Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.
Patternmakers are the skilled technicians who are responsible for creating templates, and mass-produce products such as clothing, shoes, furniture, and plastic ware. The patternmakers jobs include translation of blueprints, and design models into factory patterns using drafting software. Their daily tasks consist of assembling pattern sections using hand tools, bolts, screws, and plan operational sequences.
To pursue a career as engineering patternmaker, the candidate has to complete a High School Diploma with previous work experience in the respective field. Besides that, the candidate must have the knowledge of raw materials, production, and processing, mechanical, mathematical, design, and engineering and technology. Also, the applicant must have skills in operations monitoring, quality control analysis, and complex problem solving with technical skills in CAD, Microsoft Outlook, Mastercam, electronic mail software etc.
To get successful in patternmaker jobs, one must have the ability to see the details closely, move the hands steadily, detect malfunctions in the equipment, and understand and read the information and convey it to the others. Some of the career opportunities are - Fixture Builder, Pattern Maker Programmer, Wax Molder, Layout Technician, Pattern Repair Person.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- B.Voc Tool and Die Manufacturing
- ITI Course Tool and Die Maker
- NSQF Level 5 Tool and Die Maker
Tasks
- Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.
- Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences.
- Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers.
- Program computerized numerical control machine tools.
- Design and create templates, patterns, or coreboxes according to work orders, sample parts, or mockups.
- Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.
- Repair and rework templates and patterns.
- Lay out and draw or scribe patterns onto material, using compasses, protractors, rulers, scribes, or other instruments.
- Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.
- Construct platforms, fixtures, and jigs for holding and placing patterns.
Progression Routes
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