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Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.

What you’d do

  • 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.
  • Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.
  • Repair and rework templates and patterns.
  • Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.
  • Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.
  • Mark identification numbers or symbols onto patterns or templates.
  • Lay out and draw or scribe patterns onto material, using compasses, protractors, rulers, scribes, or other instruments.

Skills that matter

  • Operation and Control
  • Critical Thinking
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening

How to get there

Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

Also called

  • Die Cast Die Maker
  • Journeyman Patternmaker
  • Layout Technician (Layout Tech)
  • Metal Patternmaker
  • Fixture Builder
  • Metal Mold Maker

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