Summary for:

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

Description:

Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, milling and engraving machines, and jig borers to make working models of metal or plastic objects.

Sample of reported job titles:

Sample of reported job titles: Model Maker, Machinist, Tool and Die Maker, Tool Maker, Molding Technician, Metal Model Maker, Catalytic Converter Special Build Prototype, Fabricator, Prototype Special Build, Computer Numerical Control Machinist (CNC Machinist)

Tasks | Knowledge | Skills | Abilities | Activites | Experience | Example | Education | Work Style | Work Values | Related Jobs | Wage | Employment | Expected Growth | Expected Need

Tasks:

  • Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
  • Set up and operate machines such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws to fabricate prototypes or models.
  • Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
  • Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.
  • Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.
  • Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
  • Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.
  • Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures.
  • Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.
  • Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.

Knowledge:

Arm-Hand Steadiness ó The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Near Vision ó The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Reaction Time ó The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Visualization ó The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Control Precision ó The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Deductive Reasoning ó The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Manual Dexterity ó The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Problem Sensitivity ó The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Speech Recognition ó The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Finger Dexterity ó The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Skills:

Controlling Machines and Processes ó Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Getting Information ó Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material ó Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates ó Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems ó Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Thinking Creatively ó Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
identifying Objects, Actions, and Events ó identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Handling and Moving Objects ó Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings ó Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Abilities:

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets ó How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment ó How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls ó How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate ó How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
Face-to-Face Discussions ó How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Freedom to Make Decisions ó How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
Spend Time Standing ó How much does this job require standing?
Structured versus Unstructured Work ó To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
Time Pressure ó How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable ó How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

Work Activities:

Title Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Overall Experience Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job Training Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.
Job Zone Examples These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include funeral directors, electricians, forest and conservation technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.
SVP Range (6.0 to < 7.0)
Education Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Work Experience:

Work Examples:

Education Requirements:

Work Style:

17-3024.00 Electro-Mechanical Technicians
49-2011.00 Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers In-Demand
49-2092.00 Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
49-3021.00 Automotive Body and Related Repairers In-Demand
51-2031.00 Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
51-4032.00 Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4081.00 Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic In-Demand
51-4194.00 Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners

Work Values:

Median wages (2008) $19.55 hourly, $40,670 annual
Employment (2006) 9,000 employees
Projected growth (2006-2016) Decline slowly or moderately (-3% to -9%) Decline slowly or moderately (-3% to -9%)
Projected need (2006-2016) 2,000 additional employees

Related Jobs:

Median Wage 2008:

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Projected Growth 2008:

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