Polymechanics and Automation 01
Polymechanics technicians carry out technical work in production plants. Professionals such as Mechanical and Maintenance Fitters may be included in the Polymechanics industry. Using machining tools, people skilled in Polymechanics can produce and install parts for production machinery and equipment.
The profession requires skills in logic and automation control and the related basic electrical and circuitry work. Since automation often involves pneumatic components, a basic understanding of technologies is also required.
The skill of Polymechanics covers elements from electrical installation, mechanical engineering, hydraulics and pneumatics as well as mechanical and maintenance fitting. There is a wide range of technical skill required. The practitioner is likely to need to produce parts for production machinery and install those parts.
Often the role involves troubleshooting, identifying problems during installation or remedying problems with established plant.
The practitioner will work in a large range of industrial settings and production plants and may have specialist knowledge about one particular industry or may work more generally. Also, the practitioner may be employed within one plant, installing and maintaining production equipment or may work for a sub-contractor who will work across a number of industrial settings.
The practitioner needs a keen awareness of the implications, both financially and for the business’ reputation, of delays in production as a result of reliability issues on the production line. They will therefore need to work in a logical manner and be sure to meet time constraints. They will also need to be able to provide expert advice and guidance on technical production issues and provide innovative and cost effective solutions to production issues.
The working environment is likely to be one that is potentially very dangerous and hazardous. The practitioner therefore needs to proactively promote health and safety best practice and rigorously adhere to health and safety legislation.
Required skills
Skilled craftsmanship, attention to detail, reading blueprints and charts, mathematical ability, and problem-solving skills
Career info
Polymechanics technicians work in a wide range of settings using machining tools to produce and install parts for production machinery and equipment.
The profession requires understanding and skills in logic and automation control, electrical and circuitry work, hydraulics and pneumatics, mechanical and maintenance fitting, and related basic technologies.
The role involves identifying or remedying problems to avoid costly delays in production, as well as providing innovative and cost effective approaches to production.
Because the working environment is often sensitive; the exemplary practitioner promotes health and safety best practice and rigorously adheres to health and safety legislation.
At the Competition
Competitors will be judged on their knowledge and ability of:
- Health and Safety
- Engineering manufacturing processes
- Manufacturing assembly principles
- Electrical principles in plant and automation control systems