Tool and die makers typically do the following:
- Study blueprints, sketches, specifications, or computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) files for making tools and dies
- Compute and verify dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of workpieces
- Set up, operate, and tear down conventional, manual, or computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools
- File, grind, and adjust parts so that they fit together properly
- Test completed tools or dies to ensure that they meet specifications
- Inspect for proper dimensions and defects
- Smooth and polish surfaces of tools and dies
Toolmakers craft precision tools and tool holders that are used to cut, shape, and form metal and other materials. They also produce jigs and fixtures—devices that hold metal while it is bored, stamped, or drilled—and gauges and other measuring devices. Die makers construct metal forms, called dies, that are used to shape metal in stamping and forging operations. They also make metal molds for die-casting and for molding plastics, ceramics, and composite materials.
Many tools and die makers use CAD’s to develop products and parts. Specifications entered into computer programs can be used to electronically develop blueprints for the required tools and dies. Computer numeric control programmers use CAD and CAM programs to convert electronic drawings into CAM-based computer programs that contain instructions for a sequence of cutting tool operations. Once these programs are developed, CNC machines follow the set of instructions contained in the program to produce the part. Machinists normally operate CNC machines, but tool and die makers are often trained to both operate CNC machines and write CNC programs, and they may do either task.
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