Assemblers play an important role in the manufacturing process. They assemble finished products and the pieces that go into them. The products they assemble using tools, machines, and their hands range from entire airplanes to children’s toys. They assemble household appliances, automobiles, computers, electronic devices, and more.
Changes in technology have transformed the manufacturing and assembly process. Modern manufacturing systems use robots, computers, programmable motion control devices, and various sensing technologies. These systems change the way in which goods are made and affect the jobs of those who make them. The more advanced Assemblers must be able to work with these new technologies and use them to produce goods.
The job of an Assembler ranges from very easy to very complicated, requiring a range of knowledge and skills. Skilled Assemblers putting together complex machines, for example, begin by reading detailed schematics or blueprints that show how to assemble the machine. After determining how parts should connect, they use hand or power tools to trim, shim, cut, and make other adjustments to fit components together and align properly. Once the parts are properly aligned, they connect them with bolts and screws or by welding or soldering pieces together.
Careful quality control is important throughout the assembly process, so Assemblers look for faulty components and mistakes in the assembly process. They help to fix problems before more defective products are produced.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook