On August 12, 2015 the U.S. Mint published this press release featuring a mechanic at the West Point Mint. It's an interesting look
into the inner workings of the money factories we collectors so often take for granted. These hardworking folks go into the Mint every
day to ensure that the machinery is maintained and working properly in order to create the many products that we and the collectors who
come after us will cherish. -Editor
Each department of the United States Mint supports the overall mission to serve the American people by manufacturing and distributing
circulating, precious metal and collectible coins and national medals, and securing assets entrusted to the Mint.
The U.S. Mint at West Point, N.Y., manufactures gold, silver and platinum numismatic and bullion coins.
Maintaining and repairing the coin presses and related machines there is the responsibility of six electronic industrial controls
mechanics.
Their key job elements:
- Maintain all equipment used in numismatic coin production, including 300-ton coin press, auto coin packaging machine, auto coin
encapsulater, burnishers, and auto coin tubing machines.
- Skill in performing maintenance and repair operations on electronic systems and equipment.
- Ability to read and follow schematics, specifications, and precise technical instructions.
- Knowledge of techniques used in constructing electronic equipment applied to identifying defects or malfunctions in various parts,
components, and assemblies.
- Maintain, repair, overhaul, and install electronic monitoring, indicating, and control systems used on industrial production
machinery and 300-ton coin press.
- Install, repair, and maintain complete electronic industrial control systems and equipment of various types by performing the full
range of diagnostic, modification, reconstruction and testing functions.
- Perform routine and preventive maintenance on systems, parts, assemblies, or components of moderate design, construction, and
functional complexity. Identifies visible damage and wear, and performs repairs or replacements.
- Knowledge of electrical and electronic theory, including circuit design, transistor and solid state diode theory, and voltage and
current comparison networks; knowledge of electronic and electrical block diagrams, wiring diagrams, and schematics; knowledge of
pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical systems.
Scott Lacourse has worked in that job for four years, after previously performing machine repair, software upgrades, and maintenance of
industrial equipment.
"You get to deal with a lot of people and unusual problems that you don't see every day," he said.
Lacourse said his most unusual project there has been removing and reinstalling an ejector arm for a Grabener coin press.
"We normally don't remove ejector arms. This one was removed to replace some worn cushion pads on the bottom that are not easy
to get to," he said.
Lacourse, who enjoys skiing, hunting and camping in his off-duty time, explained why he likes working at the Mint.
"Every day presents a new challenge and opportunity to learn something different. Working at the Mint has enabled me to broaden my
technical and troubleshooting skills. I work with a great bunch of people and look forward to the challenges ahead," he said.
The knowledgeable minds and skilled hands of electronic industrial controls mechanics keep coin presses in good working condition,
ensuring all required production equipment is available when needed.
Thanks, Scott! -Editor
To read the complete article, see:
West Point Mint Mechanics Keep Coin Presses
Running (www.usmint.gov/pressroom/insidethemint/?action=west-point-mechanics)
Wayne Homren, Editor
The Numismatic Bibliomania Society is a non-profit organization
promoting numismatic literature. See our web site at coinbooks.org.
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