What is Tool and Die Making?

I started my career in tool and die making without having a grasp of what it actually was. Over the years, I have worked with many tool and die makers that said the same thing. I now explain it to people as a tool and die maker makes industrial tools which make parts. There are several main types of industrial tools, they are typically molds and stamping dies.

The job requirements vary from shop to shop, but generally the tool and die maker works on CNC machines and tool room machines to make components for the tools. These parts get fitted together, then the tool is assembled. The tool and die maker needs these following skills to succeed at their jobs:

• Mathematical Skills - Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and compute basic trigonometry functions while choosing the right methods to solve the problem

• Reasoning Ability - Ability to use common sense understanding and solve problems

• Oral Comprehension - Ability to listen and understand information spoken

• Computer Literacy - Ability to use a computer and work with Microsoft Office programs

• Mechanical / Technical Skills - Must operate lathes, mills, grinders and other computer controlled machines