Machinists and Tool and Die Makers
Additional Information
Duties
Perform the following tasks as a machinist:
- This includes comprehensive drawings or data, such as sketches and blueprints for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD) systems (CAM).
- To construct and disassemble machine tools, including hand-cranked, automatic, and computer-controlled.
- Position, secure, and fine-tune cutting tools and workpieces to desired positions.
- Keep an eye on the machines' feed and pace.
- Machine parts can be turned, milled, drilled, shaped, and ground to meet specifications.
- Check to see if the finished product meets the specifications.
The following are typical activities carried out by tool and die makers:
- To create tools, molds, and dies, you'll need to consult a variety of technical documentation, such as blueprints, sketches, specifications, and CAD/CAM files.
- Workpiece dimensions, sizes, forms, and tolerances must be calculated and verified.
- Set up, operate, and disassemble machine tools, including manual and CNC models.
- Adjust and sand components to make them fit as a whole.
- Tools and dies should be buffed and polished to a high sheen.
Precision metal parts are made by machinists using lathes, milling machines, grinders, and a variety of other machine tools and equipment. A large number of machinists must be competent to operate both manual and CNC equipment. In order to make a part, CNC machines regulate the cutting tool's speed and perform all the necessary cuts. Cutting direction, speed, and feed rate are all determined by instructions entered into the CNC machine by a machinist.
Precision machinists, on the other hand, frequently make tiny batches or single products, despite the fact that they may produce enormous quantities of one part. A machinist can create steel bolts, titanium bone screws, and pistons for automobiles.
Machine shop workers may be called upon to fix or create new parts for machinery that an industrial machinery mechanic discovers. In order to make the replacement, the machinist consults engineering plans.
Lasers, water jets, and electrified wires are used in some manufacturing processes to cut the workpiece. New machining qualities and techniques must be learned by machinists as engineers develop and build new types of machine tools.
Precision tools and metal forms, referred to as dies, are made by tool and die makers and are used to cut, shape, and mold metals, polymers, and other types of material.
CAD is used by tool and die makers to design products and components. A computer program generates blueprints for the tools and dies that will be used to make the product. CNC programmers, as detailed in the profile for metal and plastic machine workers, take CAD designs and turn them into CAM programs that specify how a series of cutting-tool operations should be performed in succession. It is common for tool and die makers to be trained in both operating CNC machines and writing CNC codes, so they may perform both tasks at the same time.
Education
To work as a machinist, you'll normally need a high school diploma or GED; tool and die makers may also require tertiary education. A high school education in arithmetic and CAD/CAM is deemed useful.
There are a number of 2-year and shorter non-degree certificate programs that train students to become machinists or tool and die makers at some community colleges and technical schools. Students in these courses learn how to operate a wide range of welding and cutting instruments, as well as how to program CNC machines.
Training
In most cases, machinists and tool and die manufacturers learn their trade through on-the-job training or an apprenticeship.
It's not uncommon for new hires to receive technical training in addition to the standard classroom education while on the job. Starting out as a machine operator, trainees often progress to increasingly challenging tasks. CAD/CAM technology, CNC machine tools, and computerized measurement equipment require machinists and tool and die manufacturers to have a working knowledge of computers. Some machinists end up making tools and dies.
An employer-sponsored apprenticeship program is an option for certain new workers. Several years of paid on-the-job training and related technical education are common in apprenticeship programs. Cooperation with local community colleges and vocational-technical institutions might be used to deliver the technical training. Apprenticeships normally require a high school diploma or an equivalent.
Registration, Certification, and Licensing
Machinists and tool and die makers may benefit from completing a certification program, even if it is optional. CNC machine operation, CAD/CAM technology, and other essential competencies are offered by colleges and organizations such as the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
Qualities that may matter
A strong ability to analyze. It is essential for machinists to understand blueprints, models, specifications, and the like in order to produce high-quality metal parts and precision equipment.
Dexterity of the hands. Machinists and tool and die makers are expected to work with precision down to the smallest.0001 inch. Concentration and agility are necessary for this level of precision.
Mechanistic ability. Milling machines, lathes, grinders, laser and water jetting machines, wire electrical discharge machines, and other machine tools may be used by machinists and tool and die makers.
The ability to maintain one's energy levels. These workers must stand for long periods of time while moving their bodies in the same way.
The ability to carry out a task with ease. Metalworking processes must be understood by machinists and tool and die makers. They should be able to use CAD/CAM software, CNC machine tools, and both manual and digital measuring equipment.
Pay
In May 2020, machinists earned an average annual salary of $45,840. When half of an occupation's workforce earns more than the median wage, the wage is referred to as the "median." Less than $29,240 was earned by the bottom 10%, while more than $69,050 was earned by the top 10%.
Job Projections
For machinists and tool and die makers, employment is expected to rise by 7% between 2020 and 2030, which is about average for all occupations.
