Tool and Die Makers

Career summary

Tool and die makers might also be called tool makers or tool and die machinists.

Toolmakers craft precision tools that are used to cut, form, and shape metal and other materials. They produce jigs and fixtures, devices that hold metal while it is stamped or drilled. They also make gauges and other measuring devices. Sometimes they design tools.

Die makers construct metal forms (dies) that are used to shape metal in stamping and forging operations. They also make metal molds that are used to cast dies or mold plastics, ceramics, and other materials.

Tool and die makers use many types of machine tools and precision measuring instruments. They must also be familiar with the properties of many common metals such as the hardness of metals and how much heat they can withstand.

Tool and die makers work from blueprints or instructions. They measure and mark the pieces of metal that will be cut to form parts of the final product. They often do test runs to make sure that plans are correct. They check to be sure that the final product meets requirements.

Modern technology is changing the way that tool and die makers do their jobs. Many tool and die makers now use computer-aided design (CAD) to develop products and parts.

With CAD, workers enter specifications into computer programs. These programs produce drawings for the required tools and dies.

The electronic drawings are processed by a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) program that calculates the tool path and the sequence of operations. Computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines produce the die.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Boilermakers
• Bookbinders and Bindery Workers
• Bricklayers and Stonemasons
• Glass Blowers
• Machinists
• Manufacturing Production Technicians
• Metal and Plastic Processing Workers
• Numerical Control Tool Programmers
• Sheet Metal Workers
• Welding and Soldering Machine Operators

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to tool and die makers.

• Craft precision tools used to cut, shape, and form metal and other materials.
• Construct metal forms (dies) used to shape metal in forging and stamping operations.
• Visualize and determine dimensions, sizes, and shapes.
• Conduct test runs to make sure that parts turn out as planned. Make changes as necessary.
• Develop and design new tools and dies.
• Repair worn or damaged tools, dies, and other devices.
• Operate a variety of machine tools and precision measuring instruments. Use knowledge of the properties of metals.
• Read blueprints or instructions to plan the sequence of work.
• Measure and mark the pieces of metal that will be cut to form parts of the final product.
• Cut, bore, or drill parts.
• Check finished parts to be sure they meet requirements.
• Assemble parts. Finish parts by filing, grinding, and polishing surfaces.
• May use computer-aided drafting (CAD) to develop products and parts. May use computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to lay out and cut parts. May use other computer-controlled machines.

Common work activities

Tool and die makers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Control machines and processes
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Get information needed to do the job
• Process information
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Think creatively
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Handle and move objects
• Evaluate information against standards
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Analyze data or information
• Use computers
• Document and record information
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Develop goals and strategies

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, tool and die makers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of job-required social contact.
• Communicate with others mostly by face-to-face discussions. They also talk with others on the telephone, but less often.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of others in the shop.
• Are responsible for the work done by others.
• May work as part of a team of tool and die workers.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Are exposed to contaminants on a daily basis.
• Always wear protective equipment, such as safety glasses, earplugs, gloves, and masks.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous equipment and situations that might produce cuts or scrapes.
• Work near others, sometimes within a few feet.
• Are sometimes exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable.
• May travel to or around work places in an open vehicle.

Work performance

• Must be very exact in their work. Items may require precision drilling to one ten-thousandth of an inch. Oversights could cause injuries or poor workmanship.
• Work in a competitive atmosphere where weekly deadlines must be met.
• Make decisions that affect the outcome of projects on a weekly basis. They make most decisions without consulting a supervisor.
• Set most of their daily tasks and goals without discussing them with a supervisor first.
• Repeat the same physical activities.
• Must sometimes keep pace with the speed of equipment.

Hours/travel

• Often work a regular 40-hour week. However, as the cost of new machinery has increased, many employers now have more than one shift.
• May work overtime and weekends, especially during peak production periods.
• Generally work an established schedule.

Physical demands

Tool and die makers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for tool and die makers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for tool and die makers to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Move arms and legs quickly.

Skills and abilities

Tool and die makers need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Understand written information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.

Work with things

• Operate and control equipment.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Tool and Die Technology

Other programs of study to consider

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology
• Machine Shop Technology
• Precision Crafting and Repair

Training

To work as a tool and die maker, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete long-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required beyond high school.

Work experience

Working as a machinist is excellent preparation for this occupation.

On-the-job training

Many tool and die makers receive informal on-the-job training from an experienced worker. Trainees usually begin as helpers. They learn to operate a variety of machine tool and hand tools. On-the-job training lasts several years. Many people who are trained on the job began as machinists.

Washington apprenticeships

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#Address ok lh 3/25/08 lh & 4/15/09, 5/7/13, 4/14/15, 2/21/17, 3/11/19 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate. Tool and die makers use advanced math. Try to take math through Trigonometry.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Computer-Assisted Design (CAD)
• Drafting
• Industrial Arts
• Machining
• Metalworking
• Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Some employers prefer to hire tool and die makers who have completed a training program. Training may have been through a program at a community college or vocational school. Some employers promote machine operators or machinists to the more highly skilled job of tool and die maker.

Employers look for applicants who have a high degree of patience and attention to detail. Good eyesight is also very important. Tool and die makers should have mechanical ability and be able to work independently.

Most tool and die makers in Washington must be journey-level machinists before they can become apprentice tool and die makers. Apprenticeship training opportunities in Washington are limited.

Costs to workers

Some workers may be required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and monthly dues. Most workers are also required to have their own tools.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Tool and Die Makers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by industry and area of the country. The worker's level of experience also affects wages.

Tool and die makers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

In Washington, the outlook depends on stability and expansion of industries that use metal tools or devices to mass produce products. Employment growth has been heavily impacted by the use of nonmetal materials, especially plastics. Some workers are becoming plastic mold makers. Plastic mold making requires many of the same skills used by tool and die makers.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Jobs for tool and die makers are most plentiful in the Midwest and Northeast, where many of the metalworking industries are located.

Major employers:

• Metalworking machinery manufacturers
• Motor vehicle parts manufacturers
• Metal forging and stamping manufacturers
• Plastic product manufacturing

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is declining. This is due to foreign competition and computer automation. However, tool and die makers will continue to be needed. Manufacturers periodically retool their current machines to meet design changes for cars, planes, and other products. These workers will be needed to do the retooling.

Despite the declining number of jobs, many openings will be created each year. Current tool and die makers will retire or leave the field. In addition, employers report difficulties in finding skilled workers. Thus, job seekers with the appropriate skills and background should have excellent opportunities for finding work.

Other resources

Association for Manufacturing Technology 
7901 Westpark Drive
McLean, VA 22102
800.524.0475
703.893.2900

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers 
9000 Machinists Place
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301.967.4500

Precision Metalforming Association 
6363 Oak Tree Boulevard
Independence, OH 44131
216.901.8800

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Manufacturing

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Tool and Die Makers (51-4111.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Carbide Operator (601.380-010) 
• Die Finisher (601.381-010) 
• Die Maker (601.381-014) 
• Die Maker (739.381-018) 
• Die Maker, Bench, Stamping (601.281-010) 
• Die Maker, Electronic (601.381-042) 
• Die Maker, Stamping (601.280-010) 
• Die Maker, Trim (601.280-014) 
• Die Maker, Wire Drawing (601.280-018) 
• Die Sinker (601.280-022) 
• Die-maker Apprentice (601.381-022) 
• Die-maker Apprentice (739.381-022) 
• Die-try-out Worker, Stamping (601.281-014) 
• Mold Maker, Die-casting and Plastic Molding (601.280-030) 
• Plastic Tool Maker (601.381-026) 
• Plastic-fixture Builder (601.381-030) 
• Saw Maker (601.381-034) 
• Tap-and-die-maker Technician (601.280-034) 
• Tool Maker (601.280-042) 
• Tool Maker, Bench (601.281-026) 
• Tool-and-die Maker (601.260-010) 
• Tool-and-die-maker Apprentice (601.260-014) 
• Tool-maker Apprentice (601.280-058) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Investigative/Conventional

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled