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Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Occupation Detailed Description

Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic career

General Job Description and Education/Training Levels for Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

The main tasks and work activities of Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic are to operate grinding equipment, plan production or operational procedures or sequences, calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment, review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences. In general, for the Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic, operation Monitoring, quality Control Analysis, operation and Control, complex Problem Solving and other 6 skills are required.
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic Job Description
EducationMost occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Related ExperiencePrevious work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job TrainingEmployees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
ExampleThese occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
The following chart shows the education/training levels for Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic jobs. 33.48% of Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic have High School Diploma (or the equivalent) and 15.00% of Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic have Post-Secondary Certificate.
Less than a High School Diploma
8.68%
High School Diploma (or the equivalent)
33.48%
Post-Secondary Certificate
15.00%
Some College Courses
40.25%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
2.47%
Bachelor's Degree and Above
0.12%

Tasks and Work Activities of Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

  • 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.
  • Mark identification numbers or symbols onto patterns or templates.
  • Select pattern materials such as wood, resin, and fiberglass.
  • Apply plastic-impregnated fabrics or coats of sealing wax or lacquer to patterns used to produce plastic.
  • Paint or lacquer patterns.
  • Create computer models of patterns or parts, using modeling software.
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesUsing either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
  • Getting InformationObserving, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkDeveloping specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialInspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesProviding information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsAnalyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentProviding documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsIdentifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeKeeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Thinking CreativelyDeveloping, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
  • Operate grinding equipment.
  • Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
  • Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.
  • Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
  • Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
  • Program equipment to perform production tasks.
  • Design templates or patterns.
  • Operate welding equipment.
  • Construct patterns, templates, or other work aids.
  • Repair templates, patterns, or molds.
  • Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
  • Smooth metal surfaces or edges.
  • Clean workpieces or finished products.
  • Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.
  • Select production input materials.
  • Apply solutions to production equipment.
  • Apply protective or decorative finishes to workpieces or products.

Skills and Abilities for Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

  • Operation MonitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Quality Control AnalysisConducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • Operation and ControlControlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Complex Problem SolvingIdentifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • MonitoringMonitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • SpeakingTalking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Active ListeningGiving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Reading ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Near VisionThe ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessThe ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • VisualizationThe ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
  • Problem SensitivityThe ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Control PrecisionThe ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
  • Manual DexterityThe ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • Selective AttentionThe ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
  • Information OrderingThe ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
  • Deductive ReasoningThe ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Finger DexterityThe ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
  • Category FlexibilityThe ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
  • Speech ClarityThe ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  • Inductive ReasoningThe ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • Speech RecognitionThe ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  • Oral ExpressionThe ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Written ComprehensionThe ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Oral ComprehensionThe ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Traveling column milling machinee.g. 2/3 axis computer numerically controlled CNC milling machines
  • Metal band sawing machinee.g. Bandsaws
  • Drill press or radial drille.g. Benchtop drill presses
  • Turret lathee.g. Computer numerical control CNC turning centers
  • Foundry cruciblese.g. Crucible furnaces
  • Bench scalese.g. Digital bench scales
  • Caliperse.g. Digital calipers
  • Micrometerse.g. Digital micrometers
  • Disc sandere.g. Disc sanders
  • Compassese.g. Dividers
  • Utility knivese.g. Draw knives
  • Core drying ovense.g. Drying chambers
  • Hoistse.g. Electric hoists
  • Cold chiselse.g. Flat cold chisels
  • Foundry ladlese.g. Foundry casting ladles
  • Foundry flaskse.g. Foundry flasks
  • Casting machinese.g. Gating systems
  • Horizontal turning centere.g. Horizontal turning centers
  • Boring machinese.g. Jig borers
  • Laser measuring systemse.g. Laser scanner coordinate capturing equipment
  • Production and ProcessingKnowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
  • MechanicalKnowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • MathematicsKnowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • DesignKnowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Engineering and TechnologyKnowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.