What You'll Do

  • Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.
  • Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences.
  • Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers.
  • Program computerized numerical control machine tools.
  • Design and create templates, patterns, or coreboxes according to work orders, sample parts, or mockups.
  • Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.
  • Repair and rework templates and patterns.
  • Lay out and draw or scribe patterns onto material, using compasses, protractors, rulers, scribes, or other instruments.
  • Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.
  • Construct platforms, fixtures, and jigs for holding and placing patterns.

Essential Skills

Operation and Control 3.25/5
Reading Comprehension 3.12/5
Critical Thinking 3.12/5
Operations Monitoring 3.12/5
Quality Control Analysis 3.12/5
Active Listening 3.0/5
Speaking 3.0/5
Monitoring 3.0/5
Time Management 3.0/5
Complex Problem Solving 2.88/5
Social Perceptiveness 2.75/5
Judgment and Decision Making 2.75/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to understand the kind of profile this role rewards. It helps you judge whether this career looks like a stronger match than your current role, a nearby move worth exploring, or a broader path to compare more seriously.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Artist: Creating original work and expressing ideas feels natural.

Common styles

Attention to Detail, Dependability, Cautiousness, Achievement Orientation, Perseverance

Want a personal read on fit? Take the free assessment and compare this career to your current role, nearby alternatives, and broader stronger-fit options.

Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Near Vision 3.88/5
Arm-Hand Steadiness 3.75/5
Visualization 3.25/5
Manual Dexterity 3.25/5
Oral Expression 3.12/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.12/5
Deductive Reasoning 3.12/5
Information Ordering 3.12/5

Technologies & Tools

3D Systems Geomagic Design X Autodesk AutoCAD Delcam PowerMILL Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Excel

Work Environment & Strengths

Common Strengths for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.78/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.43/5)
  • Cautiousness (High importance: 4.31/5)
  • Achievement Orientation (High importance: 3.87/5)
  • Perseverance (High importance: 3.75/5)

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How to Become One

This career typically requires vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some specialized training or certification may also be required.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Acoustical Tile Patternmaker All-Around Patternmaker Computer Patternmaker Die Cast Die Maker Die Technician Extrusion Die Template Maker Fixture Builder Foundry Patternmaker Freelance Patternmaker Journeyman Patternmaker Layout Technician (Layout Tech) Loftsman Metal Bench Patternmaker Metal Mold Maker Metal Patternmaker Metal Products Patternmaker Model Maker Mold Maker Pattern Fitter Pattern Mechanic Pattern Repair Person Pattern Scratcher Pattern Worker Plaster Patternmaker Stonework Patternmaker Wax Molder

Career Fit FAQs

Is this career a good fit for me

This page shows the role itself. To see personal fit, use the assessment to compare your interests, motivations, and strengths against this career and against the role you are in now.

Can this help if I want to stay in my field

Yes. Many people use career pages like this to compare nearby roles in the same field and see whether they need a full switch or a better-fit version of the work they already know.

What should I compare first

Start with the daily tasks, the preparation level, and the work-style signals on this page. Then use the assessment to see whether this role looks like a stronger fit than your current role or just a different title.