Tool mechanic

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tool mechanic is a recognized occupation or training occupation in Germany and Austria , which is assigned to the professional field of metal . The tool mechanic is a skilled worker who produces, maintains or repairs tools . Tools are sometimes very complex tools for the series production of plastic, sheet metal or medical parts.

job profile

Historical

At the beginning of the Bronze Age - around 2000 years before Christ - people learned to fuse copper and tin into bronze and to use them to cast the first tools and weapons such as axes, knives or arrowheads. With the beginning of the Iron Age, hardenable steel replaced the softer metals previously used. The tools and simple machines required in the manual work process could mostly be produced by blacksmiths over many centuries . This still had little to do with today's toolmaking. It was not until the industrialization that began in the 19th century and the triumph of the machine tool that the prerequisites were created for today's great importance of tool mechanics. For the mechanized work processes, in some cases very complex punching, pressing and forming tools as well as special devices, devices and apparatus in large numbers and in high quality were required, which required appropriately trained specialists.

Current

The complex tools for the series production of metal and plastic parts in industry are made by tool mechanics (today mostly CNC machines on computer-controlled machines). To do this, they first produce precision individual parts according to the specifications of the work drawings and plans and then assemble them into functional tools and machine tools. In doing so, tolerances of tenths to hundredths of a millimeter and, if necessary, a thousandth of a millimeter (µm) must be adhered to. Furthermore, tool mechanics program, operate, maintain and repair the computer-aided production machines.

Tool mechanics work in the workshops of industrial companies or in workshops but also in customer service on site. Regardless of the area of ​​application, they work together with the other areas involved in the production process in the company. Therefore, we are jointly responsible for quality assurance and the continuous improvement of processes.

  • Die-casting tool for aluminum, here you can see the sprue side

  • Die-casting tool for aluminum, here you can see the ejector side

education

Germany

The three and a half year vocational training according to the Vocational Training Act (BBiG) takes place in the dual training system at corresponding industrial companies and at vocational schools and ends with the final examination. As in all other industrial metal professions, you complete the basic metal course in the first phase of your training . All skills of manual processing methods such as rubbing, tapping, sawing and, above all, filing are taught. With this machining process, the basic course initially involves the simplest workpieces without a time limit, such as B: Machining U-steels (e.g. filing angled / flat). Later on, the level of difficulty is increased and you have to make a centering angle and mark under a certain time limit . Then the apprentice is gradually introduced to the machines.

In vocational school lessons, which are divided into 14 learning fields , he learns the basics of technical physics (mechanics), chemistry and technical mathematics. Control and regulation technology ( hydraulics , pneumatics , electropneumatics) and CNC technology follow in the specialist levels (2nd to 4th year of training) . In this way, he acquires knowledge in almost all professional fields of production technology , which he can then apply as a skilled worker in toolmaking.

The tool mechanic can also be trained in the following areas.

In some federal states there is the possibility of attaining the advanced technical college entrance qualification via weekend courses parallel to the training . The training and examination takes place in the vocational school .

Advanced training

After successfully completing your training, you have the opportunity, after a few years of professional experience, to train as an industrial foreman or technician . There is also the option of becoming an instructor .

Austria

The training contents differ only slightly from those in Germany or correspond to the job description. Since June 1, 2011 the apprenticeship tool mechanics has been replaced by the module apprenticeship metal technology. Apprentices in the modular apprenticeship can choose tool mechanics / construction technology as a training focus (called the main module). You will be trained for three and a half or four years in the dual system and at the end take the final apprenticeship examination. As part of the modular apprenticeship, other areas of focus, such as B. Training as a machining technician or vehicle construction technician can be taken. The apprenticeship period is also shortened for other related apprenticeships such as production technicians.

Numerous subject-specific advanced and advanced training courses are available, as is training to become a master craftsman or foreman . Independent professional practice is possible for tool mechanics / metal technicians in the craft of locksmiths and mechatronics technicians, among others . In Austria, for higher qualifications at colleges, technical colleges and universities, you usually need the vocational diploma (vocational matriculation examination), which consists of the final apprenticeship examination and four other exams.

See also

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Text of the ordinance on vocational training in industrial metal professions
  2. ↑ Training regulation for metal technology Austria ( Memento of the original from December 26, 2011 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (PDF; 308 kB) valid since June 1, 2011 @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www.bmwfj.gv.at

Web links