“Tool and die maker” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the CCDA. This analysis covers tasks performed by tool and die makers whose occupational title has been identified by some provinces and territories of Canada under the following names:
Tool and die makers design, create, repair and test prototypes and production tools such as dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and specialty tools using various metals, alloys and plastics. In some jurisdictions, they also build and repair moulds. They produce tooling used to manufacture and stamp out parts and they supply tooling and dies for all manufacturing sectors such as domestic consumer goods, transportation industry, medical, electronics, automotive and aerospace. They lay out, set up, machine, fit and finish metal components. They design and make items to meet exacting standards in dimensions, strength and hardness.
Tool and die makers use machining tools such as lathes, mills, saws, grinders, drills, computer numerical control (CNC) machines and Electrical Discharge Machines (EDM). They also use hand tools and measuring equipment to ensure accuracy and close tolerances. They work from sketches, drawings, computer-aided designs (CAD), specifications and their own concepts to calculate dimensions, tolerances and types of fit. They must be knowledgeable about the properties of metal and non-metallic materials such as plastic, rubber and composite materials.
Tool and die makers usually work indoors in tool rooms and machine shops in industry sectors where manufacturing and research is done. These may include industries that specialize in hardware and tooling, machinery equipment, motor vehicle parts, aerospace, research and development, transportation, high tech equipment or medical equipment.
Some tool and die makers may specialize in design, prototyping, automation equipment fabrication, tool and cutter making, heat treating, test equipment, gauge making, jig and fixture making, die making, mould making, assembly, inspection and programming.
Safety is important at all times. There are risks of injury working with moving machine parts, flying chips, sharp edges and extreme heat from heated materials. Tool and die makers may also be lifting and moving heavy components. Precautions are required while working with manufacturing chemicals, airborne irritants, toxic lubricants and cleaners.
Some attributes for people entering this trade are: communication skills, mechanical aptitude, attention to details, hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, ability to work independently and in teams, logical reasoning ability, advanced knowledge of mathematics and applied science, creativity, resourcefulness, above average spatial ability and ability to plan and think sequentially. The work often requires considerable physical activity and stamina as tool and die makers spend long periods of time on their feet. Tool and die makers may work with other professionals such as machinists, mould makers, industrial mechanics (millwrights), designers, programmers and engineers.
Experienced tool and die makers may become business owners, managers or instructors. With additional training, they may transfer their skills to design and engineering responsibilities. Their skills are also transferable to related occupations such as machinist, mould maker, pattern maker, industrial mechanic (millwright) and CNC programmer.
For more information, see Red Seal Trades – Tool and Die Maker
