Tool and Die Makers

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.89
• Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.84
• Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.80
• Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.80
• Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools, hand tools, or welders.78
• Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.78
• Select metals to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness or heat tolerance.76
• Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.75
• File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together.75
• Smooth and polish flat and contoured surfaces of parts or tools, using scrapers, abrasive stones, files, emery cloths, or power grinders.74
• Measure, mark, and scribe metal or plastic stock to lay out machining, using instruments such as protractors, micrometers, scribes, or rulers.74
• Conduct test runs with completed tools or dies to ensure that parts meet specifications, making adjustments as necessary.73

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Operation and Control56

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Operations Monitoring56

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Quality Control Analysis56

  Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

• Critical Thinking53

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Equipment Selection53

  Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

• Judgment and Decision Making53

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Monitoring53

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Time Management53

  Managing one's own time and the time of others.

• Active Learning50

  Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

• Active Listening50

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Complex Problem Solving50

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Equipment Maintenance50

  Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Mechanical87

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Mathematics63

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Production and Processing62

  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

• Design60

  Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

• English Language51

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Engineering and Technology48

  Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

• Education and Training45

  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• Computers and Electronics41

  Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

• Customer and Personal Service36

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Administration and Management34

  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Administrative30

  Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

• Physics28

  Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Near Vision69

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Visualization69

  The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

• Problem Sensitivity66

  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.

• Control Precision60

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

• Finger Dexterity60

  The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

• Manual Dexterity60

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness56

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Category Flexibility56

  The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

• Information Ordering56

  The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

• Selective Attention56

  The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

• Deductive Reasoning53

  The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

• Multilimb Coordination53

  The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Getting Information87

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems78

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates70

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Controlling Machines and Processes69

  Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings69

  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Thinking Creatively69

  Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment68

  Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment67

  Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge66

  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials64

  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work64

  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

• Handling and Moving Objects63

  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Attention to Detail100

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Dependability87

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Cautiousness74

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Achievement Orientation58

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Perseverance55

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Innovation43

  A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

• Intellectual Curiosity39

  A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

• Integrity38

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Stress Tolerance33

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Self-Confidence30

  A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

• Self-Control28

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Initiative25

  A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic99

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

• Conventional53

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Investigative33

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Artistic15

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

• Enterprising0

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

• Social0

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

  • Every day100%

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

  • Extremely important80%
  • Very important20%

• Freedom to Make Decisions

  • A lot of freedom83%
  • Some freedom13%

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day77%
  • Once a week or more but not every day20%

• Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

  • A lot of freedom56%
  • Some freedom33%

• Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

  • Every day69%
  • Once a week or more but not every day16%

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

  • Continually or almost continually60%
  • More than half the time30%

• Time Pressure

  • Every day40%
  • Once a week or more but not every day48%
  • Once a month or more but not every week11%

• Contact With Others

  • Constant contact with others38%
  • Contact with others most of the time49%

• Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

  • Every day54%
  • Once a week or more but not every day20%
  • Once a month or more but not every week17%

• Spend Time Standing

  • Continually or almost continually29%
  • More than half the time58%
  • About half the time11%

• Frequency of Decision Making

  • Every day46%
  • Once a week or more but not every day25%
  • Once a month or more but not every week16%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• Post-secondary certificate
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Less than high school diploma

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Computer aided design CAD software

  Autodesk AutoCAD, Bentley MicroStation, Dassault Systemes CATIA, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks

• Presentation software

  Microsoft PowerPoint

• Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

  1CadCam Unigraphics, Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software, NC verification software, OPEN MIND Technologies hyperMILL

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Electronic mail software

  Microsoft Outlook

• Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  SAP software

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Word processing software

  Microsoft Word

• Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software

  JobPack MES Scheduler

• Project management software

  Microsoft Project

• Inventory management software

  Seco Tools Seco Point

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• American Mold Builders Association
• Association for Manufacturing Technology
• Fabricators and Manufacturers Association
• International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
• Manufacturing Institute
• National Tooling and Machining Association
• Precision Machined Products Association
• Precision Metalforming Association
• Industrial Division of the Communication Workers of America
• International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America
• National Institute for Metalworking Skills

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Miscellaneous metal workers and plastic workers, including multiple machine tool setters
• Model makers, patternmakers, and molding machine setters, metal and plastic
• Crushing, Grinding, Polishing, Mixing, and Blending Workers
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Model makers, patternmakers, and molding machine setters, metal and plastic
• Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
• Model makers, patternmakers, and molding machine setters, metal and plastic
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Machinists
• Cutting Workers
• Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Model makers, patternmakers, and molding machine setters, metal and plastic
• Miscellaneous metal workers and plastic workers, including multiple machine tool setters
• Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
• Industrial and Refractory Machinery Mechanics
• Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
• Operate grinding equipment.
• Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
• Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.
• Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
• Inspect metal, plastic, or composite products.
• Assemble machine tools, parts, or fixtures.
• Operate welding equipment.
• Repair parts or assemblies.
• Select production input materials.
• Smooth metal surfaces or edges.
• Lift materials or workpieces using cranes or other lifting equipment.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Die Finisher
• Die Maker (Jewelry-Silver)
• Die Maker (Paper Goods)
• Die Maker, Bench, Stamping
• Die Maker, Stamping
• Die Maker, Trim
• Die Maker, Wire Drawing
• Die Making (Existing Title: Die Maker Trim)
• Die Manufacturer
• Die Sinker
• Hardener-Tool & Die
• Mold Maker I (Cb)
• Mold Maker, Die-Cast & Plastic
• Plastic Fixture Builder
• Plastic Tool Maker
• Saw Maker (Cutlery & Tools)
• Tap and Die Maker Technician
• Tool and Die Maker
• Tool and Die Maker (Die Manufacturer)
• Tool Maker
• Tool Maker, Bench