What You'll Do

  • 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.

Essential Skills

Operations Monitoring 3.38/5
Operation and Control 3.12/5
Quality Control Analysis 3.12/5
Reading Comprehension 3.0/5
Active Listening 3.0/5
Speaking 3.0/5
Critical Thinking 3.0/5
Monitoring 3.0/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.0/5
Judgment and Decision Making 2.88/5
Time Management 2.88/5
Active Learning 2.62/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Artist: Creating original work and expressing ideas feels natural.

Common styles

Attention to Detail, Dependability, Stress Tolerance, Cooperation, Independence

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Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Near Vision 3.88/5
Arm-Hand Steadiness 3.5/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.25/5
Visualization 3.25/5
Manual Dexterity 3.25/5
Control Precision 3.25/5
Deductive Reasoning 3.12/5
Information Ordering 3.12/5

Technologies & Tools

3D Systems Geomagic Design X Autodesk AutoCAD Delcam PowerMILL Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software Microsoft Excel Microsoft Outlook

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.65/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.2/5)
  • Stress Tolerance (High importance: 4.05/5)
  • Cooperation (High importance: 3.96/5)
  • Independence (High importance: 3.9/5)

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How to Become One

This career typically requires vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some specialized training or certification may also be required.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Acoustical Tile Patternmaker All-Around Patternmaker Boilermaker Loftsman Chart Writer Computer Patternmaker Die Cast Die Maker Die Inspector Die Technician Extrusion Die Coordinator Extrusion Die Corrector Extrusion Die Template Maker Fixture Builder Foundry Patternmaker Freelance Patternmaker Layout Technician Loftsman Metal Bench Patternmaker Metal Pattern Maker Metal Patternmaker Metal Products Patternmaker Mold Tooler Pattern Chart Writer Pattern Checker Pattern Cutter Pattern Developer Pattern Fitter Pattern Maker Pattern Maker Programmer Pattern Mechanic Pattern Repair Person Pattern Scratcher Pattern Worker Patternmaker Plaster Patternmaker Plastics Patternmaker Sample Patternmaker Stencil Cutter Stencil Maker Stonework Patternmaker Template Maker Wax Molder