Des Moines Area Community College.

Tool & Die Projects

Tool & Diemaking Competencies & Requirements

Program Entry Requirements

  • Machinist Technology: Complete an application, satisfy the assessment requirement and attend any required information/registration session. Students start fall term.
  • Diemaking: Complete an application, satisfy the assessment requirement and attend any required information/registration session. Submit proof of Machinist Technology Diploma or equivalent. Students start fall term.

Graduation Requirements

To earn a Job Shop Maintenance or Diemaking diploma, or Tool and Diemaking AAS degree, a student must complete all course work as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Job Information

  • Make dies, metal forms and tools, as well as guiding and holding devices which are used in the mass production of metal and plastic parts.
  • Spend time doing precision handwork on dies such as sanding, filing, scraping and polishing parts of the dies.
  • Use almost every kind of machine tool and precision-measuring instrument.
  • Repair gauges, jogs, fixtures, and dies which may be worn or damaged.
  • Average starting salary $26,702 - $31,853 (99-00 Placement Report)

Skills and Abilities Needed

  • Apply math skills in specific machine setups and operations.
  • Organize your work, planning each step of the job from beginning to end.
  • Maintain a steady hand for precise movements and use your eyes for close work for long periods of time.
  • Be able to lift 25-50 pounds.
  • Demonstrate imagination and creativity on the various machine setups and operations.
  • Demonstrate a positive attitude and work closely with others.
  • Be able to detect differences among similar colors.

Other Considerations

  • Work is mentally and physically tiring because you will have to concentrate and be alert for extended periods of time.
  • To be a journeyman machinist, you will need two or three years of on-the-job apprenticeship experience.
  • There is danger of accidents due to the high-powered, fast moving machine parts.
  • Most of the work will be done in a standing position.