Instrument Maker Career Description
More or less every production process nowadays is dependent on the use of instruments. An
instrument maker is someone who makes and installs instruments and who identifies and rectifies defects in the instruments.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
The world today is characterised by phenomenal progress in every field, particularly in the scientific and technological fields. This progress creates a demand for adequately trained technical personnel to assist scientists. Very high demands are made on these people with regard to the design, production and choice of apparatus and instruments for scientists, industrial organisations and academic institutions.
The control of virtually every production process is dependent on instruments (electrical, electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic and mechanical) that are used to measure temperature, pressure of water and gases and the volume of liquids and gases in containers. These instruments can develop defects, which have to be detected and repaired in order to maintain the production process.
Instruments may be classified into different categories according to their use:
Mechanical instruments
These are instruments used for mechanical purposes and include watches, thermometers, odometers, pressure gauges, etc.
Optical instruments
These include instruments such as spectacles, spectroscopes, telescopes, cameras and other equipment. The production of this apparatus requires a high degree of skill and accuracy.
Electrical instruments
A wide range of instruments such as voltmeters, ammeters and kilowatt gauges and delicate electronic equipment is included in this category.
Chemical instruments
This includes a wide range of very complex apparatus that are used in chemical engineering.
Medical instruments
A variety of medical apparatus and equipment, such as scissors and pincers are made by the instrument maker.
No matter how accurate electrical instruments are, they are not infallible. Indeed, the more accurately they are made, the more likely it is that they will have to be checked regularly. The adequate functioning of any electrical instrument may be affected by any number of factors, such as: The turning point of a watch hand may not function smoothly, the jewels may be defective, the balance of the hand may be defective, or the magnetic stream may be too weak. Most of these defects can only be detected by means of a microscope or measuring apparatus. When it has been ascertained what the defects are, the instrument maker can repair them.
Machinery in a factory sometimes has to be renewed. New electrical installations may be very expensive, so existing machines are recalibrated. Changes usually include the installation of additional resistance, etc. Work of this nature requires extreme accuracy, because the wires that are used are often thinner than the human hair. It can be concluded that "accuracy" should be the motto of the instrument maker.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
Apart from having good mathematical ability, the aspiring instrument maker should have a mechanical aptitude. The following characteristics are also important: diligence, patience, because assembling fine parts is time consuming and the parts should be handled with extreme care, accuracy, good hand and finger dexterity, practical ability and an interest in the design and manufacture of scale models.
Where can I work?
Electrical factories, and other areas in the private sector.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Trained instrument makers are fortunate in that their training makes it possible for them to work in more than one field. Instrument makers who have enough capital may start their own businesses.
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