Skip navigation

Patternmakers, Metal & Plastic

Also called: Metal Pattern Maker, Pattern Maker, Patternmaker, Wax Molder

Watch Career Video

What they do:
Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.
On the job, you would:
  • Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers.
  • Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.
  • Repair and rework templates and patterns.

Knowledge

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
  • manufacture and distribution of products
Engineering and Technology
  • mechanical
  • design
Math and Science
  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Skills

Basic Skills
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Hand and Finger Use
  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands
Ideas and Logic
  • notice when problems happen
  • order or arrange things

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Cooperation
  • Independence
  • Integrity

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided design CAD software
  • 3D Systems Geomagic Design X
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Hot Technology
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
  • Delcam PowerMILL
  • Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software
Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)
some college or
high school diploma/GED
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Below Average Outlook
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Salary
$48,090
$30,120
$75,420
Check out my state Local Salary Info Find Jobs

Explore More

See more details at O*NET OnLine about patternmakers, metal and plastic.