Tool and Die Maker Jobs | Tool Die Makers | Toolmaking Jobs
Die Maker Jobs - What is the Job of a Toolmaker? What does a Toolmaking Job Involve?
Tool and die maker jobs involve producing the tools that are used by machine operators in order to create parts for a wide variety of consumer and industrial goods, which can include clothing, furniture, equipment, and aircraft.
Toolmaker jobs use precision tools in order to shape dies out of metal and plastic, so that they can be stamped or cut into a particular pattern. Metal molds are used for die casting such as creating a figurine from plastics, ceramics, or composites. Tool and die makers will first make a prototype of the die, and then they will work with engineers in order to best figure out how to make the part.
Toolmakers may also repair damaged dies or fixtures, and they will use machine tools and measuring instruments in order to help accomplish their goals. Tool and die makers must know a great deal about reading blueprints and machining operations, and they are the most skilled of machinists. While machinist jobs will create a single type of part, tool and die makers will create many different parts.
Die makers may travel to a plant in order to suggest ways to make the manufacturing process more efficient, and after they design a die, a toolmaker will measure and mark the material that will become the product. A dye maker will then cut the part as necessary in order to create a finished stamp. After this process has been completed, the dye maker will then file and polish the rough edges or extruding pieces of metal.
Manual machining is no longer used except in instances of low quantity parts, as computer aided machines are much more efficient in cutting patterns into metal dies. Most tool makers will use computer aided design in order to develop a blueprint for the die they are working on, and then they will convert these drawings into CNC machine instructions in order to cut the die tool itself.
A diemaker may be CNC certified themselves, or they may hire a CNC operator in order to write a program for them. After creating the part, a toolmaker will check the accuracy with specialized sensor equipment and computing software.
Working Conditions for Tool & Die Makers Jobs - How is the Working Environment for Die Maker Jobs?
Tool and die makers will usually work 40 hours a day, usually involving a day shift. Tool rooms are kept clean and are well ventilated, and the risks of tool worker exposure to moving parts are slim as most CNC machines are completely enclosed. Toolmakers may wear protective safety equipment in order to protect themselves from flying metal and loud noises.
Die Makers Education - How to Become a Tool Die Maker - How to Receive Your Tool Maker Training
Diemaker training usually takes 4 to 5 years of training in an apprenticeship program or a community college. Under competency based programs skilled diemaker apprentices are allowed to progress more quickly, if they demonstrate sufficient knowledge of manufacturing processes.
Some die makers may start out as machine operators or machinists and eventually progress to a toolmaker position with enough education. During toolmaker training, die makers will learn how to operate milling machines, grinders, laser cutting machines, and lathes, in addition to studying metalworking processes.
Classroom subjects for toolmaker jobs will include computer aided design, computer numerically controlled machinery, and computerized measuring machinery.
Toolmaker Training Requirements - How to Become a Die Maker
Diemaker certification is not required, however it offers the best opportunity for employment prospects. Die makers often have exacting quality standards with extremely high precision requirements, so good eyesight and attention to detail is essential for success.
Automation is constantly updating the field of machinery work, so toolmakers must be willing to stay up to date with the latest die cutting technologies and the latest materials that are used in die making processes.
Die cutting professionals can advance into supervisory positions or they may decide to start up their own machinist shop. A few tool makers decide to gain their bachelor’s degree and enter into engineering school.
Tool & Die Makers Employment - What is a Tool Maker Job?
Over the next decade, tool and die maker jobs should decline by about 10%, due to competition in manufacturing industries from China, in addition to advances in CNC machinery technology and computer aided design.
Prospects overall are still quite good as it is difficult to attract qualified apprenticeship candidates in the dike cutting field. In addition, a number of tool makers are expected to retire over the next decade, leaving a number of opportunities for those interested in a die cutting job.
Tool Makers Pay Scale - How Much Do Die Makers Earn?
In 2006, tool and die maker jobs had median hourly earnings of $21.29, with those in motor vehicle manufacturing earning the highest rate of median pay a $26.45, and those tool maker jobs working in machine shops earning the lowest median pay at $19.41.