Toolmaking

In toolmaking , tool mechanics ( toolmakers ) manufacture devices and tools that are used for efficient machining, assembly and quality control of workpieces and products in manual or industrial production . Many tools and devices today are mostly manufactured with the help of high-precision, mostly CNC- controlled machine tools .

Devices and tools are mostly custom-made and therefore very expensive to manufacture. The expensive, labor-intensive production of simple standard tools is therefore increasingly being relocated to low-wage countries . The industry in Western Europe and the US is increasingly focusing on high quality, innovative production solutions that give customers a productivity edge over their competitors.

Tool making is divided into the following specialist areas:

• (Forming tools): punching tools , drawing tools , spinning tools and blow molding tools
• ( Primary forming tools): Plastic injection molding and pressing tools , foundry tools , extrusion tools
• Fixture construction (construction of special, production-specific fixtures, devices and apparatus)
• Gauge construction

The customers of the toolmaking industry are metal, plastics processing or foundries, as well as end users in various branches of industry.

Examples for this are:

• Apparatus construction
• Automotive industry and its suppliers
• Construction industry (sanitary technology, fastening technology, etc.)
• electronics
• Electrical engineering
• Household and office
• Air and space industry
• mechanical engineering
• Coin minting technology
• Medical technology
• measuring technology
• telecommunications
• Packaging industry
• Various special branches

In order to be able to manufacture a tool for a production part, a special technical drawing or a 3D model is usually created in advance using CAD . With the help of this data, a prototype is produced. Today, this prototype is often produced from 3D CAD data using the so-called rapid prototyping process. If the properties of the prototype meet the given requirements after one or more runs, the detailed drawings for the actual tool or at least for a sample tool can be created during construction.

The lead time for manufacturing a tool is usually several weeks or months. It must be taken into account that an ever greater proportion of the preliminary phase (development) is used. In addition, test parts must often first be produced with the tools after completion in order to rule out defects or inaccuracies and to be able to eliminate any deviations that may have been identified by reworking (re-milling, regrinding, etc.) The processing time for the development of the products, which is often only limited in Toolmaking can be influenced, but it is becoming more and more important and decisive in the end customer's market.

Current apprenticeships in Germany

• Tool mechanic (industry)
• Precision mechanic with a focus on tool making (craft)
• Mechatronics technician (mechanical and plant engineering); used in fixture and special machine construction

Current apprenticeships in Switzerland

• Polymechanic EFZ, specializing in toolmaking
• Production mechanic EFZ