Tool and Die Makers

What Does a Tool and Die Makers Do?

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.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• 1Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.
• 2Set 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.
• 3Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.
• 4Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.
• 5Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools, hand tools, or welders.
• 6Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.
• 7Select metals to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness or heat tolerance.
• 8Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.

Required Skills

• 1CadCam Unigraphics
• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Autodesk Inventor
• Bentley MicroStation
• Cimatron CimatronE Master
• CNC Mastercam
• Dassault Systemes CATIA
• Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
• data M Software COPRA MetalBender
• DP Technology ESPRIT

Tool and Die Makers Salary