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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.
Other titles employers use
Die Cast Die Maker · Fixture Builder · Layout Technician · Metal Pattern Maker · Pattern Maker · Pattern Maker Programmer · Pattern Repair Person · Patternmaker
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
- Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.
- Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences.
- Construct platforms, fixtures, and jigs for holding and placing patterns.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical, organizing and creative work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
- Creative
- Making, designing, writing, or performing without one set answer
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Quality Control Analysis
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
Subjects to know
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
Useful strengths
- Near Vision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Problem Sensitivity
- Visualization
- Manual Dexterity
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.6 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 3.8 | Up and down through the day |
| Talking face to face | 5.0 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 4.5 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a high school diploma. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A certificate or some college 55%
- High school or less 42%
- A two-year degree 3%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Spreadsheet software
- Electronic mail software
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 470
- Job openings each year
- 30
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- −21.7%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 470 | 30 | −21.7% |
| Ohio | 240 | 20 | −20.0% |
| Wisconsin | 160 | 10 | −11.1% |
| Pennsylvania | 130 | 10 | −13.3% |
| Alabama | 120 | 10 | −14.3% |
| Indiana | 100 | 10 | −23.1% |
| Iowa | 90 | 10 | −10.0% |
| North Carolina | 80 | 10 | −11.1% |
| Illinois | 50 | 0 | −16.7% |
| Washington | 20 | 0 | — |
| Minnesota | 10 | 0 | — |
| Nebraska | 10 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
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Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.