Tool & Die Making Course - Introduction, Duties, Quality, Workplace, Careerpath

Diploma in Tool & Die making is a unique course which is not generally available at regular polytechnic college. It is designed in such way as to make the student directly employable without further training as soon as he or she completes the course. The training comprises not only theory but also practical work allowing the students to learn hands on.

A tool & die maker is highly skilled machinist. They produce tools, dies and parts of machines used to manufacture a variety of products. Tool & die makers have a broad knowledge of machining operation. In addition, they have an aptitude for mathematics, read blueprints, and do precise handwork. Most of tool & die maker use computer aided design to produce tools and dies. Tool & die makers are trained in both writing computer numerically controlled programs and operating computer numerically controlled machines, and may perform either or both task.

        Tool and die makers construct  precision tools or metal forms, called dies, that are used to cut, shape, and form metal and other materials. They produce jigs and fixtures—devices that hold metal while it is bored, stamped, or drilled—and gauges and other measuring devices.

        Dies 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.

        Tool and die makers use CAD to develop products and parts. They enter designs into computer programs that produce blueprints for the required tools and dies. Computer numeric control programmers, described in the metal and plastic machine workers profile, convert CAD designs into CAM 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 often are trained to both operate CNC machines and write CNC programs and thus may do either task.

Workplace of Tool & Die Maker

The vast majority of tool and die makers work in manufacturing. They work in machine shops and tool rooms and on factory floors, where work areas are well lit and ventilated. Although the work generally is not dangerous, working around machine tools presents certain hazards, and workers must follow precautions. For example, workers must wear protective equipment, such as safety glasses to shield against bits of flying metal and earplugs to dampen the noise produced by machinery.

Most tool and die makers work full time during regular business hours. However, overtime is common. Because many manufacturers run the machinery for long hours, evening and weekend work is also common.

Duties of Tool and Die Makers

• Read blueprints, sketches, specifications, or CAD and CAM files for making tools and dies
• Compute and verify dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of workpieces
• Set up, operate, and disassemble conventional, manual, and CNC machine tools
• File, grind, and adjust parts so that they fit together properly
• Test completed tools and dies to ensure that they meet specifications
• Smooth and polish the surfaces of tools and dies

Important Qualities Tool and Die Makers

Analytical skills. Machinists and tool and die makers must understand technical blueprints, models, and specifications so that they can craft precision tools and metal parts.

Manual dexterity. Machinists' and tool and die makers' work must be accurate. For example, machining parts may demand accuracy to within .0001 of an inch, a level of accuracy that requires workers' concentration and dexterity.

Math skills and computer application experience. Workers must be experienced in using computers to work with CAD/CAM technology, CNC machine tools, and computerized measuring machines.

Mechanical skills. Machinists and tool and die makers must operate milling machines, lathes, grinders, laser and water cutting machines, wire electrical discharge machines, and other machine tools.

Physical stamina. Machinist and tool and die makers must stand for extended periods and perform repetitious movements.

Technical skills. Machinists and tool and die makers must understand computerized measuring machines and metalworking processes, such as stock removal, chip control, and heat treating and plating.