Toolmaker

Toolmaker – Zinc & Aluminium Die Casting Role Overview The Toolmaker will be responsible for the manufacture, modification, maintenance, and repair of Zinc and Aluminium die-casting tooling. Working closely with Engineering, Quality, Production, and external suppliers, the role ensures tooling is safe, efficient, and capable of producing right-first-time castings that meet customer specifications. Key Responsibilities * Manufacture new Zinc and Aluminium tooling and carry out tooling modifications using 2D drawings and 3D CAD data. * Provide accurate lead times and estimated hours for tooling work as required. * Consult with Engineering and contribute to tooling design improvements where applicable. * Liaise with subcontractors and external service providers when required. * Set up tooling for the production of Zinc and Aluminium die castings. Primary Tasks & Activities (Including but not limited to) * Grinding of parting lines and cavity pins. * Polishing of cores, cavities, and runner systems using diamond paste, polishing stones, and other media to achieve required surface finishes. * Operation of toolroom machinery and equipment, including: * Lathes, milling machines, grinding machines * CNC machinery * EDM machinery * Measuring equipment such as shadowgraph, digital DRO, DTI, slip gauges, micrometers, and vernier callipers * Final fitting of seal-off faces, pins, and moving cores. * Validation of externally supplied tooling processes where applicable. * Preparation of new tools for sampling, including completion of all required documentation. * Work with die-casting machine setters to assess and resolve tooling-related production issues. Skills, Knowledge & Experience Essential * Proven experience in mechanical engineering. * Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and 3D CAD models. * Strong attention to detail. Desirable * Apprentice-trained Toolmaker with HNC (or equivalent) in Engineering or Engineering Practices. * In-depth knowledge of die casting and/or injection moulding environments. * Press tooling background (considered based on experience). * Experience in new tool manufacture. * Proficiency with CAD software (e.g. AutoCAD, SolidWorks)