Tool and die manufacturing primarily involves the creation of tools used in other manufacturing processes. These are generally used as components of larger machines. For example, the cutting edges of blades and tips used for cutting and shaping materials, molds used to give form to manufactured items, gauges, fixtures, and numerous other similar parts all fall under the list of items a tool and die manufacturer specializes in creating. Tool and die manufacturing involves elements of both science and artistic design, and tool and die makers are thus required to have experience in these fields, as well as in engineering.
A day in the life of a tool and die manufacturer
A tool and die manufacturer’s daily job generally involves taking raw materials and cutting, molding and shaping them into the shape and size they are required to be. This involves beforehand designing and planning, preparation, and a number of other steps. The tool and die maker’s workspace typically involves numerous sections, each for the corresponding aspect of his job—a space for design, a space for cutting, and so on. In addition to hands-on crafting abilities, the modern tool and die manufacturer is typically required to have knowledge of technology and software as well.
Modern manufacturing techniques and software are now a necessity
Having a knowledge of advanced technology is important to a tool and die maker because in the modern realm of tool and die making, using software to assist in the process is required. This is because having software to help you throughout the process—3d imaging and modeling software for design, software to update your designs and make sure they are on par, etc—not only makes your final product more precise and clean, it makes the entire process faster and more cost efficient, saving both the tool and die maker and his customer time and money. To see modern manufacturing software in action, try our free product demo here at SMe Software.
