Toolmaker

Summary:

The Tool Maker is responsible for the fabrication, modification, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of high-precision plastic injection molds and tooling. This role ensures that production molds operate efficiently, meet strict quality tolerances, and minimize manufacturing downtime. The ideal candidate combines strong manual machining expertise with advanced troubleshooting skills to support high-volume production.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (others may be assigned)

Tool Maintenance & Repair

· Perform preventative maintenance (PM), cleaning, and inspection of injection molds according to production schedules.

· Troubleshoot mold-related issues on the production floor (e.g., flash, short shots, burning, parting line wear).

· Diagnose, disassemble, repair, and reassemble complex hot runner and cold runner molds.

· Log and track tool maintenance history and mold performance data.

Machining & Fabrication

· Set up and operate a variety of conventional machine shop equipment (manual mills, lathes, surface grinders, drill presses).

· Program, set up, and operate CNC machinery or EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) equipment as required.

· Fabricate precision replacement components (cores, cavities, pins, inserts, lifters) to tight tolerances (often 0.0001”).

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Read and interpret complex engineering blueprints, 2D drawings, and 3D CAD models.
• Utilize precision measuring instruments (micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, optical comparators) to verify part dimensions.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing and Engineering to optimize mold performance, reduce cycle times, and improve part quality.
• Support new tool qualification, sampling, validation, and debugging processes.

Qualifications & Skills

o Required:

• Experience: 3–5 years of hands-on experience as a Tool Maker or Mold Maker specifically in a plastic or metal injection molding environment.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in operating manual machine tools (lathes, mills, grinders). Strong understanding of mold construction, gate types, venting, and cooling systems.
• Blueprint Reading: Advanced ability to interpret geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Problem-Solving: Proven track record of diagnosing and resolving complex tooling and molding defects on the fly.

o Preferred:

• Completion of a formal Tool & Die apprenticeship program or relevant technical degree.
• Experience working in a regulated manufacturing environment (e.g., Medical Device/ISO 13485 or Automotive/IATF 16949).
• Basic proficiency with CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, Mastercam) for tool modifications.