Optional · 1 of 3
Specialties worth learning
Mold making
Injection molds for plastics. Longer builds and tighter tolerances than stamping dies.
EDM (electrical discharge machining)
Cutting shapes into hardened steel with electricity instead of a tool. Wire and sinker machines both need a specialist.
CNC (computer numerical control) programming
Writing the code that drives the machines. The natural next step and a quieter job.
Metrology and quality
Running coordinate measuring machines and owning whether the part is right. Moves you toward engineering pay.