Introduction
In this blog, we will explore mold-making basics, education and training, and 6 reasons why you should consider a career in mold-making.
What is mold making?
Mold making is an essential part of many industries, including automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, agriculture, construction, and medical equipment. Mold makers are skilled professionals who make and repair molds used to make plastic parts. Mold Makers often use manual and CNC machines to make molds that will then be used to mass-produce plastic parts. This process involves creating a mold, which is used to shape the molten plastic into the desired form. They can be made from a range of materials including aluminum, steel, and various types of plastics.
Although it may not be the most glamorous or well-known career, mold-making offers a lot of benefits and can be a fulfilling and lucrative career path for those interested in engineering, manufacturing, and design.
In general, mold makers are hard-working people who enjoy working with their hands to make things. Mold makers want to understand how things are made and how to make them better.
Education and Training
So what do I need to do to become a mold maker? Mold-making is a complex and technical trade. Because of the variety of skills to learn, education and training can vary, but to begin your career as a mold maker it’ll usually require a high school diploma and an apprenticeship program instructed by master mold makers.
During an apprenticeship (1-4 years) or entry-level position, some of the things mold makers will learn are:
- How to read and interpret blueprints
- CAD/CAM basics
- Understand geometric dimensioning and tolerancing
- How to set up and operate conventional and/or CNC machine tools, lathes, milling machines
- Basic welding
- How to assemble machine tools, parts, and fixtures
As you can see there is no shortage of things to learn as a mold maker and while many skills were listed, don’t be intimidated as mold-making is meant to be a career of continuing education and a journey of mastering your own craftsmanship.
Why Choose a Career in Mold Making?
There are many reasons to consider a career in mold-making. A career in mold-making can be an excellent choice for those who enjoy problem-solving, creativity, and technical challenges. It offers a stable and rewarding career path with opportunities for growth and advancement.
- Job stability: Mold making is an essential part of many manufacturing industries, including automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods. As such, mold makers are always in demand, and the industry is expected to continue growing in the coming years.
- Variety: Mold making involves creating molds for a wide range of products, including everything from car parts to plastic toys. This means that mold makers get to work on a variety of different projects, keeping the job interesting and engaging.
- Creativity: Mold making requires a certain level of creativity, as mold makers must find solutions to design challenges and create molds that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
- Problem-solving: Mold makers must be able to troubleshoot and problem-solve, as there are often issues that arise during the mold-making process that require quick thinking and innovative solutions.
- Technical skills: Mold making requires a high level of technical skill, including proficiency in computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software, the ability to read technical drawings, and a solid understanding of materials science.
- Competitive salary: Mold-making is a skilled trade, and as such, it typically pays well. According to ZipRecruiter.com, the national average salary of a mold maker in 2023 is $57,154 or $27/hour. Although this varies based on experience, geography, and skill specialization, most entry-level mold builders make competitive pay, no matter their educational background.
In summary, there is an abundance of benefits pursing a career mold making. From job stability and competitive salaries, to a career that provides creativity, problem-solving, and the opportunity to be a part of making things that show up in our everyday lives. Mold making is an essential part of the manufacturing process and mold makers play a crucial role in ensuring that high-quality products are produced efficiently and consistently.
At this point, hopefully, you’ve reached that conclusion and now it’s time to start your job search.
If you need a place to start check out our open jobs at https://www.hermanmoldtool.com/careers. We offer competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package, and the opportunity to learn alongside some of the most skilled craftsmen in the industry!
