Rapid Prototyping and Design

Alternative Job Titles for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

• Metal Model Maker
• Model Builder
• Model Maker
• Molding Technician
• Pattern Finisher
• Prototype Special Build

Job Tasks and Activities for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

• Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.
• Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.
• Assemble machine tools, parts, or fixtures.
• Assemble mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into models or prototypes, using hand tools, power tools, and fabricating machines.
• Assemble metal or plastic parts or products.
• Build production molds.
• Confer with others to resolve production problems or equipment malfunctions.
• Consult and confer with engineering personnel to discuss developmental problems and to recommend product modifications.
• Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing.
• Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.
• Design tools, fixtures, or other devices for production equipment.
• Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment.
• Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
• Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials.
• Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
• Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.
• Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
• Inspect metal, plastic, or composite products.
• Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.
• Operate cutting equipment.
• Operate grinding equipment.
• Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
• Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.
• Program equipment to perform production tasks.
• Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
• Record operational or production data.
• Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures.
• Repair parts or assemblies.
• Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
• Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.
• Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models.
• Shape metal workpieces with hammers or other small hand tools.
• Smooth metal surfaces or edges.
• Solder parts or workpieces.
• Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
• Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts.
• Wire and solder electrical and electronic connections and components.

Interests for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

• Realistic
  Designing, building, or repairing equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors.
• Conventional
  Following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting.

Skills for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

In order of importance

• Operation and Control
  Using equipment or systems.
  Importance: 66/100
• Operations Monitoring
  Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.
  Importance: 60/100
• Monitoring
  Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.
  Importance: 56/100
• Quality Control Analysis
  Testing how well a product or service works.
  Importance: 56/100
• Troubleshooting
  Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work.
  Importance: 53/100
• Critical Thinking
  Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
  Importance: 53/100
• Judgment and Decision Making
  Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.
  Importance: 50/100
• Active Listening
  Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
  Importance: 50/100
• Speaking
  Talking to others.
  Importance: 50/100
• Time Management
  Managing your time and the time of other people.
  Importance: 50/100
• Equipment Selection
  Deciding what kind of tools and equipment are needed to do a job.
  Importance: 47/100
• Complex Problem Solving
  Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
  Importance: 47/100
• Reading Comprehension
  Reading work-related information.
  Importance: 47/100
• Active Learning
  Figuring out how to use new ideas or things.
  Importance: 47/100
• Coordination
  Changing what is done based on other people's actions.
  Importance: 47/100
• Repairing
  Repairing machines or systems using the right tools.
  Importance: 44/100
• Writing
  Writing things for co-workers or customers.
  Importance: 44/100
• Mathematics
  Using math to solve problems.
  Importance: 41/100
• Operations Analysis
  Figuring out what a product or service needs to be able to do.
  Importance: 41/100
• Social Perceptiveness
  Understanding people's reactions.
  Importance: 41/100
• Equipment Maintenance
  Planning and doing the basic maintenance on equipment.
  Importance: 41/100
• Learning Strategies
  Using the best training or teaching strategies for learning new things.
  Importance: 35/100
• Instructing
  Teaching people how to do something.
  Importance: 31/100
• Management of Personnel Resources
  Selecting and managing the best workers for a job.
  Importance: 28/100
• Technology Design
  Making equipment and technology useful for customers.
  Importance: 28/100
• Systems Analysis
  Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it.
  Importance: 25/100
• Persuasion
  Talking people into changing their minds or their behavior.
  Importance: 25/100
• Systems Evaluation
  Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
  Importance: 25/100
• Management of Material Resources
  Managing equipment and materials.
  Importance: 22/100
• Service Orientation
  Looking for ways to help people.
  Importance: 22/100
• Negotiation
  Bringing people together to solve differences.
  Importance: 22/100
• Programming
  Writing computer programs.
  Importance: 19/100
• Science
  Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems.
  Importance: 19/100
• Management of Financial Resources
  Making spending decisions and keeping track of what is spent.
  Importance: 16/100
• Installation
  Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs.
  Importance: 10/100

Knowledge for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

In order of importance

• Design
  Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  Importance: 74/100
• Mathematics
  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  Importance: 70/100
• Engineering and Technology
  Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  Importance: 61/100
• Mechanical
  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  Importance: 58/100
• Production and Processing
  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
  Importance: 52/100
• Computers and Electronics
  Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  Importance: 39/100
• Physics
  Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
  Importance: 36/100
• Administration and Management
  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
  Importance: 30/100
• English Language
  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  Importance: 29/100
• Education and Training
  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
  Importance: 27/100
• Customer and Personal Service
  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  Importance: 19/100
• Personnel and Human Resources
  Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
  Importance: 17/100
• Administrative
  Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
  Importance: 15/100
• Chemistry
  Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
  Importance: 13/100
• Building and Construction
  Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
  Importance: 13/100
• Economics and Accounting
  Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
  Importance: 12/100
• Telecommunications
  Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
  Importance: 11/100
• Transportation
  Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
  Importance: 11/100
• Public Safety and Security
  Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
  Importance: 11/100
• Communications and Media
  Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
  Importance: 8/100
• Sales and Marketing
  Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
  Importance: 8/100
• Food Production
  Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
  Importance: 7/100
• Philosophy and Theology
  Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
  Importance: 6/100
• Law and Government
  Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
  Importance: 5/100
• Therapy and Counseling
  Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
  Importance: 5/100
• Geography
  Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
  Importance: 5/100
• Sociology and Anthropology
  Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
  Importance: 5/100
• Psychology
  Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
  Importance: 5/100
• History and Archeology
  Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
  Importance: 5/100
• Biology
  Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
  Importance: 5/100
• Fine Arts
  Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
  Importance: 1/100
• Foreign Language
  Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
  Importance: 1/100

Physical Abilities for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

In order of importance

• Near Vision
  Seeing details up close.
  Importance: 69/100
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
  Keeping your arm or hand steady.
  Importance: 66/100
• Visualization
  Imagining how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
  Importance: 66/100
• Reaction Time
  Quickly moving your hand, finger, or foot based on a sound, light, picture or other command.
  Importance: 63/100
• Manual Dexterity
  Holding or moving items with your hands.
  Importance: 60/100
• Problem Sensitivity
  Noticing when problems happen.
  Importance: 60/100
• Control Precision
  Quickly changing the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
  Importance: 60/100
• Information Ordering
  Ordering or arranging things.
  Importance: 56/100
• Finger Dexterity
  Putting together small parts with your fingers.
  Importance: 56/100
• Oral Comprehension
  Listening and understanding what people say.
  Importance: 56/100
• Selective Attention
  Paying attention to something without being distracted.
  Importance: 53/100
• Oral Expression
  Communicating by speaking.
  Importance: 53/100
• Auditory Attention
  Paying attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds.
  Importance: 53/100
• Deductive Reasoning
  Using rules to solve problems.
  Importance: 53/100
• Multilimb Coordination
  Using your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down.
  Importance: 53/100
• Trunk Strength
  Using your lower back and stomach.
  Importance: 53/100
• Written Comprehension
  Reading and understanding what is written.
  Importance: 53/100
• Flexibility of Closure
  Seeing hidden patterns.
  Importance: 50/100
• Inductive Reasoning
  Making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information.
  Importance: 50/100
• Speech Clarity
  Speaking clearly.
  Importance: 50/100
• Category Flexibility
  Grouping things in different ways.
  Importance: 50/100
• Speech Recognition
  Recognizing spoken words.
  Importance: 50/100
• Perceptual Speed
  Quickly comparing groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
  Importance: 50/100
• Far Vision
  Seeing details that are far away.
  Importance: 50/100
• Written Expression
  Communicating by writing.
  Importance: 47/100
• Depth Perception
  Deciding which thing is closer or farther away from you, or deciding how far away it is from you.
  Importance: 47/100
• Rate Control
  Changing when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving.
  Importance: 44/100
• Wrist-Finger Speed
  Making fast, simple, repeated movements of your fingers, hands, and wrists.
  Importance: 44/100
• Static Strength
  Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying.
  Importance: 44/100
• Mathematical Reasoning
  Choosing the right type of math to solve a problem.
  Importance: 41/100
• Response Orientation
  Quickly deciding if you should move your hand, foot, or other body part.
  Importance: 41/100
• Speed of Closure
  Quickly knowing what you are looking at.
  Importance: 41/100
• Number Facility
  Adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.
  Importance: 38/100
• Time Sharing
  Doing two or more things at the same time.
  Importance: 38/100
• Originality
  Creating new and original ideas.
  Importance: 38/100
• Dynamic Strength
  Exercising for a long time without your muscles getting tired.
  Importance: 38/100
• Fluency of Ideas
  Coming up with lots of ideas.
  Importance: 35/100
• Hearing Sensitivity
  Telling the difference between sounds.
  Importance: 35/100
• Stamina
  Exercising for a long time without getting out of breath.
  Importance: 31/100
• Extent Flexibility
  Bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Importance: 31/100
• Visual Color Discrimination
  Noticing the difference between colors, including shades and brightness.
  Importance: 28/100
• Memorization
  Remembering words, numbers, pictures, or steps.
  Importance: 28/100
• Gross Body Coordination
  Moving your arms, legs, and mid-section together while your whole body is moving.
  Importance: 28/100
• Explosive Strength
  Jumping, sprinting, or throwing something.
  Importance: 22/100
• Gross Body Equilibrium
  Keeping your balance or staying upright.
  Importance: 19/100
• Spatial Orientation
  Knowing where things are around you.
  Importance: 16/100
• Sound Localization
  Noticing the direction that a sound came from.
  Importance: 16/100
• Peripheral Vision
  Seeing something to your side when your are looking ahead.
  Importance: 13/100
• Speed of Limb Movement
  Quickly moving your arms and legs.
  Importance: 13/100
• Night Vision
  Seeing at night or under low light.
  Importance: 10/100
• Dynamic Flexibility
  Quickly and repeatedly bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Importance: 6/100
• Glare Sensitivity
  Seeing something even if there is a glare or very bright light.
  Importance: 6/100

Tools and Technology used by Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

• Three dimensional printing machine
• Drill press or radial drill
• Soldering iron
• Tracer or duplicating or contouring lathe
• Tinners snips
• Workshop cranes
• Hydraulic press brake
• Micrometers
• Grease guns
• Hardness testers
• Wire cathode electrode discharge machine
• Calipers
• Smooth cut file
• Ohmmeters
• Hoists
• Comparators
• Scribers
• Vertical machining center
• Milling machines
• Simple harmonic oscillator
• Autocollimator
• Capacitance meters
• Integrated circuit testers
• Electrical frequency meters
• Boring machines
• Calibrated resistance measuring equipment
• Grinding machines
• Tungsten inert gas welding machine
• Gas welding or brazing or cutting apparatus
• Power routers
• Oscilloscopes
• Metal band sawing machine
• Signal generators
• Mallets
• Engraving machines
• Power saws
• Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel
• Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
  • CNC Software Mastercam
• Office suite software
  • Microsoft Office software
• Word processing software
  • Microsoft Word
• Computer aided design CAD software
  • PTC Creo Parametric

Employment Industries for Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

• Plastics product manufacturing
  400 employed
• Engineering services
  200 employed
• Aerospace product and parts manufacturing
  200 employed
• Motor vehicle parts manufacturing
  200 employed
• Metalworking machinery manufacturing
  100 employed
• Machine shops
  100 employed
• Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing
  100 employed
• Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
  100 employed
• Specialized design services
  100 employed
• Fabricated metal product manufacturing (3321,2,5,6,9)
  100 employed