Tool and Die Making | Waukesha County Technical College

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 51-4194.00

Skills

Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlQuality Control AnalysisEquipment MaintenanceRepairingCritical ThinkingMonitoringTroubleshooting

Knowledge

MechanicalMathematicsEnglish Language

Abilities

Arm-Hand SteadinessManual DexterityFinger DexterityControl PrecisionNear VisionProblem SensitivityVisualizationSelective AttentionFlexibility of ClosurePerceptual Speed

Tasks

Monitor machine operations to determine whether adjustments are necessary, stopping machines when pr
Inspect, feel, and measure workpieces to ensure that surfaces and dimensions meet specifications.
Study blueprints or layouts of metal workpieces to determine grinding procedures, and to plan machin

Technology

Computer aided manufacturing CAM softwareElectronic mail softwareSpreadsheet softwareComputer aided design CAD and computer aided manufacturing CAM systemData base user interface and query software

Tools

Air pressure gaugesAutomatic metalworking lathesBench grinding wheelsComputer numerically controlled CNC grindersCounterboresCutter grindersDial bore gaugesDial indicatorsDigital angle gaugesDigital calipersDigital micrometersDigital radius gaugesDrill grindersFixed overhead cranesGauge block sets

Work Values

SupportIndependenceWorking ConditionsAchievementRecognitionRelationships

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium51-4194.00	Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Diploma)

Machine operation conditions — monitor routinely across multiple grinding stations and make minor adjustments to speed or feed without prompting.
Workpiece surfaces, angles, and tolerances — inspect using calipers, micrometers, and surface gauges to confirm conformance to specifications with limited oversight.
Blueprints and layout drawings — study independently to plan grinding procedures and determine operational sequences for familiar part types.
Abrasive wheel grades and bond types — select appropriately for different materials and mount securely on machines applying knowledge of grinding procedures.
Cutting tool dimensions and angles — compute using scales and standard formulas, then adjust tool settings to produce specified cuts on repeat job types.
Coolant systems — regulate flow rates and nozzle positioning to optimize wheel and workpiece cooling across varying grinding conditions.
Grinding and polishing machines — set up and operate for a range of metal workpieces including dies and tooling components with minimal supervision.
Grinding wheel dressing — execute according to job specifications, selecting appropriate dressing tools to maintain correct wheel profile and finish.
Equipment malfunctions — troubleshoot common issues such as wheel glazing or chatter, applying learned diagnostic steps to restore normal operation.
CAM software and database interfaces — use to retrieve job parameters and record inspection results in a production tracking system.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.