They build the dies that mass produce parts for many industries including small appliances, computers, automobiles and aircraft. Diemakers use both manual and computer controlled machine tools to build intricate and close tolerance dies. Diemakers need the skills to work to close tolerances, interpret blueprints and follow detailed instructions. Excellent career opportunities exist for die makers because of a nationwide shortage of these highly skilled craftsmen. Diemakers work in both small and large companies and earn good pay in jobs that encourage creativity and innovation.
Opportunities exist to move into management positions or start a business.
Moldmakers are machinists with additional skills in the design and construction of plastic injection molds. They build the molds that mass produce the plastic products that make our high-tech world possible. Products ranging from pens to automobile parts to medical implants are produced by the molding process. Moldmakers use both manual and computer controlled machine tools to build plastic injection molds that require intricate 3-dimensional shapes and close tolerances. Moldmakers must be able to visualize 3-dimensional objects from a blueprint, pay attention to details and work to close tolerances.