Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.
Work Activities
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Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.
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Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.
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Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.
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Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.
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Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools, hand tools, or welders.
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Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.
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Select metals to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness or heat tolerance.
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Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.
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File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together.
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Smooth and polish flat and contoured surfaces of parts or tools, using scrapers, abrasive stones, files, emery cloths, or power grinders.
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Measure, mark, and scribe metal or plastic stock to lay out machining, using instruments such as protractors, micrometers, scribes, or rulers.
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Conduct test runs with completed tools or dies to ensure that parts meet specifications, making adjustments as necessary.
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Design jigs, fixtures, and templates for use as work aids in the fabrication of parts or products.
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Cut, shape, and trim blanks or blocks to specified lengths or shapes, using power saws, power shears, rules, and hand tools.
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Develop and design new tools and dies, using computer-aided design software.
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Set up and operate drill presses to drill and tap holes in parts for assembly.
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Set pyrometer controls of heat-treating furnaces and feed or place parts, tools, or assemblies into furnaces to harden.
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Visualization
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
- Education Postsecondary certificate
- Work Experience No work experience
- Training More than 1 year on-the-job training
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Realistic: People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.They do well at jobs that need:
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Attention to Detail
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Dependability
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Persistence
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Cooperation
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Independence
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Initiative
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Power grinders
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Gage block set
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Drill press or radial drill
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Calipers
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Boring machines
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Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software
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Inventory management software
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Enterprise resource planning ERP software
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Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
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Computer aided design CAD software
