Description

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 unit group also includes metal patternmakers and metal mould makers.

Included Job Titles

die finisher, die maker, jig maker, metal mould maker, metal patternmaker, metal patternmaker apprentice, mould maker – plastics processing, mould maker apprentice, tool and die maker, tool and die maker apprentice, toolmaker.

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 vernier callipers, micrometers, co-ordinate 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.

Related Occupations

Included Cities in this region

Kelowna, Armstrong, Enderby, Kamloops, Merritt, Penticton, Revelstoke, Vernon, Golden, Oliver, Osoyoos, Princeton, Barnhartvale, Peachland, Woodsdale

Service Canada Offices

View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.