National
| Median wages (2008) |
$22.32 hourly, $46,430 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
101,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Decline rapidly (-10% or lower)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
13,000 additional employees |
51-4111.00 - 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:
Tool and Die Maker, Toolmaker, Jig and Fixture Builder, Jig and Fixture Repairer, Tool and Die Machinist, Tool Repairer, Trim Die Maker, Die Maker
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, and 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, and 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.
- Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools and hand tools.
- Conduct test runs with completed tools or dies to ensure that parts meet specifications, making adjustments as necessary.
- Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.
- Smooth and polish flat and contoured surfaces of parts or tools, using scrapers, abrasive stones, files, emery cloths, or power grinders.
- Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Gauges or inspection fixtures — Dial indicators; Optical flats; Telescoping gauges; Thread ring gauges |
| Grinding machines — Profile grinders; Rotary surface grinders; Surface grinders |
| Power grinders — Bench grinders; Die grinders; Disc grinders; Grinding wheels |
| Welders — Arc welders; Portable welders; Stick welders |
| Workshop presses — Arbor presses; Die spotting presses; Drill presses; Turret punch presses |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Computer aided design CAD software — Autodesk AutoCAD software; SolidWorks CAD software; Vero International VISI-Mold; VX Corporation VX Mold & Die |
| Computer aided manufacturing CAM software — 1CadCam Unigraphics; CNC Mastercam; DP Technology ESPRIT; OPEN MIND Technologies hyperMILL |
| Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software — JobPack MES Scheduler |
| Project management software — Microsoft Project |
| Word processing software — Microsoft Word |
| 51-4022.00 |
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic |
| 51-4031.00 |
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 
|
| 51-4033.00 |
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic |
| 51-4122.00 |
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
|
| 51-5023.00 |
Printing Machine Operators |
| 51-9031.00 |
Cutters and Trimmers, Hand |
| 51-9195.07 |
Molding and Casting Workers
|
