SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Tool and Die Makers

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • Die Machinist
  • Die Repair Laborer
  • Die Repair Technician (Die Repair Tech)
  • Jig and Fixture Repairer
  • Tool and Die Machinist
  • Tool and Die Maker
  • Tool and Fixture Specialist
  • Tool Maker
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What do Tool and Die Makers do?

Tool and Die Makers are skilled craftsmen who specialize in the design, fabrication, and maintenance of tools, dies, and specialized equipment used in manufacturing processes. They play a crucial role in the production of precision tools and metal parts by employing advanced techniques and machinery, including computer numerical control (CNC) machines, lathes, milling machines, and grinding machines. Their work involves interpreting engineering blueprints, conducting measurements with precision instruments, and using various materials such as metals, plastics, and composites. Tool and Die Makers are essential in industries like automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods, where high-quality metal components are required for assembly lines and production processes. They combine traditional hand skills with modern technology to create tools that meet exact specifications, ensuring efficiency and precision in manufacturing. Continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies are vital in this career, as advancements in materials and processes evolve over time.

What the work actually is

  • Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.
  • Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.
  • Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.
  • Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.
  • Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools, hand tools, or welders.

Skills employers expect

Skills

  • Operation and Control Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Operations Monitoring Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Quality Control Analysis Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Equipment Selection Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Abilities

  • Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Visualization The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
  • Problem Sensitivity The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
  • Control Precision The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
  • Finger Dexterity The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Knowledge

  • Mechanical Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Mathematics Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • Production and Processing Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
  • Design Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

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How people get into it

Education of new hires

Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Less than high school diploma

A normal week

  • Getting Information
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  • Controlling Machines and Processes
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • Computer aided design CAD software Autodesk AutoCAD · Bentley MicroStation · Dassault Systemes CATIA · Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • Presentation software Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Computer aided manufacturing CAM software 1CadCam Unigraphics · Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software · NC verification software · OPEN MIND Technologies hyperMILL
  • Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel
  • Electronic mail software Microsoft Outlook

Tools

  • Drill press or radial drill Drill presses · Magnetic drill presses · Radial drill presses
  • Power grinders Bench grinders · Die grinders · Disc grinders
  • Gage block set 1-2-3 blocks · Angle gauge blocks · Gauge blocks
  • Calipers Dial calipers · Hermaphrodite calipers · Vernier calipers
  • Squares Combination squares · Die maker's squares · Layout squares

Who it suits

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

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Questions people ask

How much do Tool and Die Makers earn in South Africa?

Tool and Die Makers salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Tool and Die Makers do?

Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators, Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes and Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.