Toolmaker – Zinc & Aluminium Die Casting
Role Overview
The Toolmaker will be responsible for the manufacture, modification, maintenance, and repair of Zinc and Aluminium die-casting tooling. Working closely with Engineering, Quality, Production, and external suppliers, the role ensures tooling is safe, efficient, and capable of producing right-first-time castings that meet customer specifications.
Key Responsibilities
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Manufacture new Zinc and Aluminium tooling and carry out tooling modifications using 2D drawings and 3D CAD data.
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Provide accurate lead times and estimated hours for tooling work as required.
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Consult with Engineering and contribute to tooling design improvements where applicable.
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Liaise with subcontractors and external service providers when required.
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Set up tooling for the production of Zinc and Aluminium die castings.
Primary Tasks & Activities
(Including but not limited to)
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Grinding of parting lines and cavity pins.
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Polishing of cores, cavities, and runner systems using diamond paste, polishing stones, and other media to achieve required surface finishes.
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Operation of toolroom machinery and equipment, including:
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Lathes, milling machines, grinding machines
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CNC machinery
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EDM machinery
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Measuring equipment such as shadowgraph, digital DRO, DTI, slip gauges, micrometers, and vernier callipers
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Final fitting of seal-off faces, pins, and moving cores.
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Validation of externally supplied tooling processes where applicable.
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Preparation of new tools for sampling, including completion of all required documentation.
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Work with die-casting machine setters to assess and resolve tooling-related production issues.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Essential
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Proven experience in mechanical engineering.
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Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and 3D CAD models.
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Strong attention to detail.
Desirable
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Apprentice-trained Toolmaker with HNC (or equivalent) in Engineering or Engineering Practices.
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In-depth knowledge of die casting and/or injection moulding environments.
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Press tooling background (considered based on experience).
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Experience in new tool manufacture.
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Proficiency with CAD software (e.g. AutoCAD, SolidWorks)