Metropolitan Community College, KC, MO

On-the-job Training

• Conduct test runs with completed tools or dies to ensure that parts meet specifications; make adjustments as necessary
• Cut, shape, and trim blanks or blocks to specified lengths or shapes, using power saws, power  shears,  rules, and hand tools
• File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together
• Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools and hand tools
• Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects
• Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables,  using hoists, vises, v-blocks,  or angle plates
• Measure, mark, and scribe metal or plastic stock to lay out machining, using instruments such as protractors, micrometers, scribes, and ruler
• Select metals to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness and heat tolerance
• Set up and operate conventional or CNC machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders to cut, bore, grind,  or otherwise shape parts to prescribed  dimensions and finishes
• Set up and operate drill presses to drill and tap holes in parts for assembly
• Smooth and polish flat and contoured surfaces of parts or tools, using scrapers, abrasive  stones, files, emery cloths, or power grinders
• Build and repair of dies and molds
• Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies
• Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, and dial indicators
• Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications
• Cast plastic tools or parts, or tungsten-carbide cutting tips, using pre-made molds
• Design jigs, fixtures, and templates for use as work aids in the fabrication of parts or products
• Develop and design new tools and dies, using computer-aided design software
• Set controls of heat-treating furnaces, and feed or place parts, tools, or assemblies into furnaces to harden