Tool and Die Makers

People in this career often know a lot about:

• Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

People in this career often have talent in:

• Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
• Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
• Manual Dexterity - The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
• Finger Dexterity - The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

• Control Precision - The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

People in this career often do these activities:

• Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
• Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
• Operate grinding equipment.
• Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.
• Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.

• Assemble machine tools, parts, or fixtures.
• Operate welding equipment.
• Repair parts or assemblies.
• Inspect metal, plastic, or composite products.
• Select production input materials.
• Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
• Lift materials or workpieces using cranes or other lifting equipment.
• Smooth metal surfaces or edges.
• Polish materials, workpieces, or finished products.
• Measure materials to mark reference points, cutting lines, or other indicators.
• Conduct test runs of production equipment.
• Design tools, fixtures, or other devices for production equipment.
• Shape metal workpieces with hammers or other small hand tools.
• Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing.
• Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials.
• Feed materials or products into or through equipment.
• Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.

• Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

• Machinists

• Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

• Patternmakers, Wood

• Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

• Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

• Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

• Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians

• Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers

• Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic