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A die maker builds and repairs metallic shapes used to create molds for composite materials and metal parts. They require exemplary math skills and the ability to read blueprints. They can find work in various industries and require four to five years of education and training. As technology advances, their job becomes more complicated, and they must keep up with new skills. Companies often look for new graduates trained in computer-controlled program (CNC) writing.
A mold maker builds and fixes metallic shapes, called dies, used to create molds for composite materials such as ceramics and plastics. Dies are also used for forging and stamping metal parts. Die makers sometimes produce and repair the actual dies and tools used by other die makers. They are usually grouped with toolmakers as they are both extremely skilled machinists. Toolmakers, however, often produce machine parts, jigs, fixtures, and measuring devices rather than dies and stamping equipment.
Most of a die maker’s work involves operating machining equipment and using precision measuring devices. He regularly uses grinders, milling machines, lathes, shears and saws, as well as a wide range of hand tools. His math skills must be exemplary, as every piece he creates requires exact measurements that are sometimes measured to the thousandths of an inch. Mathematics is used in every step of die production, from layout to cutting, shaping and final refinement. The ability to read and interpret blueprints and diagrams is also an important part of your job.
Die makers can usually find work in almost any industrialized nation. They are often employed by die and tool making factories and factories. Other places that employ die makers are producers of plastic and metal products, especially metalworking machinery. Automobile manufacturers and the aerospace industry also employ a large number of die makers.
A die maker typically needs four to five years of education and training before being recognized in the industry as fully qualified. Technical institutes, community colleges, and some trade schools often offer courses in hand tool design, machine programming, mathematics, computer-aided design, and blueprint reading. Many skills are best learned through observation, and on-the-job training is often available to die-making apprentices through unions and local companies.
As technology advances, the die maker’s job becomes more complicated. Designs previously done by hand are now created with specialized computer software. Machine tool programming has become simpler in many ways, but computer-aided design software applications continue to require more technological know-how.
Die makers can usually be contracted directly out of the school. Companies are looking for new graduates because they are more likely to be trained in computer-controlled program (CNC) writing. Operating CNC machines is becoming a requirement for many die manufacturing companies. Experienced die makers often take classes to refresh their skills to keep up with technology.
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