Tool & Die Maker

Analyzes specifications, lays out metal stock, sets up and operates machine tools, fits and assembles parts to fabricate and repair metalworking dies, cutting tools, jigs and fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESULTS:

• Studies specifications such as blueprints, sketches, models, or descriptions, and visualizes product to determine materials required and machines to be used to fabricate parts.
• Computes dimensions, plans layout, and determines assembly method and sequence of operations.
• Measures, marks, and scribes metal stock for machining.
• Sets up and operates machine tools such as lathes, milling machine, shaper, and grinder, to machine parts, and verifies conformance of machined parts to specifications.
• Verifies dimensions, alignments, and clearances.
• Repair new or previously used dies, tools, and jigs and fixtures, and recommends design modifications regarding construction and function of part.
• Develops specifications from general descriptions for specialty tools and draws or sketches design of product.
• Continue to grow lean knowledge and use the tools to identify and assist with continuous improvement.
• Comply with safety regulations and maintain clean and orderly work areas.

• Certificate or associate’s degree in Machine Tool Technology or equivalent; or 5 years related experience and/or training.
• Excellent working knowledge of dies required.
• Proficiency with lathes, mills, grinders and other tools needed to perform tasks efficiently and effectively.
• Must be able to design and build fixtures using actual parts or part prints.
• Excellent communication skills between departments required to ensure quality of dies and fixtures are met.
• Must be able to troubleshoot problems and repair dies.
• Must be able to read blueprints and make parts from them accurately.
• Ability to interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.