Description

Tool and die makers make, repair and modify custom-made, prototype or special tools, dies, jigs, fixtures and gauges using various metals, alloys and plastics which require precise dimensions. They are employed primarily in manufacturing industries such as automobile, aircraft, metal fabrication, electrical machinery and plastics, and in tool and die, mould making and machine shops. This unit group also includes metal patternmakers and metal mould makers. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Job Titles

• Jewellery die cutter
• Jig maker
• Tool and die maker apprentice
• Tool and die preparer

Main Duties

• Read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications of tools, dies, prototypes or models
• Prepare templates and sketches, and determine work processes
• Compute dimensions and tolerances and set up machine tools
• Position, secure, measure and work metal stock or castings to lay out for machining
• Set up, operate and maintain a variety of conventional and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools to cut, turn, mill, plane, drill, bore, grind or otherwise shape workpiece to prescribed dimensions and finish
• Verify machined parts for conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments such as verniers, callipers, micrometers, coordinate measuring machines (CMM) and electronic measuring devices
• Fit and assemble or disassemble parts using hand tools
• Test completed tools, dies, jigs or fixtures for proper operation
• May program CNC machine tools.

Workplaces

• Aircraft manufacturing industry
• Automobile manufacturing industry
• Electrical machinery manufacturing industry
• Metal fabrication manufacturing industry
• Plastics manufacturing industry
• Tool and die, mould making and machine shops

Skills

• Quality Control Testing
• Critical Thinking
• Equipment and Tool Selection
• Numeracy
• Operation and Control

Abilities

• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Categorization Flexibility
• Control of Settings
• Spatial Visualization
• Auditory Attention

Personal Attributes

• Attention to Detail
• Adaptability
• Analytical Thinking
• Independence
• Active Learning

Similar Occupations

• Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors (72100)
• Foundry workers (94101)
• Machining tool operators (94106)

Source: OaSIS