Tool and die makers make, repair and test dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, prototypes and specialty tools. In some jurisdictions, they may also build moulds. 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 many of the same machining tools as machinists such as lathes, milling machines, saws, grinding machines, drilling machines, computer numerical control (CNC) machines and electrical discharge machines (EDM). They also use precision metal-working tools, hand tools and measuring equipment to ensure accuracy and close tolerances. They work from drawings, computer-aided designs, specifications and their own concepts to calculate dimensions, tolerances and types of fit. They must be knowledgeable about the properties of metal, plastic, rubber and composite materials. Tool and die makers work in tool rooms or machine shops in industries where manufacturing and research is done. These may include industries that specialize in hardware and tooling, machinery equipment, motor vehicle parts, aerospace parts, research and development, high tech equipment or medical equipment. Tool and die makers may also work in mould shops, shipyards, rail yards, refineries, pulp and paper mills, mines, smelters and overhaul shops.
Some tool and die makers may specialize in design, prototyping, heat treating, testing, jig and fixture fabrication, die fabrication, 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 ignited and heated materials. Precautions are required while working with manufacturing chemicals and airborne irritants.
Key attributes for people entering this trade are: communication skills, mechanical aptitude, hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, an ability to work independently and in teams, logical reasoning ability, an understanding of mathematics and physics, above average spatial ability and the ability to plan and think sequentially as well as multi-dimensionally. The work often requires considerable physical activity. Tool and die makers may work with other professionals such as machinists, mould makers, industrial mechanics (millwrights) 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, industrial mechanic (millwright) and CNC programmer.
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How to Become a Chartered Accountant
Education: You must have completed: 1. A university degree with specific business course credits 2. The professional program in your province or territory This level of education will provide you with the sound base of knowledge you will need to develop the skills and the values necessary to demonstrate competence.... More >
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Apprenticeship Completion Grant
The Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG) is a $2,000 taxable cash grant designed to encourage apprentices registered in a designated Red Seal trade to complete their apprenticeship program and receive their certification. Eligibility is retroactive to January 1, 2009. The completion grant will be offered to apprentices who complete their training,... More >
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Apprenticeship Incentive Grant
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Alberta Volunteer Centres
Banff Volunteer Centre 302 Buffalo Street, Box 5148 Banff AB, T1L 1G3 Telephone: 403.762.4466 Fax: 403.762.4463 info@volunteerbanff.ab.ca www.volunteerbanff.ab.ca Volunteer Calgary Suite 1170, Kahanoff Centre 1202 Centre St SE Calgary, AB T2G 5A5 Telephone: 403.265.5633 Fax: 403.265.8981 info@volunteercalgary.ab.ca www.volunteercalgary.ab.ca Volunteer Centre of Camrose and District 3, 4516 รข?? 54 Street Camrose,... More >
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Volunteer Centres in Yukon
Yukon Volunteer Bureau P.O. Box 31107 3123 3rd Avenue Whitehorse, Y1A 5P7 tel: 867-456-4304 fax: 867-456-4302 www.volunteerbureau.yk.ca info@volunteerbureau.yk.ca More >
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Atlantic Canada Volunteer Centres
Miramichi Volunteer Services Inc. 65 Henry Street Miramichi, E1V 1N4 Tel: 506-622-6565 Fax: 506-622-2933 mvsi@nb.aibn.com Centre de benevolat de la peninsule acadienne 220, boul St Pierre Ouest, suite 100 Caraquet, E1W 1A5 Tel: 506-727-1860 Fax: 506-727-1862 centbene@nbnet.nb.ca Volunteer Centre of Southeastern New Brunswick Inc. 236 St. George Street, Suite 315... More >
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Ironworker (Generalist)
Ironworkers (generalists) work with both structural/ornamental and reinforcing steel materials. They install structural/ornamental steel components, precast concrete members and glued laminated timber products (glulam) and place reinforcing steel in commercial, industrial, institutional and large residential buildings, towers, bridges and stadiums. They erect pre-engineered buildings and ornamental ironwork such as curtain... More >