Patternmakers, Metal & Plastic
Also called: Pattern Maker, Metal Pattern Maker, Machinist, Die Cast Die Maker
What they do:
Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.
On the job, you would:
- Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, in order to machine castings or patterns.
- Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made; then compute dimensions and plan operational sequences.
- Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers.
Knowledge
Engineering and Technology
- mechanical
- design
Math and Science
- arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
- manufacture and distribution of products
Business
- management
Skills
Basic Skills
- keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
- thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Abilities
Hand and Finger Use
- keep your arm or hand steady
- hold or move items with your hands
Verbal
- listen and understand what people say
- communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
- notice when problems happen
- order or arrange things
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Independence
- Analytical Thinking
- Innovation
- Integrity
Technology
Examples of the technology used in this career will be available soon.
Education
some college or
high school diploma
usually needed
high school diploma
usually needed
These apprenticeships may have sponsors in your area:
- Patternmaker (Metal Production, Not Elsewhere Classified)
- Patternmaker (Stonework)
- Patternmaker, All-Around
- Patternmaker, Metal
- Patternmaker, Metal, Bench
- Patternmaker, Plastics
- Patternmaking - Metal
- Template Maker
- Template Maker, Extrusion Die
Job Outlook
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
$39,950
per year, on average
Explore More
- Drilling & Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic
- Foundry Mold & Coremakers
- Printing Press Operators
- Tool & Die Makers
You might like a career in one of these industries: