Tool and Die Makers
Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.
Sample of reported job titles:
Die Machinist, Die Repair Laborer, Die Repair Technician (Die Repair Tech), Jig and Fixture Repairer, Tool and Die Machinist, Tool and Die Maker, Tool and Fixture Specialist, Tool Maker, Tool Repairer, Trim Die Maker
Occupation-Specific Information
Tasks
- Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.
- Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.
- Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.
- Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.
- File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together.
Technology Skills
- Computer aided design CAD software:Autodesk AutoCAD,Autodesk Inventor,Bentley MicroStation,Cimatron CimatronE Master,Dassault Systemes CATIA,Dassault Systemes SolidWorks,data M Software COPRA MetalBender,Kubotek USA KeyCreator,Logopress,MAKER CAD/CAM Services DIEMAKER,PTC Creo Parametric,Striker Systems SS-Die Design,Striker Systems SS-Draw Form,Striker Systems SS-Strip Design,Vero International VISI-Mould,VX Corporation VX Mold & Die
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software:1CadCam Unigraphics,CNC Mastercam,DP Technology ESPRIT,NC verification software,OPEN MIND Technologies hyperMILL,Virtual Gibbs CADD/CAM
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software:SAP business and customer relations management software
- Inventory management software:Seco Tools Seco Point
- Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software:JobPack MES Scheduler
Occupational Requirements
Work Activities
- Getting Information:Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems:Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates:Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Thinking Creatively:Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Controlling Machines and Processes:Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Detailed Work Activities
- Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.
- Assemble machine tools, parts, or fixtures.
- Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.
- Conduct test runs of production equipment.
- Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing.
Work Context
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets:100% responded"Every day"
- Freedom to Make Decisions:83% responded"A lot of freedom"
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate:80% responded"Extremely important"
- Face-to-Face Discussions:77% responded"Every day"
- Exposed to Hazardous Equipment:69% responded"Every day"
Worker Requirements
Skills
- Operation and Control:Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
- Operations Monitoring:Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Quality Control Analysis:Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
- Critical Thinking:Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Equipment Selection:Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Knowledge
- Mechanical:Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- Mathematics:Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Production and Processing:Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
- Design:Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- English Language:Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
- 41%Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
- 40%High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
- 10%Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
- 10%Less than a High School Diploma
Worker Characteristics
Abilities
- Near Vision:The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Visualization:The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
- Problem Sensitivity:The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
- Control Precision:The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
- Finger Dexterity:The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Interests
- Realistic:Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
- Investigative:Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
- Conventional:Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
- Support:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
- Working Conditions:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
- Independence:Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail:Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Dependability:Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Persistence:Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
- Independence:Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
- Self-Control:Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
More Information
Related Occupations
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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