provides transparency, natural lighting, and thermal insulation. Glass production ensures a steady supply of these materials, supporting the construction sector in building residential, commercial, and industrial structures.
Glass plays a vital role in the automotive industry, particularly in the manufacturing of windshields, windows, and mirrors. The production of automotive glass requires specialized techniques to meet safety standards and provide visibility for drivers. Glass production supports the automotive sector by supplying the necessary components for vehicle assembly.
Where do you live?
In a small town
What are some important skills?
Glass production involves various forming techniques, such as blowing, pressing, casting, and shaping. Knowledge and proficiency in these techniques are crucial for manipulating molten glass into desired shapes and forms.
Glass often requires cutting or grinding to achieve specific dimensions or desired finishes. Skills in glass cutting, using tools like glass cutters and diamond saws, as well as grinding and polishing techniques, ensure accurate shaping and smooth surfaces.
Glass is a fragile material, and proper handling techniques are essential to prevent breakage and ensure safety. Skills in handling glass, including lifting, transporting, and positioning glass sheets or objects, help minimize the risk of accidents and damage.
Different types of glass, such as float glass, tempered glass, laminated glass, and specialty glasses, have unique properties and applications. Understanding the characteristics, strengths, limitations, and processing requirements of various glass types is important for producing glass products that meet specific industry requirements.
What is your favourite part of your job?
Glass offers a sleek, modern, and visually appealing aesthetic that enhances the design and aesthetics of various applications. Its transparency, reflective properties, and ability to create unique patterns or textures make glass a popular choice for architecture, interior design, art, and decorative applications. That’s why I like working with glass.
What are the main tools of the trade?
glass furnace is a crucial tool in glass production. It is a high-temperature furnace used to melt the raw materials, typically silica sand, soda ash, and limestone, to form molten glass. Glassblowing Tools , Glass Cutting Tools and Glass molds to shape molten glass into specific forms or patterns.
What training have you had?
I have a diploma in glass manufacturing.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Supervising glass production at work.