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Metal and Plastic Patternmaker

Life As a Metal and Plastic Patternmaker

Job Description: Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.

Daily Life Of a Metal & Plastic Patternmaker

  • Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.
  • Select pattern materials such as wood, resin, and fiberglass.
  • Lay out and draw or scribe patterns onto material, using compasses, protractors, rulers, scribes, or other instruments.
  • Program computerized numerical control machine tools.
  • Construct platforms, fixtures, and jigs for holding and placing patterns.
  • Create computer models of patterns or parts, using modeling software.

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What Every Metal & Plastic Patternmaker Should Know

Below is a list of the skills most Metal and Plastic Patternmakers say are important on the job.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

  • Extrusion Die Template Maker
  • Die Cast Die Maker
  • All-Around Patternmaker
  • Sample Patternmaker
  • Computer Patternmaker

Is There Job Demand for Metal and Plastic Patternmakers?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 3,400 jobs in the United States for Metal and Plastic Patternmaker. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Metal and Plastic Patternmaker. The BLS estimates 300 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Metal & Plastic Patternmaker are Florida, Nebraska, and Oregon. Watch out if you plan on working in Minnesota, North Carolina, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Do Metal and Plastic Patternmakers Make A Lot Of Money?

Metal and Plastic Patternmakers make between $28,890 and $67,250 a year.

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Metal and Plastic Patternmakers who work in Kansas, Oregon, or Indiana, make the highest salaries.

How much do Metal and Plastic Patternmakers make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $42,390
California $46,870
Colorado $35,030
Florida $43,260
Georgia $44,880
Illinois $52,860
Indiana $50,250
Iowa $53,740
Kansas $59,450
Michigan $48,580
Minnesota $47,830
New York $49,640
North Carolina $35,380
Ohio $45,470
Oregon $63,180
Pennsylvania $47,430
South Carolina $47,620
Tennessee $50,600
Texas $41,190
Wisconsin $47,070

What Tools do Metal and Plastic Patternmakers Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Metal and Plastic Patternmakers:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Delcam PowerMILL
  • Mastercam

Becoming a Metal & Plastic Patternmaker

What education is needed to be a Metal and Plastic Patternmaker?

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Metal & Plastic Patternmaker?

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You May Also Be Interested In…

Those interested in being a Metal and Plastic Patternmaker may also be interested in:

Career changers with experience as a Metal and Plastic Patternmaker sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

References:

Image Credit: US Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier via Public domain

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