About Tool and Die Program

Machinist Technology

Machinist technology uses manual and computer-controlled metalworking machines to produce unique mechanical parts. An example of a unique part could be a professional racecar owner that needs a suspension component manufactured, because no one else manufactures them.

A machinist will work with large machinery such as milling machines, lathes, grinders, and other common machine shop equipment. This equipment is capable of cutting, forming, and shaping their precision work.

Machinists are considered precision craftspeople or skilled trades since they often work with measurements that could split a human hair twenty times along its thickness. They must own and use various hand tools including precision measuring tools. Blueprint reading is another important skill, with this information all manufacturing personnel can communicate in a common format.

Job satisfaction in metalworking trades is usually attributed to the creative nature of the parts that are manufactured and the processing decisions that must be made. You must be able to work within a team environment to solve problems, but much of your day is spent working your own jobs and learning from the results. Education and learning opportunities are endless throughout your career therefore boredom is minimum.

You can graduate with a machinist technology diploma after one full year (three semesters) of coursework.

Diemaking

Diemaking involves using your acquired machinist skills and applying them toward manufacturing and troubleshooting complex mechanical assemblies(tools).

Diemaking can encompass

• diemaking,
• moldmaking,
• jig & fixture building, and
• special machine manufacturing

Diemaking could be considered a higher-level skill than even a machinist.

Examples of these tools could be a metal stamping die that cuts and forms sheet metal into finish products or a mold that will shape a plastic part.

Your first year machinist technology diploma along with three more semesters of classes will earn you an Associates in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Tool & Diemaking.

Click here for Directions to the Tool & Die Program at DMACC