Tool and Die Makers

Nature of work

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 group also includes metal patternmakers and metal mould makers.

Job duties

Tool and die makers perform some or all of the following 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, calipers, 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.

Metal patternmakers perform some or all of the following duties:

• Machine, fit and assemble castings and other parts to make precision models of required shape such as metal patterns, core boxes and match plates.
• Lay out, shape and assemble patterns of metal, wood, plastic and other materials from blueprints, models or templates.
• May program CNC machine tools.

Metal mould makers perform some or all of the following duties:

• Machine, fit and assemble parts to make metal moulds and cores for plastic injection moulding, or other production processes.
• May program CNC machine tools.

Sample job titles

• die cutter
• die finisher
• die fitter
• die mouldmaker
• die repairer
• injection moulding tool and die maker
• jig and form maker
• precision tool maker
• tool and die maker

Skills

For these jobs, you should have an interest in machines, precision techniques, and processes. Good hand-eye coordination and agility are needed. You should be comfortable working with tools and able to read mechanical drawings. You must have the ability to work systematically, think analytically, and perform basic mathematical calculations. Employees in automated shops must be comfortable using computer equipment.

Job requirements

• Completion of high school is usually required.
• Completion of a four- or five-year tool and die making apprenticeship program or a combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in tool and die making is usually required to be eligible for tool and die trade certification.
• Tool and die making trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia.
• Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to qualified tool and die makers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
• Mould makers usually require completion of a four-year apprenticeship or college program in mould making.
• Patternmakers usually require completion of an apprenticeship or college program in patternmaking.

Other considerations

To maintain employment, workers will have to keep abreast of changing technology. In particular, the use of sophisticated computer-controlled equipment has transformed the work of machinists and will continue to do so. The wage rate for apprentices is usually a percentage of the journeyperson rate, increasing upon completion of each stage of the apprenticeship program. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

Regulations

Contacts

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