SMT : Stencil Cleaning / Material Feeding / Changeover Operator Chandigarh

Job Description:

1. Stencil Cleaning & Handling

• Perform cleaning of SMT stencils according to approved work instructions and cleaning frequency.
• Remove solder-paste residue from stencil apertures, surfaces and frame without damaging the stencil.
• Use approved stencil-cleaning equipment, chemicals and consumables.
• Ensure stencil apertures are free from blockage before release for production.
• Handle stencils carefully during loading, unloading, movement and storage.
• Prevent stencil damage, bending, scratches and contamination.
• Maintain stencil cleanliness before and after production use.

2. Stencil Inspection & Condition Monitoring

• Visually inspect stencil condition before and after cleaning.
• Check for blocked apertures, physical damage, contamination, frame damage and other visible abnormalities.
• Escalate damaged or suspect stencils to Production/Process Engineering.
• Ensure damaged or non-approved stencils are not issued for production.
• Maintain identification and status of cleaned, used, hold and damaged stencils.
• Support periodic stencil-condition verification as defined by the process team.

3. Stencil Identification & Storage

• Verify the correct stencil ID, product/PCB part number and revision before issue to production.
• Store stencils at designated locations/racks after cleaning.
• Maintain clear stencil identification and location control.
• Ensure stencils are protected against dust and physical damage during storage.
• Prevent mixing of stencils belonging to different products or revisions.
• Maintain stencil issue/return records where required.

4. Material Feeding to Pick & Place

• Supply electronic components to the Pick & Place machine/operator according to the production plan.
• Verify correct component part number, material ID, package, reel/tray/tube and quantity before feeding.
• Ensure correct material reaches the correct machine/line/product.
• Replenish component reels in time to avoid unnecessary line stoppage.
• Coordinate upcoming component requirements with the Pick & Place Operator.
• Prevent material mix-up by following defined verification methods.
• Never feed unidentified, damaged, expired or quality-blocked material.

5. Component Reel & Feeder Preparation

• Prepare component reels and feeders for upcoming production/changeovers.
• Verify feeder type and component assignment according to the approved setup sheet.
• Support feeder loading/unloading under defined procedures.
• Ensure feeders, reels and component packages are correctly identified.
• Report damaged feeders, reels or component packaging.
• Arrange upcoming feeders in sequence to enable faster line changeover.
• Return unused feeders/components to designated locations after production.

6. Material Verification & Traceability

• Ensure full component traceability during line feeding.
• Verify part number, batch/lot, manufacturer/date-code information where required by the process.
• Maintain reel labels and identification after partial consumption.
• Follow barcode/MES scanning procedures where implemented.
• Ensure material identity is retained during reel change or transfer.
• Report any mismatch between the material and production setup immediately.
• Prevent use of untraceable components.

7. Line Changeover

• Support model/product changeovers according to the production schedule.
• Remove previous-product materials, feeders, stencil and other setup items systematically.
• Assist in preparation and installation of:
• Correct stencil
• Component reels
• Feeders
• Trays/tubes
• Required consumables
• Product-specific setup items
• Prepare the next model in advance wherever possible.
• Follow approved changeover checklists.
• Support reduction of changeover time without compromising verification or quality.

8. Line Clearance

• Perform proper line clearance before starting a new product/model.
• Ensure all previous-product components, reels, PCBs, labels and consumables are removed or correctly segregated.
• Verify workstation and machine surroundings are free from loose components from the previous production lot.
• Prevent mixing of materials between different products, revisions or production lots.
• Obtain/assist with required verification before new-product production begins.

9. Production Readiness

• Ensure required stencil, materials, feeders and consumables are ready before planned production starts.
• Review upcoming production sequence with the Production Supervisor/P&P Operator.
• Pre-stage material for planned changeovers.
• Highlight missing materials, stencils or feeders before they cause production stoppage.
• Support first-off preparation and production start-up.
• Maintain clear visibility of readiness for the next scheduled product.

10. Changeover Time Reduction

• Support SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die) and changeover-time reduction activities.
• Track changeover-related delays where required.
• Pre-kit and pre-stage components, feeders and stencils before machine stoppage.
• Separate external preparation activities from machine-stopped activities where possible.
• Participate in Kaizen activities aimed at reducing setup losses.
• Ensure improvements do not bypass required material verification or line-clearance controls.

11. ESD Control

• Follow defined Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) requirements when handling electronic components.
• Use ESD-safe bins, trolleys, trays and workstations.
• Use required ESD wrist straps, footwear and garments.
• Ensure components are not placed on uncontrolled/non-ESD surfaces.
• Report damaged or missing ESD-control equipment.
• Follow plant-defined ESD checks before working with sensitive electronic material.

12. MSD Control

• Follow approved handling requirements for Moisture Sensitive Devices (MSD).
• Minimize unnecessary exposure of moisture-sensitive components.
• Maintain appropriate identification of opened reels/packages.
• Return unused MSD material to designated controlled storage/dry cabinet as required.
• Coordinate with Stores/Production regarding floor-life status.
• Escalate material that exceeds defined exposure conditions rather than feeding material directly to production.

13. Solder Paste & Printing Support

• Support preparation of required stencil and approved consumables for the printer.
• Ensure stencil is available and clean before printer setup.
• Support safe removal and transfer of used stencils for cleaning.
• Avoid contamination or damage during stencil movement.
• Support the Printer Operator during model changeover according to defined responsibilities.
• Ensure previous model's stencil and related setup items are cleared before the next setup.

14. Material Return & Reconciliation

• Return unused component reels/trays/tubes after production according to defined procedure.
• Ensure returned material has proper identification and quantity/status information.
• Maintain traceability of partial reels.
• Ensure MSD materials are returned to the required storage condition.
• Coordinate material reconciliation with Stores/Production.
• Prevent loose/unidentified components from being returned to usable stock without authorization.

15. Abnormality Reporting

Immediately escalate conditions such as:

• Wrong material or part number
• Material without identification
• Damaged component reels/trays
• Suspected material mix-up
• Damaged or blocked stencil
• Missing feeder or setup material
• ESD/MSD non-compliance
• Line-clearance discrepancy
• Shortage likely to result in production stoppage

Do not continue feeding or setup activity until critical discrepancies are resolved.

16. 5S & Workplace Organization

• Maintain strong 5S standards in stencil-cleaning, material-preparation and changeover areas.
• Keep feeders, stencils, reels, tools and consumables at defined locations.
• Maintain clear identification of cleaned/used/damaged stencils.
• Remove unnecessary materials after every product changeover.
• Ensure material-preparation trolleys and racks remain organized.
• Maintain a clean working environment around SMT lines.

17. Safety & Chemical Handling

• Follow approved safety instructions for stencil-cleaning equipment.
• Use required PPE while handling cleaning agents/chemicals.
• Follow designated controls for storage and disposal of cleaning chemicals and contaminated cleaning materials.
• Do not use unapproved chemicals for stencil cleaning.
• Report leaks, damaged containers and unsafe conditions.
• Follow machine safety requirements when working close to SMT equipment.

18. Documentation & Records

Maintain required records including:

• Stencil cleaning
• Stencil issue/return
• Material feeding
• Component/reel traceability
• Changeover checklist
• Line-clearance confirmation
• Material return
• Daily operator checks

Ensure all entries are accurate and completed at the required time.

19. Shift Handover

• Provide proper handover regarding current product and next planned model.
• Communicate pending feeder/material preparation.
• Highlight material shortages or suspected issues.
• Inform the next shift about stencil cleaning/availability status.
• Communicate any unresolved line-clearance or changeover issues.
• Ensure materials and setup items are correctly identified before shift completion.

20. Continuous Improvement & Multi-Skilling

• Participate in Kaizen, SMED, TPM and 5S improvement activities.
• Suggest improvements for material feeding and line-changeover efficiency.
• Support reduction of material-change and setup-related stoppages.
• Develop skills in stencil cleaning, feeder preparation, material handling and line changeover.
• Support cross-training to provide flexible manpower during production peaks.

Key Skills / Competencies

• SMT stencil cleaning and handling
• SMT component identification
• Pick & Place material feeding
• Component reel/tray/tube handling
• Feeder preparation
• Product/model changeover
• Line clearance
• FIFO/material traceability awareness
• ESD/MSD control
• Basic SMT process understanding
• Material kitting
• SMED/changeover improvement
• 5S and visual management
• Basic production documentation
• Safe chemical handling
• Strong attention to material mix-up prevention