Tool and Die Maker

  • 12 Months
  • 160 Course Hours
  • $2,145

Overview

Train for a Career in Tool and Die

Do you want to play an integral role in a manufacturing process? Are you looking for a way to become more indispensable to your employer in the manufacturing industry? Tool and die makers are skilled artisans who enter their careers after a combination of education and hands-on training. This online Tool and Die Maker course is the perfect way to get started in your new career as a tool and die maker.

This course provides an intensive overview of the skills necessary for tool and die making. You will learn workholding, math, inspection, safety, machining, materials, quality, and grinding. Upon completion of the course, you'll have obtained the required knowledge and proven competency in the necessary areas for a successful career as a tool and die maker.

What you will learn

  • Production Floor Safety
  • CNC Controls and Programming
  • Metallurgy
  • Machining and Grinding Processes
  • Inspection Methods
  • Six Sigma, 5S, Lean, and TPM
  • Workholding Principles

How you will benefit

  • Prepare for a career as a tool and die maker, die maker, tool and die machinist, or toolmaker
  • Gain confidence in your ability to perform your job.

How the course is taught

  • This is a non-credit program offered in partnership with ed2go.  You do not have to be admitted to the university to enroll in this program. 
  • This is an open enrollment program, which means you can enroll and start at any time.  There are no set start and end dates. 
  • This course is entirely online and can be completed at a pace and time that is convenient for you.  There are not set times you must attend classes.  
  • You will have 12-months from the date of enrollment to complete this program.  
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites to take this course.

 

Job Outlook

A tool and die maker is someone who sets up and operates a variety of computer-controlled or mechanically-controlled machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools. They work in machine shops and tool rooms and on factory floors.

Earn $54,000+ Annually
Tool and die makers earn an average yearly salary of $53,920.  Wages typically start from $33,820 and go up to $85,966.
 
Expected -7% Job Growth
According CareerExplorer, there are currently an estimated 72,500 tool and die makers in the United States. The tool and die maker job market is expected to shrink by -7.2% between 2016 and 2026.

 

Requirements

Hardware Requirements:

  • This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
  • Mac users may experience some issues with Adobe Flash.

Software Requirements:

  • PC: Windows 8 or later.
  • Mac: OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 or later.
  • Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to download the Acrobat Reader.
  • Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

  • Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

 

Curriculum

Workholding
Intro to Workholding 104
Locating Devices 107
Clamping Basics 108
Chucks, Collets, and Vises 110
Drill Bushing Selection 230
 
Math
Math Fundamentals 101
Math: Fractions and Decimals 111
Blueprint Reading 131
Algebra Fundamentals 141
Geometry: Lines and Angles 151
Geometry: Triangles 161
Geometry: Circles and Polygons 171
Trigonometry: The Pythagorean Theorem 201
Trigonometry: Sine, Cosine, Tangent 211
Statistics 231
 
Inspection
Basic Measurement 101
Introduction to GD&T 301
Major Rules of GD&T 311
Inspecting a Prismatic Part 321
Inspecting a Cylindrical Part 331
 
Metal Cutting
Cutting Processes 111
Safety for Metal Cutting 101
Overview of Machine Tools 121
Basic Cutting Theory 201
Band Saw Operation 211
Introduction to Metal Cutting Fluids 221
Metal Cutting Fluid Safety 231
Toolholders for Turning 260
Speed and Feed for the Lathe 301
Speed and Feed for the Mill 311
Machining Titanium Alloys 325
Lathe Tool Geometry 351
Mill Tool Geometry 361
Drill Tool Geometry 371
Intro to EDM 100
 
Machining
Manual Mill Basics 201
Engine Lathe Basics 211
Manual Mill Setup 221
Overview of Engine Lathe Setup 205
Benchwork and Layout Operations 241
Manual Mill Operation 251
Engine Lathe Operation 225
Holemaking on the Manual Mill 271
Threading on the Engine Lathe 235
Taper Turning on the Engine Lathe 240
Introduction to CNC Machines 201
Basics of the CNC Lathe 211
Basics of the CNC Mill 212
Coordinates for the CNC Lathe 221
Coordinates for the CNC Mill 222
CNC Specs for the Mill 220
CNC Specs for the Lathe 225
Basics of G Code Programming 231
Introduction to CAD and CAM for Machining 241
Control Panel Functions for the CNC Lathe 251
Control Panel Functions for the CNC Mill 252
Creating a CNC Turning Program 301
Creating a CNC Milling Program 302
Calculations for Programming the Mill 312
Turning Calculations 285
Canned Cycles for the Lathe 321
Canned Cycles for the Mill 322
Haas Mill: Control Panel Overview 250
Haas Lathe: Control Panel Overview 255
Haas Mill: First Part Runs 320
Haas Lathe: First Part Runs 325
Fanuc Mill: Control Panel Overview 250
Fanuc Lathe: Control Panel Overview 255
Fanuc Mill: First Part Runs 320
Fanuc Lathe: First Part Runs 325
Mazak Mill: Control Panel Overview 250
Mazak Lathe: Control Panel Overview 255
Creating an EIA/ISO Program for the Mazak Mill 286
Creating an EIA/ISO Program for the Mazak Lathe 287
Creating a Mazatrol Program for the Mill 288
Creating a Mazatrol Program for the Lathe 289
Mazak Mill: First Part Runs 320
Mazak Lathe: First Part Runs 325
 
Safety
Intro to OSHA 101
Personal Protective Equipment 111
Noise Reduction and Hearing Conservation 121
Respiratory Safety 131
Lockout/Tagout Procedures 141
SDS and Hazard Communication 151
Bloodborne Pathogens 161
Walking and Working Surfaces 171
Fire Safety and Prevention 181
Flammable/Combustible Liquids 191
Ergonomics 102
Hand and Power Tool Safety 201
Safety for Lifting Devices 211
Powered Industrial Truck Safety 221
Confined Spaces 231
Environmental Safety Hazards 241
Machine Guarding 140
 
Materials
Introduction to Physical Properties 101
Introduction to Mechanical Properties 111
Introduction to Metals 121
Metal Manufacturing 140
Classification of Steel 201
Essentials of Heat Treatment of Steel 211
Hardness Testing 221
Ferrous Metals 231
Nonferrous Metals 241
Exotic Alloys 301
 
Quality and Manufacturing Management
Lean Manufacturing Overview 101
Essentials of Leadership 110
Essentials of Communication 120
ISO 9001: 2015 Review 122
Continuous Process Improvement: Managing Flow 124
Manufacturing Process Applications: Part I 124
Continuous Process Improvement: Identifying and Eliminating Waste 125
Manufacturing Process Applications: Part II 125
Managing Performance: Best Practices 130
Approaches to Maintenance 131
Managing Performance: Corrective Actions 135
Equipment/Tool Design and Development 137
Total Productive Maintenance 141
Conflict Resolution Principles 150
5S Overview 151
Conflict Resolution for Different Groups 155
Team Leadership 160
Intro to Six Sigma 171
Quality and Customer Service 175
Manufacturing Management 180
Troubleshooting 181
Personal Effectiveness 190
Conducting Kaizen Events 191
Managing the Diverse Workplace 210
SPC Overview 211
Harassment and Discrimination 215
Performance Management and the Law 230
Metrics for Lean 231
Process Flow Charting 241
Strategies for Setup Reduction 251
Management Tools: Problem Solving 270
Management Tools: Product and Process Design 275
Six Sigma Goals and Tools 310
 
Grinding
Grinding Processes 201
Grinding Safety 211
Basic Grinding Theory 221
Basics of the Surface Grinder 231
Basics of the Cylindrical Grinder 232
Basics of the Centerless Grinder 233
Setup for the Surface Grinder 241
Setup for the Cylindrical Grinder 242
Setup for the Centerless Grinder 243
Cylindrical Grinder Operation 252
Centerless Grinder Operation 253
Introduction to Grinding Fluids 261
Grinding Variables 301
Grinding Ferrous Metals 311
Grinding Nonferrous Metals 321
Grinding Wheel Materials 331
Grinding Wheel Geometry 361
Dressing and Truing 341
 
Stamping and Fabrication
Die Components 130
Die Cutting Variables 200
Fabrication Process 232

 

Instructor

This is not an instructor facilitated course; however, support will be provided through email, online forms, and phone.


 

FAQs

WHAT DO TOOL AND DIE MAKERS DO? 
A tool and die maker is someone who sets up and operates a variety of computer-controlled or mechanically-controlled machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.
 
WHAT TYPE OF ENVIRONMENT DO TOOL AND DIE MAKERS WORK? 
The vast majority of tool and die makers work in manufacturing. They work in machine shops and tool rooms and on factory floors, where work areas are well lit and ventilated.
 
DO I HAVE TO BE ADMITTED TO MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY TO ENROLL IN THIS PROGRAM?
No, you do not have to be an admitted student to Mississippi State University to enroll in this program.  Our online non-credit advanced career training programs are open to all. 
 
WHEN CAN I START THE COURSE? 
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
 
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THIS COURSE? 
This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive 12-months to complete the course.
 
WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO COMPLETE MY COURSE WITHIN THE TIME FRAME PROVIDED? 
The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact your Student Advisor to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.
 
WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT WILL I RECEIVE?  
You may be assigned with an instructor or team of industry experts for one-on-one course interaction. Your support will be available (via email) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our instructors are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach. You will also be assigned to an Advisor for academic support.
 
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I COMPLETE THE COURSE? 
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion from Mississippi State University Extension.
 
AM I GUARANTEED A JOB?  
This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
 
CAN I GET FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?  
This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some cases, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available, to learn more go to: https://www.ed2go.com/career/financial-assistance
 
HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS COURSE?  
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-662-325-5002 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Request More Info" form.

 

Overview

Train for a Career in Tool and Die

Do you want to play an integral role in a manufacturing process? Are you looking for a way to become more indispensable to your employer in the manufacturing industry? Tool and die makers are skilled artisans who enter their careers after a combination of education and hands-on training. This online Tool and Die Maker course is the perfect way to get started in your new career as a tool and die maker.

This course provides an intensive overview of the skills necessary for tool and die making. You will learn workholding, math, inspection, safety, machining, materials, quality, and grinding. Upon completion of the course, you'll have obtained the required knowledge and proven competency in the necessary areas for a successful career as a tool and die maker.

What you will learn

  • Production Floor Safety
  • CNC Controls and Programming
  • Metallurgy
  • Machining and Grinding Processes
  • Inspection Methods
  • Six Sigma, 5S, Lean, and TPM
  • Workholding Principles

How you will benefit

  • Prepare for a career as a tool and die maker, die maker, tool and die machinist, or toolmaker
  • Gain confidence in your ability to perform your job.

How the course is taught

  • This is a non-credit program offered in partnership with ed2go.  You do not have to be admitted to the university to enroll in this program. 
  • This is an open enrollment program, which means you can enroll and start at any time.  There are no set start and end dates. 
  • This course is entirely online and can be completed at a pace and time that is convenient for you.  There are not set times you must attend classes.  
  • You will have 12-months from the date of enrollment to complete this program.  
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites to take this course.

 

Job Outlook

A tool and die maker is someone who sets up and operates a variety of computer-controlled or mechanically-controlled machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools. They work in machine shops and tool rooms and on factory floors.

Earn $54,000+ Annually
Tool and die makers earn an average yearly salary of $53,920.  Wages typically start from $33,820 and go up to $85,966.
 
Expected -7% Job Growth
According CareerExplorer, there are currently an estimated 72,500 tool and die makers in the United States. The tool and die maker job market is expected to shrink by -7.2% between 2016 and 2026.

 

Requirements

Hardware Requirements:

  • This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
  • Mac users may experience some issues with Adobe Flash.

Software Requirements:

  • PC: Windows 8 or later.
  • Mac: OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 or later.
  • Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to download the Acrobat Reader.
  • Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

  • Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

 

Curriculum

Workholding
Intro to Workholding 104
Locating Devices 107
Clamping Basics 108
Chucks, Collets, and Vises 110
Drill Bushing Selection 230
 
Math
Math Fundamentals 101
Math: Fractions and Decimals 111
Blueprint Reading 131
Algebra Fundamentals 141
Geometry: Lines and Angles 151
Geometry: Triangles 161
Geometry: Circles and Polygons 171
Trigonometry: The Pythagorean Theorem 201
Trigonometry: Sine, Cosine, Tangent 211
Statistics 231
 
Inspection
Basic Measurement 101
Introduction to GD&T 301
Major Rules of GD&T 311
Inspecting a Prismatic Part 321
Inspecting a Cylindrical Part 331
 
Metal Cutting
Cutting Processes 111
Safety for Metal Cutting 101
Overview of Machine Tools 121
Basic Cutting Theory 201
Band Saw Operation 211
Introduction to Metal Cutting Fluids 221
Metal Cutting Fluid Safety 231
Toolholders for Turning 260
Speed and Feed for the Lathe 301
Speed and Feed for the Mill 311
Machining Titanium Alloys 325
Lathe Tool Geometry 351
Mill Tool Geometry 361
Drill Tool Geometry 371
Intro to EDM 100
 
Machining
Manual Mill Basics 201
Engine Lathe Basics 211
Manual Mill Setup 221
Overview of Engine Lathe Setup 205
Benchwork and Layout Operations 241
Manual Mill Operation 251
Engine Lathe Operation 225
Holemaking on the Manual Mill 271
Threading on the Engine Lathe 235
Taper Turning on the Engine Lathe 240
Introduction to CNC Machines 201
Basics of the CNC Lathe 211
Basics of the CNC Mill 212
Coordinates for the CNC Lathe 221
Coordinates for the CNC Mill 222
CNC Specs for the Mill 220
CNC Specs for the Lathe 225
Basics of G Code Programming 231
Introduction to CAD and CAM for Machining 241
Control Panel Functions for the CNC Lathe 251
Control Panel Functions for the CNC Mill 252
Creating a CNC Turning Program 301
Creating a CNC Milling Program 302
Calculations for Programming the Mill 312
Turning Calculations 285
Canned Cycles for the Lathe 321
Canned Cycles for the Mill 322
Haas Mill: Control Panel Overview 250
Haas Lathe: Control Panel Overview 255
Haas Mill: First Part Runs 320
Haas Lathe: First Part Runs 325
Fanuc Mill: Control Panel Overview 250
Fanuc Lathe: Control Panel Overview 255
Fanuc Mill: First Part Runs 320
Fanuc Lathe: First Part Runs 325
Mazak Mill: Control Panel Overview 250
Mazak Lathe: Control Panel Overview 255
Creating an EIA/ISO Program for the Mazak Mill 286
Creating an EIA/ISO Program for the Mazak Lathe 287
Creating a Mazatrol Program for the Mill 288
Creating a Mazatrol Program for the Lathe 289
Mazak Mill: First Part Runs 320
Mazak Lathe: First Part Runs 325
 
Safety
Intro to OSHA 101
Personal Protective Equipment 111
Noise Reduction and Hearing Conservation 121
Respiratory Safety 131
Lockout/Tagout Procedures 141
SDS and Hazard Communication 151
Bloodborne Pathogens 161
Walking and Working Surfaces 171
Fire Safety and Prevention 181
Flammable/Combustible Liquids 191
Ergonomics 102
Hand and Power Tool Safety 201
Safety for Lifting Devices 211
Powered Industrial Truck Safety 221
Confined Spaces 231
Environmental Safety Hazards 241
Machine Guarding 140
 
Materials
Introduction to Physical Properties 101
Introduction to Mechanical Properties 111
Introduction to Metals 121
Metal Manufacturing 140
Classification of Steel 201
Essentials of Heat Treatment of Steel 211
Hardness Testing 221
Ferrous Metals 231
Nonferrous Metals 241
Exotic Alloys 301
 
Quality and Manufacturing Management
Lean Manufacturing Overview 101
Essentials of Leadership 110
Essentials of Communication 120
ISO 9001: 2015 Review 122
Continuous Process Improvement: Managing Flow 124
Manufacturing Process Applications: Part I 124
Continuous Process Improvement: Identifying and Eliminating Waste 125
Manufacturing Process Applications: Part II 125
Managing Performance: Best Practices 130
Approaches to Maintenance 131
Managing Performance: Corrective Actions 135
Equipment/Tool Design and Development 137
Total Productive Maintenance 141
Conflict Resolution Principles 150
5S Overview 151
Conflict Resolution for Different Groups 155
Team Leadership 160
Intro to Six Sigma 171
Quality and Customer Service 175
Manufacturing Management 180
Troubleshooting 181
Personal Effectiveness 190
Conducting Kaizen Events 191
Managing the Diverse Workplace 210
SPC Overview 211
Harassment and Discrimination 215
Performance Management and the Law 230
Metrics for Lean 231
Process Flow Charting 241
Strategies for Setup Reduction 251
Management Tools: Problem Solving 270
Management Tools: Product and Process Design 275
Six Sigma Goals and Tools 310
 
Grinding
Grinding Processes 201
Grinding Safety 211
Basic Grinding Theory 221
Basics of the Surface Grinder 231
Basics of the Cylindrical Grinder 232
Basics of the Centerless Grinder 233
Setup for the Surface Grinder 241
Setup for the Cylindrical Grinder 242
Setup for the Centerless Grinder 243
Cylindrical Grinder Operation 252
Centerless Grinder Operation 253
Introduction to Grinding Fluids 261
Grinding Variables 301
Grinding Ferrous Metals 311
Grinding Nonferrous Metals 321
Grinding Wheel Materials 331
Grinding Wheel Geometry 361
Dressing and Truing 341
 
Stamping and Fabrication
Die Components 130
Die Cutting Variables 200
Fabrication Process 232

 

Instructor

This is not an instructor facilitated course; however, support will be provided through email, online forms, and phone.


 

FAQs

WHAT DO TOOL AND DIE MAKERS DO? 
A tool and die maker is someone who sets up and operates a variety of computer-controlled or mechanically-controlled machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.
 
WHAT TYPE OF ENVIRONMENT DO TOOL AND DIE MAKERS WORK? 
The vast majority of tool and die makers work in manufacturing. They work in machine shops and tool rooms and on factory floors, where work areas are well lit and ventilated.
 
DO I HAVE TO BE ADMITTED TO MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY TO ENROLL IN THIS PROGRAM?
No, you do not have to be an admitted student to Mississippi State University to enroll in this program.  Our online non-credit advanced career training programs are open to all. 
 
WHEN CAN I START THE COURSE? 
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
 
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THIS COURSE? 
This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive 12-months to complete the course.
 
WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO COMPLETE MY COURSE WITHIN THE TIME FRAME PROVIDED? 
The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact your Student Advisor to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.
 
WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT WILL I RECEIVE?  
You may be assigned with an instructor or team of industry experts for one-on-one course interaction. Your support will be available (via email) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our instructors are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach. You will also be assigned to an Advisor for academic support.
 
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I COMPLETE THE COURSE? 
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion from Mississippi State University Extension.
 
AM I GUARANTEED A JOB?  
This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
 
CAN I GET FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?  
This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some cases, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available, to learn more go to: https://www.ed2go.com/career/financial-assistance
 
HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS COURSE?  
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-662-325-5002 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Request More Info" form.

 

Registration Information

The Tool and Die Maker program is 100% online and allows you to enroll at any time.  After enrolling you will have 12-months to complete the program at a pace that is convenient for you.  You can get started today by clicking the "Enroll Now" button below and completing your registration at our partner ed2go site.