{"schemaVersion":"1.0","exportedAt":"2026-05-15T12:39:48.513Z","occupation":{"soc":"51-4111.00","title":"Tool and Die Makers","group":"Production","sector":"31-33","jobZone":3,"jobZoneInferred":false},"framework":{"version":"v.26.05","description":"","contextCovered":"This framework covers tool and die fabrication, precision machining, quality inspection, and tooling design in production and job-shop manufacturing environments calibrated to Job Zone 3 preparation and experience levels.","levels":{"emerging":{"label":"Emerging","statements":["Blueprint and sketch interpretation — read and identify basic dimensions, tolerances, and material callouts under direct supervision in a vocational or apprenticeship shop setting.","Measuring instruments — select and apply calipers, micrometers, and dial indicators to verify basic part dimensions under close technician guidance on the shop floor.","Conventional machine tools — operate a lathe or milling machine to perform simple cutting and boring tasks following step-by-step instructions from a journeyman tool and die maker.","Workpiece setup — lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates using vises and v-blocks with supervisor assistance in a production machine shop.","Material identification — recognize common metals and alloys by basic physical properties such as hardness and color under direct guidance during material selection exercises.","Sequence planning — follow prescribed operation sequences for simple die or jig fabrication tasks as outlined by a lead machinist or supervisor.","Hand tool use — fit and assemble basic tool components using hand tools under direct instruction on entry-level repair or modification tasks.","Surface and contour inspection — perform visual checks of finished die surfaces for obvious defects and smoothness anomalies using reference samples and inspection checklists.","Mathematical computation — apply basic geometry and arithmetic to calculate simple dimensions and tolerances from provided specifications in a classroom or shop environment.","CAM and CAD software — navigate user interfaces and open existing files in computer-aided manufacturing and design software under instructor or senior machinist direction."]},"developing":{"label":"Developing","statements":["Dimensional verification — apply gauge blocks, micrometers, and dial indicators independently to verify alignment and clearances of finished parts against engineering specifications in a production shop.","CNC machine operation — set up and operate computer numerically controlled lathes and milling machines with reduced oversight to cut and grind parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.","Tolerance visualization — compute dimensions, shapes, and tolerances for moderately complex assemblies from engineering drawings without step-by-step guidance on the shop floor.","Operation sequence planning — study blueprints and sketches to plan multi-step fabrication sequences for standard dies, jigs, and gauges with periodic review from a senior maker.","Part fitting and assembly — fit, assemble, and modify die and jig components using machine tools and hand tools to meet functional requirements on routine production tooling tasks.","Metal selection — evaluate and select appropriate metals and alloys based on hardness, heat tolerance, and application requirements for mid-complexity tooling projects.","Finished die inspection — inspect completed dies for contour conformity, surface smoothness, and dimensional defects using calibrated instruments and standard quality criteria.","Equipment monitoring — monitor machine performance indicators and process variables during machining operations, identifying deviations and making minor adjustments in a production environment.","Troubleshooting — diagnose and resolve common machining and tooling problems such as dimensional drift or surface finish issues using logical analysis and prior experience.","CAM programming — create and edit basic CNC tool paths in CAM software to support fabrication of standard tool and die components in a job-shop or manufacturing facility."]},"proficient":{"label":"Proficient","statements":["Complex part verification — autonomously verify dimensional conformance, alignment, and clearance of intricate finished parts using a full range of precision instruments including gauge blocks and optical comparators in a high-tolerance production environment.","Advanced CNC and conventional machining — set up and operate multiple machine tool types, including multi-axis CNC equipment, to produce complex die components to tight tolerances without supervisory oversight.","Assembly visualization and computation — independently visualize and compute dimensions, fits, and tolerances for complex multi-component assemblies, anticipating interference issues before physical fabrication begins.","Full fabrication sequence planning — analyze detailed blueprints, models, and customer specifications to develop complete, optimized operation sequences for fabricating intricate dies, jigs, and specialized gauges.","Precision fitting and modification — fit, assemble, and repair complex progressive dies, compound dies, and precision jigs using advanced machine tools and welding techniques to restore or enhance tooling performance.","Non-routine defect resolution — identify and correct subtle surface, contour, and structural defects in finished dies through advanced inspection methods and corrective machining or polishing in a production setting.","Materials engineering judgment — select metals and heat-treatment processes for high-demand tooling applications, balancing cost, performance, and machinability across a broad range of alloy options.","Process quality analysis — apply statistical quality control analysis and root-cause methods to evaluate machining processes and drive measurable reductions in part rejection rates.","ERP and production software — use enterprise resource planning and materials requirements planning software to track tooling inventories, schedule work orders, and coordinate material procurement independently.","Complex problem solving — resolve non-standard tooling failures and design incompatibilities through critical thinking and cross-functional collaboration with engineering and production teams in a manufacturing facility."]},"advanced":{"label":"Advanced","statements":["Tooling strategy and standards — establish shop-wide fabrication standards, tolerance protocols, and quality inspection criteria that define best practices for all tool and die operations across the facility.","Workforce development — mentor and train apprentices and developing machinists in blueprint reading, precision measurement, and machine operation, accelerating their progression through structured on-the-job instruction.","Complex die system design — lead the design and specification of advanced progressive, transfer, and compound die systems by integrating CAD and CAM tools with deep materials and manufacturing knowledge.","Process optimization leadership — direct continuous improvement initiatives for machining and tooling processes, applying lean manufacturing principles and quantitative analysis to reduce cycle times and scrap rates at an organizational level.","Capital equipment selection — evaluate, recommend, and oversee procurement of CNC machine tools, inspection equipment, and CAM systems aligned with production capacity and strategic tooling goals.","Cross-functional technical authority — serve as the authoritative resource for resolving the most complex tooling, materials, and machining challenges escalated from engineering, quality, and production departments.","Quality system governance — develop and maintain quality management procedures for tool and die fabrication, ensuring conformance to industry standards such as ISO and customer-specific requirements across the department.","Project management — plan, schedule, and control large-scale tooling projects from concept through delivery, managing resources, timelines, and stakeholder communications using project management software.","Innovation and technology adoption — evaluate emerging manufacturing technologies including multi-axis machining, additive manufacturing, and advanced metrology systems, and champion their integration into shop operations.","Organizational performance accountability — set performance targets for tooling quality, on-time delivery, and cost efficiency, and report results to senior leadership using data-driven analysis and ERP-generated metrics."]}}},"sources":{"onet":"v30.2 (CC BY 4.0)","crosswalk":"https://skillscrosswalk.com","generator":"LER.me"},"attribution":"© EBSCOed"}