Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

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

Job Task

• Sets up and operates machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaw, to fabricate prototypes or models.
• Determines fixtures, machines, tooling, and sequence of operations to fabricate parts, dies, and tooling, according to drawings and sketches.
• Drills, countersinks, and reams holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
• Lays out and marks reference points and dimension on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.
• Cuts, shapes, and forms metal parts, using lathe, power saw, snips, power brakes and shear, files, and mallets.
• Grinds, files, and sands parts to finished dimensions.
• Studies blueprint, drawings, or sketches, and computes dimensions for laying out materials and planning model production.
• Fabricates metal or plastic parts, using hand tools.
• Aligns, fits, and joins parts, using bolts or screws or by welding or gluing.
• Assembles mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into models or prototypes, using hand tools, power tools, and fabricating machines.
• Wires and solders electrical and electronic connections and components.
• Reworks or alters component model or parts as required to ensure performance of equipment or that parts meet standards.
• Inspects and tests model or other product to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit tester.
• Devises and constructs own tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modifies existing tools and equipment.
• Makes bridges, plates, wheels, cutting teeth on wheels and pinions, and threaded screws.
• Consults and confers with engineering personnel to discuss developmental problems and recommend modifications to correct or improve performance of product.
• Records specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of model for use in establishing operating standards and machinery procedures.

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