Tool & Die - Toolmaker/Moldmaker - Machinist
Mauston Tool has been an established business for over 40 years. Mauston Tool builds and samples plastic injection molds. We build the mold to produce plastic parts for a variety of different industries including automotive, medical and consumer. We also make some plastic parts ourselves.
Individuals would begin to learn the tool & die trade from the
building standpoint on the shop floor.
Students who are often good candidates enjoy building. Ex. Woodworking, small engine, etc.
Other skills include good organizational ability, detail orientated & problem solving
Early stages of learning involve:
Understanding good measuring techniques & skills.
Measuring & holding tight tolerances is a fundamental part of this trade.
From there learning goes into the basic building of plastic injection molds:
· SolidWorks training as it applies to the build process
· Blue print reading & understanding
· Assembly/Disassembly
· Grinding
· Milling/Machining
· EDM – Carbon & Wire
· Mold Polishing
Hours: 1ST Shift -between 6am – 4:30pm
Summer - 10 hours shift per day - 4 hours per day during the school year
Pay Range: Youth Apprenticeship - $18.00 - $ 20.00
Work and School hours credit towards:
State of Wisconsin Adult Tool and Die Apprenticeship
(Adult Apprenticeship yearly range - $ 20.00 - $40.00+)
Job Titles/Duties:
Apprentice Mold Maker / Tool & Die Maker
Journeyman Tool & Die Maker / Journeyman
o Build components for new tools, existing tools and molds through the use of a fully modern plastic injection mold building facility.
o Use of appropriate machining techniques to provide quality plastic parts meeting need of the customer.
o Build new molds, attend & contribute to staff & facility meetings. Train and guide fellow mold maker.
o Make sure all subordinates have all necessary information in hand so they can make their decision on a timely basis.
o Knowledge of plastic injection molding/metal materials & associated processes of. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, customers and sales team.
o Strong communication (Verbal and written) teamwork. Ability to think out of the box. Ability to effectively prioritize tasks, be flexible, and self-directing.
o Demonstrate a focus on Continuous Improvement, and promote that culture.
CNC Machinist
CNC Machine Operator/Programmer
o The CNC mill operator is responsible for the set-up of complex jobs, programming and operation of CNC equipment. The CNC mill operator must also maintain quality and safety standards, keep accurate records, maintain equipment and supplies.
o CNC programming/machining/engineering position is for a person who likes challenging work and is able to problem solve in a fast-paced tool and die shop
o Able to set up, operate and program CNC Mills, make adjustments to computer programs
o Complete tasks handed down from the CNC milling Department Head
o Use of appropriate machining techniques for highest efficiency and quality
o Attend and contribute to staff and facility meetings
o Trains and guides fellow employees as needed
o Working knowledge of SolidWorks
o Proficiency with Mastercam & PowerMill is a plus.
o Able to read and fully interpret blue prints and CNC programs
Grinder Operator
o Grind mold, fixture, and gage components to models.
o Operates all grinders safely and efficiently.
o Reviews prints and creates a plan to complete the job.
o Grind components square, to size, within specified tolerances
o Dress forms on wheel and grind to specified tolerances.
o Sets sine plate at any specified angle.
o Use spin fixtures or other OD grinders efficiently when required.
o Grind components flat and parallel as needed.
o Grind to any required or specified finish.
o Inspects and verifies all dimensions being ground.
o Cleans and maintains machines to shops schedule.
o Grinds in chuck and back rail.
Wire/CNC EDM Operator
o Program, set-up and Operate Wire EDM equipment to machine components to the specifications on supplied prints.
o Reads, interprets prints and corrects any errors before cutting steel.
o Operates all Wire EDM's in the shop with very limited supervision.
o Uses geometry, trigonometry, shop mathematics and calculator in a proficient manner.
o Operates CAD and CAM software with some supervision.
o Creates 2 and 4 axis programs using appropriate software.
o Fixtures workpiece as necessary to facilitate machining.
o Inspects completed workpiece to ensure all requirements have been met.
o Maintains machines per documented requirements in the machine manual.
o Adjusts parameters and settings in the control to maximize output of the machine.
Mold Polisher
· Polishes to any finish required by the use of electronic polishers and by hand.
· Polish steel using rotary polishing devices.
· Forms and sharpens stones on grinding machines.
· Keeps stones sorted as to grit and composition.
· Cleans all components after polishing.
· Uses appropriate lubricants.
Welding
o Operates Welding equipment
o Operates all of the different welding equipment in a safe and timely manner.
o Maintains welding equipment.
o Keeps welding supplies organized.
o Keep all welding supplies stored in a safe place.
o Keeps welding equipment in good working order
Tooling Engineer/Designer – Project Engineer
o Coordinate the building of molds and act as an intermediary between the customer and the mold makers.
o Must understand concepts of EDM process so as to create accurate programs for cutting electrodes.
o Creates geometry and toolpaths using software and hardware supplied.
o Manages the software and the software maintenance.
o Maintains current status on new software, technology, cutters etc.
o Reviews the electrodes with the lead person and/or the EDM operator along with any pertinent information they may need and answer any questions they may have in a cooperative manner.
o Oversee the inspection of the electrodes and enforce any pertinent policies.
o Trains and guides fellow programmers whenever needed.
o Works cooperatively with fellow employees.
o Reads, interprets prints and questions any noticeable errors.
o Interacts and communicates clearly with the customers and documents important details.
o Create a precise and accurate drawing as to give the mold-maker the best opportunity to understand the print.
o Confer with customer on any questions or ideas pertaining to errors or geometry changes on customer’s prints.
o Review all finished designs with customer and mold maker in an effective and understandable manner.
o Analyzes the complete function of the mold design and understands it to locate any potential problems or flaws.
o Uses geometry, trigonometry, shop mathematics and the calculator in a proficient manner.
o Operates CAD software used in designing & drafting.
o Communicates with the mold makers to assure the job is on schedule.
o Confer with customer on any questions or ideas pertaining to errors or geometry changes on customer’s prints.
o Assist in the mold design and design of electrodes as required.
o Review all revised designs with the mold maker in an effective and understandable manner.
o Quote and schedule jobs mediating between the mold shop management and the customer
o Conducts the job meetings for the assigned jobs.
o Communicates with the mold designer to assure all of the appropriate information is available.
o Arrange the pickup and delivery of the tooling.
o Ensures that all paperwork, CAD, prints, etc. are sent to the customer
o Beware of each customer’s unique needs.
o Assure the smooth flow of the job between all departments to keep build hours at a minimum