Unit Group
7232 Tool and die makers
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.
Example 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
View all titles
Main duties
Tool and die makers perform some or all of the following duties:
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Read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications of tools, dies, prototypes or models
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Prepare templates and sketches, and determine work processes
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Compute dimensions and tolerances and set up machine tools
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Position, secure, measure and work metal stock or castings to lay out for machining
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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
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Verify machined parts for conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments such as verniers, callipers, micrometers, co-ordinate measuring machines (CMM) and electronic measuring devices
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Fit and assemble or disassemble parts using hand tools
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Test completed tools, dies, jigs or fixtures for proper operation
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May program CNC machine tools.
Metal patternmakers perform some or all of the following duties:
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Machine, fit and assemble castings and other parts to make precision models of required shape such as metal patterns, core boxes and match plates
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Lay out, shape and assemble patterns of metal, wood, plastic and other materials from blueprints, models or templates
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May program CNC machine tools.
Metal mould makers perform some or all of the following duties:
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Machine, fit and assemble parts to make metal moulds and cores for plastic injection moulding, or other production processes
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May program CNC machine tools.
Employment requirements
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Completion of secondary school is usually required.
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Completion of a four- or five-year tool and die making apprenticeship program
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or
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A combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in tool and die making is usually required to be eligible for tool and die trade certification.
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Tool and die making trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia.
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Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified tool and die makers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
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Mould makers usually require completion of a four-year apprenticeship or college program in mould making.
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Trade certification for mould makers is available, but voluntary, in Quebec and Ontario.
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Patternmakers usually require completion of an apprenticeship or college program in patternmaking.
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Patternmaking trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Ontario.
Additional information
Classified elsewhere
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Machining tool operators (9417)
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Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors (7231)
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Manual and machine mould makers and core makers (in 9412 Foundry workers )
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Supervisors of tool and die makers, metal mould makers and patternmakers (in 7201 Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations )
