TOOL AND DIE MAKERS California Occupational Guide Number 15 Interest Area 5-C 1995
TRENDS
Modern technology is changing the field of TOOL and DIE MAKERS. The use of computer aided design (CAD) to develop products is common. Specifications from the computer program are used to develop designs electronically for tools and dies. The designs are then sent to computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines to produce the die. In shops that use numerically controlled (NC) machine tools, Tool and Die Makers often assist in planning and writing NC programs.
In some industries, the number of products that use machined parts by Tool and Die Makers have been reduced because of the use of electronically controlled machine tools. And despite the rising demand for products and the need for tools and dies and the workers who make them, employment growth may be limited to use of NC machine tools. The increased use of NC machine tools has reduced the number of operations done by hand, resulting in high quality precision parts being made with fewer workers. Additionally, imports of finished goods and precision metal products could decrease some demand for Tool and Die Makers during the next few years.
THE JOB
Tool and Die Makers are highly skilled workers. They make tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and gauges that are used in mass production machines to manufacture identical parts and assemblies made of metal or combinations of metal and other materials. Such mass production enables manufacturers to produce goods at much lower cost than would be possible if each were handmade.
Although sharing tools and techniques, makers of tools and dies are responsible for different products. Tool makers use machine tools to make jigs and fixtures, which hold metal parts while they are shaved, stamped, or drilled. Die makers make metal forms, or dies, that shape metal in stamping and forging operations. Tool and Die Makers are usually responsible for the entire sequence of tool and die construction, starting with its design, and ending with the final machined product. Before constructing the tool, die, jig, or fixture, they study specifications, blueprints, sketches, and models. They compute dimensions, sizes, and shapes based on these descriptions, and design parts and procedures to manufacture and assemble tools and dies. They use lathes, mills, grinders, drills, jigs, and borers to create the tools and dies. Precision hand tools, gauges, and optical and electronic devices are sometimes used.
Tool and Die Makers are highly skilled workers. Beyond basic machinist skills, they possess extensive knowledge of the physical properties of various metals and alloys, and the limits to which these materials can be shaped and worked. They also understand techniques which impart different strengths to the material being formed.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Most Tool and Die Makers work either in large manufacturing plants or in contract shops specializing in making tools and dies. These firms are concentrated in urban areas. Large facilities may operate under agreement with a union such as the International Association of Machinists or the United Auto Workers. Work areas are relatively pleasant, and generally quieter and cleaner than production machine shops There is some moderate heavy lifting involved in the work. The work of Tool and Die Makers requires a great deal of patience and attention to detail. Adequate mobility and manual dexterity are required. As with any use of hand or power tools, injury is possible, but with reasonable care adhering to safety rules and use of protective equipment, the work is generally safe.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Demand is moderate for Tool and Die Makers. They generally are not adversely impacted by changing product designs and technologies outside of their own industry, since new products usually require new tools and dies. Recent improvement in the machines that Tool and Die Makers use, however, may boost the productivity of each worker, thus slowing the growth rate in the industry. The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 9,850 Estimated number of workers in 2005 10,290 Projected Growth Percentage 1990-2005 5% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 3,950
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover)
Tool and Die Makers usually enjoy considerable job security. Since they are highly skilled and represent an investment of years of training at considerable expense, employers are reluctant to lay them off, even in times of economic adversity.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Tool and Die Makers can earn as little as $6.00 when starting out to as much as $25.00 an hour as journey-level workers. Wages also vary from firm to firm. The standard workweek is Monday through Friday. Overtime, if required, is compensated at one and one-half times the basic rate; Sunday and holiday work is paid at twice the basic rate.
Fringe benefits vary by firm, but generally include health care, retirement, and sick leave benefits, as well as paid holidays and vacations.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Tool and Die Makers must undergo extensive training in order to perform the complex tasks necessary in the trade. They may acquire these skills in one or a combination of three ways: a formal apprenticeship, vocational school, or on-the job training.
Training in the four-year apprenticeship program is spent mostly in the shop and on the job. Apprentices learn to operate hand and power tools, and other mechanical equipment. They also study heat treating and other metal working processes. In addition to shop work, apprentices receive on an average of 144 hours per year of classroom instruction in mathematics, mechanical drawing, tool designing, tool programming, and blueprint reading.
Vocational education programs are available through many community colleges. At the present time, about 50 colleges offer programs leading to a certificate or degree in machines shop. Some community colleges offer tool design technology courses.
On-the-job training is also a common way Tool and Die Makers learn the trade. However, because there is no formally planned schedule of work experience and related training, on-the-job training is generally not as thorough and may take longer than an apprenticeship program.
Since the work involves intricate manipulation of tools and instruments, tool and die makers need superior mechanical aptitudes, the ability to understand and analyze the workings of machinery, knowledge of shop mathematics, and the capacity to visualize mechanical and physical relationships between objects.
ADVANCEMENT
Tool and Die Maker training does not necessarily end with the attainment of journey-level status. They must constantly refine their techniques to keep pace with changing designs, materials, and technologies. The more skilled and knowledgeable they become, the more valuable they are to their company, and the higher the salary they can earn. Some specialized tasks are quite complicated and may take several years to learn.
There are many advancement opportunities for skilled Tool and Die Makers. They may become tool inspectors, lead persons, or supervisors. Tool design and programming are also possibilities, as are management positions with the company. Some tool and die workers start their own businesses.
FINDING THE JOB
Candidates for training or apprenticeship programs should apply directly to employers who employ Tool and Die Makers. Most community colleges offer assistance in finding jobs to graduates of degree or certificate programs in tool and die making or machine shop. They should also register with the nearest Job Services Office of the Employment Development Department. Unions representing Tool and Die Makers also have information concerning apprenticeships and related matters.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
National Tooling and Machining Association 9300 Livingston Road Ft. Washington MD 20744
International Union of Tool, Die, & Mold Makers 71 E Cherry Street Rahway NJ 07065
American Machine Tool Distributors' Association 1335 Rockville Pike Rockville MD 20852
The Association for Manufacturing Technology 7901 Westpark Drive McLean, VA 22102
Precision Metalforming Association 27027 Chardon Road Richmond Heights, OH 44143
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Machinists, Machine Tool Operators No. 9 Machine Shop Inspectors No. 281
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Tool Makers 601.280-042 Die Makers 601.381-014
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Tool and Die Makers 891020
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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