Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Metal Patternmaker
What metal patternmakers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a metal patternmaker?
Review a casting drawing. From there, the day usually includes read drawings, add shrink and draft, and machine patterns. Full-time daytime hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a metal patternmaker working full time.
- Review a casting drawing.
- Calculate shrinkage.
- Machine a pattern half.
- Add draft.
- Build a core box.
- Fit to a match plate.
- Inspect.
Where metal patternmakers work
Patternmakers work in pattern shops and foundries.
Hours and schedule
Full-time daytime hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Read drawings
- Add shrink and draft
- Machine patterns
- Make core boxes
- Fit match plates
- Repair patterns
- Inspect
Tools you’ll use every day
- CNC mills
- Shrink rules
- CAD software
- Hand tools
- 3D printers
- Calipers
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Rare craft skill
- Precision work
- Daytime hours
- Creative problem-solving
What’s hard
- Steep decline
- Very few openings
- Shrinking foundry industry
- 3D printing competition
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like precision craft
- I like foundries
- I like machining
- I’m patient
- I like rare skills
- I like daytime hours
Not sure? Take the free Metal Patternmaker fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow machine safety
- Ventilate resins
- Wear PPE
- Use dust collection