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Metal and Plastic Patternmaker

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All About Metal and Plastic Patternmakers

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

Metal & Plastic Patternmaker Responsibilities

  • Mark identification numbers or symbols onto patterns or templates.
  • Create computer models of patterns or parts, using modeling software.
  • Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.
  • Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.
  • Construct platforms, fixtures, and jigs for holding and placing patterns.
  • Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers.

Metal & Plastic Patternmaker Required Skills

These are the skills Metal and Plastic Patternmakers say are the most useful in their careers:

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.

Other Metal & Plastic Patternmaker Job Titles

  • Stencil Cutter
  • Extrusion Die Repair Manager
  • Developer
  • Pattern Chart Writer
  • Acoustical Tile Patternmaker

Metal & Plastic Patternmaker Job Outlook

There were about 3,400 jobs for Metal and Plastic Patternmaker in 2016 (in the United States). 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.

Metal & Plastic Patternmaker Average Salary

The typical yearly salary for Metal and Plastic Patternmakers is somewhere between $28,890 and $67,250.

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

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Metal and Plastic Patternmakers in different U.S. states.

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 & Technology 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

How to Become a Metal & Plastic Patternmaker

Are there Metal and Plastic Patternmakers education requirements?

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

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Where Metal and Plastic Patternmakers Are Employed

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The table below shows the approximate number of Metal and Plastic Patternmakers employed by various industries.

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Similar Careers

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

Those who work as a Metal and Plastic Patternmaker sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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