Job description Steel-rule Die Maker in the West Coast–Northern Peninsula–Labrador Region

Find out what work is like for a steel-rule die maker in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Tool and die makers (NOC 72101).

Tool and die makers

Description

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. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Tool and die makers have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • Tool and die makers
  • Read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications of tools, dies, prototypes or models
  • Prepare templates and sketches, and determine work processes
  • Compute dimensions and tolerances and set up machine tools
  • Position, secure, measure and work metal stock or castings to lay out for machining
  • 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
  • Verify machined parts for conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments such as verniers, callipers, micrometers, coordinate measuring machines (CMM) and electronic measuring devices
  • Fit and assemble or disassemble parts using hand tools
  • Test completed tools, dies, jigs or fixtures for proper operation
  • May program CNC machine tools.
  • Metal mould makers and patternmakers
  • Machine, fit and assemble castings and other parts to make precision models of required shape such as metal patterns, core boxes and match plates
  • Machine, fit and assemble parts to make metal moulds and cores for plastic injection moulding, or other production processes
  • Lay out, shape and assemble patterns of metal, wood, plastic and other materials from blueprints, models or templates
  • May program CNC machine tools.

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 72101), and a list of similar occupations:

  • die finisher
  • die maker
  • jig maker
  • metal mould maker
  • metal patternmaker
  • metal patternmaker apprentice
  • mould maker apprentice
  • mould maker - plastics processing
  • tool and die maker
  • tool and die maker apprentice
  • toolmaker

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as Tool and die makers in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
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