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TOOL
& DIE MAKERS
Overview
Tool and die makers produce tools, dies, and special devices that enable
machines to make products. Tool and die makers are among the most highly
skilled production workers. They produce devices that equip machines to
make the products we use daily, from clothing and furniture to heavy
equipment and parts for cars.
Programs
(Machine Technology
and related)
Toolmakers craft precision tools that are used to cut, form, and shape
metal and other materials. They produce jigs and fixtures, devices that
hold metal while it is stamped or drilled. They also make gauges and other
measuring devices. Die makers construct metal forms (dies) that are used
to shape metal in stamping and forging operations. They also make metal
molds that are used to cast dies or mold plastics, ceramics, and other
materials. In addition, tool and die makers design new tools and dies.
They also repair worn or damaged tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and gauges.
To do their work, tool and die makers use many types of machine tools and
precision measuring instruments. They must also be familiar with the
properties of many common metals. For example, they must know about the
hardness of metals, and how much heat they can withstand.
Tool and die makers work from blueprints or instructions. First, they plan
the sequence of operations needed to produce the tool or die. Next, they
measure and mark the pieces of metal that will be cut to form parts of the
final product. At this point, tool and die makers cut, drill, or bore the
part. Then they check to be sure that the final product meets
requirements. Finally, they assemble the parts and do finishing tasks.
They file, grind, or polish the surfaces to finish them.
Modern technology is changing the way that tool and die makers do their
jobs. Many tool and die makers now use computer-aided design (CAD) to
develop products and parts. With CAD, workers enter specifications into
computer programs. These programs then produce drawings for the required
tools and dies. The electronic drawings are processed by a computer-aided
manufacturing (CAM) program. The program calculates the tool path and the
sequence of operations. Computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines
then produce the die. In addition, tool and die makers store these
programs for future use.
Work
Activities
The following list of occupational
tasks is specific to this career.
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Craft
precision tools used to cut, shape, and form metal and other
materials.
-
Construct
metal forms (dies) used to shape metal in forging and stamping
operations.
-
Develop and
design new tools and dies.
-
Repair worn
or damaged tools, dies, and other devices.
-
Operate a
variety of machine tools and precision measuring instruments. Use
knowledge of the properties of metals.
-
Read
blueprints or instructions to plan the sequence of work.
-
Measure and
mark the pieces of metal that will be cut to form parts of the final
product.
-
Cut, bore,
or drill parts.
-
Check
finished parts to be sure they meet requirements.
-
Assemble
parts. Finish parts by filing, grinding, and polishing surfaces.
-
May use
computer-aided drafting (CAD) to develop products and parts. May use
computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to lay out and cut parts. May use
other computer-controlled machines.
People in this
career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to
many occupations.
-
Handle and
move blueprints, metal pieces, and tools and controls.
-
Control
machine tools and precision measuring instruments.
-
Perform
activities using the whole body when machining and assembling large
metal parts.
-
Repair and
maintain machine tools.
-
Implement
instructions and their own ideas when developing and producing new
tools and dies.
-
Interact
with computers when using CAD and CAM tools.
-
Get
information from blueprints and instructions.
-
Inspect
finished parts to be sure they meet specifications.
-
Monitor
machining processes.
-
Identify
problems or defects.
-
Evaluate
information against standards when checking finished parts.
-
Update and
use job-related knowledge of CAD, CAM, and machine tool technology.
Working
Conditions
In a typical work setting, people in this career:
Interpersonal
Relationships
Physical Work
Conditions
-
Always work
indoors, usually in air conditioning.
-
Are
sometimes exposed to hazardous equipment. There is only a low risk of
slight injury from this exposure.
-
Sometimes
wear protective equipment, such as safety glasses, earplugs, gloves,
and masks.
-
Are
sometimes exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and
uncomfortable.
Work
Performance
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Must be sure
that all details of the job are done. Oversights could cause injuries.
-
Must be very
exact in their work. Items may require precision drilling to one
ten-thousandth of an inch.
-
Repeat the
same physical activities.
-
Must allow
the work pace to be set by the speed of the equipment.
Hours/Travel
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Often work a
regular 40-hour week. However, as the cost of new machinery has
increased, many employers now have more than one shift.
-
May work
overtime and weekends, especially during peak production periods.
Physical
Demands
People in this
career frequently:
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Use hands to
handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
-
Stand to
operate machine tools.
-
Repeat the
same movements over and over.
-
Sit to
design tools and dies.
It is important
for people in this career to be able to:
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See details
of objects that are less than a few feet away.
-
Make quick,
precise adjustments to machine controls.
-
Make fast,
simple, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
-
Use fingers
or hands to grasp, move, or assemble small objects.
It is not as
important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to:
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Use stomach
and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without
getting tired.
-
Use muscles
to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
-
Use muscles
for extended periods without getting tired.
-
Bend,
stretch, twist, or reach out with the body, arms, and/or legs.
Skills
& abilities
People in this career need to:
Communicate
Reason and
Problem Solve
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Follow
guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
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Find and
recognize important information.
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Suggest
approaches for applying ideas.
Use Math and
Science
-
Add,
subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
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Use math
skills to solve problems.
Work with
Things
-
Inspect and
evaluate the quality of products.
-
Operate and
control equipment.
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Determine
the tools and equipment needed to do a job.
-
Analyze
needs and requirements when designing products.
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Install
equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
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Design
equipment and technology to meet user needs.
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Maintain
equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of
maintenance is needed.
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Repair
machines or systems.
Perceive and
Visualize
Knowledge
People in this career need knowledge in the following areas:
-
Mechanical:
Knowledge of designing, using, and repairing machines and tools.
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Production
and Processing: Knowledge of how products are made and supplied.
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Engineering
and Technology: Knowledge of how to build machines, buildings, and
other things. Also includes knowledge of how to use computers,
machines, and tools to do work more usefully.
Interests
People in this career are people who tend to:
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Consider
support from their employer important. They like to be treated fairly
and have supervisors who will back them up. They prefer jobs where
they are trained well.
-
Consider
good working conditions important. They like jobs offering steady
employment and good pay. They want employment that fits their
individual work style. They may prefer doing a variety of tasks,
working alone, or being busy all the time.
-
Have
realistic interests. They like work activities that include practical,
hands-on problems and solutions. They like to work with plants,
animals, and physical materials such as wood, tools, and machinery.
They often prefer to work outside.
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Have
conventional interests. They like work activities that follow set
procedures, routines, and standards.
Preparation
To work as a tool and die maker, you must:
have a high school diploma or GED
complete a formal training program
complete on-the-job training; and
have a good eye for detail.
Formal Education
Most tool and die makers go through apprenticeship training. To apply
for an apprenticeship, you must:
have a high school degree or GED; and
be at least 18 years old.
Apprenticeship
programs usually consist of three to five years of on-the-job training.
In addition, each year you receive at least 144 hours of classroom
training. Classroom subjects include:
layout
drafting
blueprint reading; and
safety practices.
On the job,
apprentices learn to:
operate lathes and grinders
use heat treating processes; and
operate CNC equipment.
To find out more about apprenticeships, contact your local
apprenticeship agency.
You can prepare for an apprenticeship by taking courses at a
professional technical school or two-year college. Courses in shop,
general math, and drafting prepare students to enter apprenticeship
programs. However, these courses are not required to qualify for an
apprenticeship.
Tool and die makers can also learn skills at a professional technical
school or two-year college.
On-the-job Training
A few tool and die makers learn their skills on the job from experienced
workers. You begin by helping and learn to operate machines and use
machine tools as you get more experience.
Hiring Practices
Employers prefer to hire tool and die makers who have completed a training
program. Training may have been an apprenticeship or a program at a
community college or vocational school. Some employers promote machine
operators or machinists to the more highly skilled job of tool and die
maker.
Employers look for applicants who have a high degree of patience and
attention to detail. Good eyesight is also very important. Tool and die
makers should have mechanical ability and be able to work independently.
Licensing
& Certification
No State of Minnesota license requirements are found for this career
Wages
In Minnesota, the median wage for tool and die makers is $22.46 per hour,
which works out to $3,894 per month for a full time worker. Half of all
tool and die makers earn between $18.27 and $26.51 per hour, or between
$3,167 and $4,594 per month.
Nationally, the median wage for tool and die makers is $3,570 per month.
Half of all tool and die makers earn between $2,880 and $4,510 per month.
Wages vary by industry and area of the country. The worker's level of
experience also affects wages.
Tool and die makers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical
benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.
Employment
In Minnesota, about 2,566 tool and die makers work in this medium-sized
occupation.
Nationally, about 109,500 tool and die makers work in this small
occupation. Jobs are most plentiful in the Midwest and Northeast, where
many of the metalworking industries are located.
Major employers:
Metalworking machinery manufacturers
Metal forging and stamping manufacturers
Motor vehicle manufacturers
Plastic products manufacturers
Outlook
In Minnesota, the employment for tool and die makers is expected to
decline through 2014.
Nationally, the number of jobs for tool and die makers is expected to
decline through the year 2014.
Several factors will affect the outlook for tool and die makers. One,
computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines are making tool and die
makers more productive. Two, other computer tools have allowed some tool
and die maker tasks to be performed by computers and CNC programmers.
Three, some manufacturers are importing tools and dies from other
countries. This is because these parts can often be produced for lower
cost elsewhere. However, tool and die makers will continue to be needed.
Manufacturers periodically retool their current machines to meet design
changes for cars, planes, and other products. Tool and die makers will be
needed to do the retooling.
Despite the projected decline in jobs, many openings will be created each
year. Current tool and die makers will retire or leave the field. In
addition, employers report difficulties in finding skilled workers. Thus,
job seekers with the appropriate skills and background should have
excellent opportunities for finding work.
Advancement
Opportunities
There are several ways for skilled workers to advance. Some move into
supervisory or administrative jobs with their firms. Some obtain their
college degree and go into engineering. Others become tool designers or
machine tool programmers. A few start their own shops.
Page
last updated in August, 2007.
Source: Minnesota
Department of Children, Families & Learning (MCIS) Minnesota
Career Information System
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