• Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
• Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
• Drill, countersink and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
• Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.

Typical day

On a daily basis, Metal and Plastic Model Makers set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models. They layout and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.

A typical day for a Model Maker, Metal and Plastic will also include:

• Drill, countersink and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
• Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment.
• Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacture (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts.
• Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions required equipment and operations sequences.
• Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Metal and Plastic Model Makers also wire and solder electrical and electronic connections and components. They may also use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacture (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Metal and Plastic Model Makers assemble mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into models or prototypes, using hand tools, power tools, and fabricating machines. They might also consult and confer with engineering personnel to discuss developmental problems and to recommend product modifications.

In addition, they program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.

To some Metal and Plastic Model Makers, it is also their responsibility to rework or alter component models or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.